TOP brass at a Dumbarton-based Scotch whisky and gin maker have hailed the company's latest set of financial results.

Laurent Lacassagne, chairman and CEO, Chivas Brothers, said the growth figures came on the back of a "solid year" for the whisky industry.

And the boss also hailed the reception that the company's new brand of luxury brands has received.

He said: “It has been a solid year for our Scotch whisky portfolio, as shown through a sustained increase in market share.

“There have been some robust performances from our strategic brands and our strong innovation pipeline continues to pay off – half of the top 10 Scotch innovations launched over the past five years have been Chivas Brothers’ brands.

“Across our blends, Chivas Regal’s recovery continues to progress, Ballantine’s has maintained its momentum and Royal Salute has enjoyed a solid return to growth in Asia. The single malt category remains highly dynamic, with The Glenlivet the largest contributor to the sector’s volume growth over the past five years.

“Our focus on innovation reached new heights this year, with the launch of Chivas Regal Ultis, the brand’s first ever blended malt and the introduction of luxury expressions to both the blended and single malt categories through Royal Salute 32 Union of the Crowns and the 50 year-old The Glenlivet Winchester Collection.”

He added: “The success of our Scotch portfolio is testament to our continued focus on driving this innovation and creating new products for a multitude of consumer occasions.”