Ms Airth joins SWA from Brodies LLP, where she was a senior solicitor specialising in real estate litigation.

This year the SWA legal team have celebrated the strengthening of legal protections for Scotch Whisky around the world, including the first registration of a UK product in the Philippines and the first foreign Denomination of Origin in Brazil since 2019.

Last year the SWA legal team was awarded Not-For-Profit Organisation Team of the Year at the World Trademark Review Awards in Singapore – the third time in five years that the SWA has won the award.

Alan Park, director of legal affairs for the Scotch Whisky Association, said: “We’re delighted to have Sophie join us in our work safeguarding Scotch Whisky around the world.

“As we continue to protect the reputation of our national product and stop the trade of fake Scotch Whisky, Sophie’s experience will enhance our work and help us meet the challenges we face on a global scale.”

Ms Airth said: “I’m delighted to join the SWA and look forward to contributing to the vital work carried out by its legal team which is renowned for protecting the Scotch Whisky industry worldwide.”