Regulations aimed at further protecting Scotch whisky will be launched today.

The measures include new labelling rules to give customers a clearer understanding of where and how their drink has been produced.

Use of the term "pure malt" will be banned to prevent the description being used on blended malts to make them appear superior to single malts.

Other rules will ensure single malt Scotch is bottled in Scotland and offer new protection for traditional regional names.

Secretary of State for Scotland Jim Murphy will formally launch the Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 at Grangemouth, a major export point for the £3 billion industry.

Last week he 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."

Mr Murphy will be joined at the port, on the Forth estuary, by Jim Fitzpatrick, the UK minister for food, farming and environment.

Gavin Hewitt, chief executive of the Scotch Whisky Association, will also be at the launch.

The industry has described the measures as "landmark legislation".

The Scottish Government intends to work with Scottish Development International, and other agencies, to promote the regulations around the world.