New regulations on whisky will help protect one of Scotland`s "most cherished" products, Scottish Secretary Jim Murphy has claimed.

Mr Murphy spoke out ahead of the measures, which are aimed at protecting Scotch whisky, coming into force tomorrow.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) hailed the new rules as being "landmark legislation".

And the Scottish Secretary said: "It is vital that we protect our key industries. We cannot allow others to trade off our good name and to pass off inferior whisky as being produced in Scotland. These regulations will help protect whisky customers across the globe."

The regulations will require whiskies to carry a category description - such as "blended Scotch whisky" - to ensure drinkers receive clear and consistent information.

Use of the term "pure malt" is to be banned, to prevent this description being applied to blended whiskies in a bid to make them appear superior to single malts.

Single malt Scotch whiskies will be required to be bottled in Scotland, and there will also be new protection for the traditional regional names associated with Scotch whisky, clear rules on statements about the age of the whisky, along with additional protection for Scotch from unfair competition.

The Scottish Secretary - who does not drink any alcohol - said the new labelling rules would mean whisky drinkers would "have a clearer understanding about precisely where and how their drink has been produced".

He added: "This will enhance the education of many whisky drinkers as well as their enjoyment.

The UK Government has worked with the SWA to bring in the regulations. The Association`s chief executive Gavin Hewitt said: "This is landmark legislation for Scotch whisky delivering important benefits for consumers, distillers and the economy."

The Scottish Government said ministers had worked with the industry and the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs while the legislation was being prepared.

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "Scotch Whisky is a truly iconic Scottish product. It makes a huge contribution to our economy and promotes the brand of Scotland across the world.

"It is vital to protect the good name of Scotch from inferior imitations, and that is why the Scottish Government has contributed to the development of the new regulations, which do just that."

He said the SNP administration will work with Scottish Development International, and other agencies, to promote the regulations around the world.