Linda Mellis, former Diageo brand support manager and Gill Reid, Speyside Cooperage visitor centre manager, have been taken on to help assist with the festival, which anticipates thousands of visitors this year.

James Campbell, chairman of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “Both Linda and Gill will be instrumental in helping to guide us as we move forward and grow the Festival in future years.”

The festival starts in Scotland on 28 April for five days of whisky, food and music. The programme comprises almost 500 different events including distillery tours and tastings.