The UK-based Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) has decided to appeal to the UK Supreme Court on its minimum unit pricing (MUP) ruling.

In October, the Court of Session announced a decision in favour of the MUP, according to which, the minimum price of alcohol would be set at 50p per unit.

Upon reflecting on the Court of Session's decision, the SWA has decided to appeal to the UK Supreme Court against this ruling.

"We believe the Scottish court has not properly reviewed the legislation's compatibility with EU law."

Scotch Whisky Association acting chief executive Julie Hesketh-Laird said: "Having carefully considered the ruling from the Court of Session on minimum unit pricing of alcohol, and reflected on our options, we have decided to appeal to the UK Supreme Court.

"However, given our strong view that minimum pricing is incompatible with EU law and likely to be ineffective, we now hope that our appeal can be heard quickly in the UK Supreme Court.

"Having studied the ruling, we believe the Scottish court has not properly reviewed the legislation's compatibility with EU law as required by the European Court's judgment.

"We remain committed to working closely with the Scottish Government and everyone else who shares our common goal of tackling alcohol misuse. By working effectively in partnership we hope the long-term trend decline in alcohol-related harms in Scotland will continue."

According to SWA, the decision follows wide consultation with its member companies and other parties.

The UK Supreme Court is yet to decide if the appeal will be heard or not.