TOURISM body VisitScotland has launched a craft beer to highlight the potential worth of the industry to Scotland.

The Spirit of Scotland launch comes as new research shows the craft beer industry is well placed to capitalise on current interest in the country's £900 million a year food and drink sector.

The report, conducted in partnership with The Brewers Association of Scotland, also highlighted the potential for a boost in tourism through interest in craft beer.

The Spirit of Scotland craft pale ale was brewed in Edinburgh-based Stewart Brewing’s Craft Beer Kitchen to mark the release of the research.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “The rapid growth of Scotland’s exciting craft beer industry in recent years and the popularity of sampling local produce by visitors, creates a fantastic opportunity to tap into a new market of craft beer tourism.

"It is clear to see from the research that there is real interest in Scottish craft beer from across the globe, leaving the industry well placed to follow the likes of the whisky industry and other Scottish produce in becoming a real draw for visitors."

Richard Yates, general manager of The Brewers Association of Scotland, added: “Since its launch in 2015 the association has been working hard to promote the value of the craft beer sector to the Scottish economy."

It is estimated there are around 130, current and planned, independent breweries in Scotland.