An Easter Ross distillery will open its doors to the public for the first time during a new festival to celebrate Scotland's national drink. Whisky connoisseurs will get a special look behind the scenes of Balblair Distillery, Edderton, during the inaugural Highland Whisky Festival in June.

Balblair is one of four distilleries participating in the event, which, it is hoped, will grow to be as successful as the Spirit of Speyside whisky festival. A limited number of people will be able to tour Balblair, which is usually closed to the public. Demonstrations and tastings will also be held at Dalmore Distillery, Alness; Glenmorangie, Tain; and Glen Ord, Muir of Ord.

John MacDonald, manager of Balblair Distillery, said: "We have been a shy distillery in the past but we are throwing our doors open to let people experience the distillery. However the tours will be limited and people should book their places."

Glen Ord manager Eric Walker added: "We are fortunate to have the maltings attached to the distillery and we intend to open up the operation so that people can see what happens to turn barley into malt and the process to transform it into the golden nectar."

Local food businesses will also be given the opportunity to display their produce. Chris Conway, of Scotland Whisky which is co-ordinating the festival, said: "Millions of people visit distilleries every year, generating £17.3million for the economy. That is a significant amount."

He added: "This is a fantastic opportunity to work with four leading Highland distilleries. It is especially encouraging that these great whisky brands have come together with the common objective to grow whisky tourism in the Highlands out-with the peak tourism season. This co-ordinated approach from distilleries has been highly successful in other areas of Scotland and there is clearly a demand for such events from the consumer."

The event takes place on June 2 and 3 and more information can be found at www.highlandwhiskyfestival.info