Diageo has submitted an application to upgrade its Cardhu and Clynelish distilleries.

The project will be part of a £150m initiative announced in April last year that aims to transform Diageo’s Scotch whisky visitor facilities and promote the beverage worldwide.

The company has submitted details of the upgrade to Moray Council and the Highland Council for review.

“This new investment reinforces our ongoing commitment to growing our Scotch whisky brands and supporting Scotland’s tourism industry.”

Cardhu Distillery brand home manager Laura Sharp said: “This is an important step in our plans for the distillery. We have already shared our initial plans with the local community and now we look forward to working with local stakeholders as we progress the planning process.

“Speyside is a hugely important part of the Scotch whisky tourism map and we are very excited by the plans for Cardhu, which we believe will bring new visitors to the distillery and to the region.”

Diageo chief executive Ivan Menezes said: “Scotch is at the heart of Diageo, and this new investment reinforces our ongoing commitment to growing our Scotch whisky brands and supporting Scotland’s tourism industry.

“For decades to come, our distilleries will play a big role in attracting more international visitors to Scotland. I am also delighted we will be able to bring our knowledge and expertise to help the next generation through mentor programmes and skills training.”

Diageo’s Edinburgh facility will be linked with its Glenkinchie, Cardhu, Caol Ila and Clynelish distilleries, which are claimed to represent the four corners of Scotland and the regional Scotch flavour variations.