Speyside whisky distilleries will be allowed to pour smaller drams for visitors as a result of new rules.

Until now it was unclear whether distilleries were allowed to hand out drinks smaller than the standard 25ml measure but a new agreement means Moray distilleries will be allowed to pour smaller snifters for tours and tastings.

Moray Council director of economic development Rhona Gunn praised the "pragmatic approach" taken by Trading Standards.

Nearly 180 different events will be held during the four-day Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from April 28.

Festival spokesman James Campbell said: "This guidance from Moray Council will greatly enhance the experience of visitors attending our event.

"The festival is a staunch advocate of responsible drinking and we have campaigned for some time for our event providers to be allowed to serve smaller 10ml measures where it is deemed appropriate.

"This will make a significant difference for future years at events such as the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Whisky Awards.

"Visitors are invited to sample six drams across three different categories and it is therefore eminently sensible for these drinks to be served in 10ml measures as opposed to the larger 25ml size."

More than half of Scotland’s 110 distilleries are in Speyside.