China is to get a taste of one Scotland's most distinctive brands under a new export deal, it was announced on Monday.

The Famous Grouse will be exported to China direct for the first time.

The news was announced as Tourism Minister Mike Watson officially opened a new �2.5m centre at the Glenturret distillery in Crieff.

The new centre is expected to attract 140,000 visitors a year.

'Excellent position'

Ian Good, the chairman and chief executive of the Edrington Group which owns Famous Grouse, said the company had identified China as a key market for future growth.

He said: "Sales are growing steadily and China has the potential to become a key market once full economic growth returns to the region after the Asian financial crisis.

"We have just shipped our first repackaged Famous Grouse Gold Reserve directly to mainland China following significant research in Shanghai and Hong Kong - the consumer reaction has been excellent."

He added: "We are now in an excellent position to grow sales and improve market share."