An award-winning spirits brand has announced plans to invest in a new multi-million-pound distillery in Edinburgh city centre.

Edinburgh Gin's development includes the acquisition of large-scale premises on East Market Street, in the heart of the city's historic Old Town, with the aim to welcome over 100,000 visitors each year.

The new distillery will invite visitors to embark on a journey through the history of gin-making alongside a sensory immersion into flavour, botanicals and distilling. Visitors will also have the chance to make their own gin as part of the experience.

The planning process is now under way, and first-stage proposals for the three-floor premises include a glass-fronted entrance providing a street-side view of the state-of-the-art stills, a stunning rooftop terrace featuring Edinburgh Gin botanicals and private gin tasting rooms.

Since the brand's launch in 2010, Edinburgh Gin has experienced unprecedented growth. The company's existing visitor centre and distillery is currently located in the west end and is ranked among the capital's leading five-star visitor attractions.

The proposed expansion will see Edinburgh Gin increase production capacity by over 200% in line with continued demand.

Neil Mowat, UK marketing director of Ian Macleod Distillers, said: "This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the evolution of Edinburgh Gin.

"Working with local businesses including Staran Architects and Contagious, we are confident this will be a stunning distillery that offers a gin experience quite unlike any other."