First Western Isles gin to be flavoured with seaweed

The first gin to be made in the Western Isles will have an unusual ingredient - seaweed.

The final recipe for the gin, from the new Isle of Harris distillery, is still being perfected and the gin does not yet have a name.

Sugar kelp - common in Japanese cooking - will be hand-dived from the seas around the distillery in Tarbert and infused into the spirit.

A botanist chose seaweed over island plants such as heather and bog myrtle.

Distillery bosses said the special ingredient would bring a saltiness to the gin, but also a sweet flavour.

The first batch, which will cost £35 a bottle and be 45% proof, will be ready by about the end of September.