Judges have ruled the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) can take its appeal against minimum pricing for alcohol to the Supreme Court.

The Court of Session has granted the SWA permission to take its fight against the Scottish Government's plans to the country's highest court.

In October, the Court of Session, Scotland's top civil court, rejected the SWA's appeal against the legislation.

MSPs approved the Scottish Government's proposals in 2012 but its implementation has been delayed by a series of legal challenges by the alcohol industry.

The appeal to the Supreme Court is the industry's last opportunity to overturn the plans.

The SWA argues minimum pricing is incompatible with EU law.

SWA acting chief executive Julie Hesketh-Laird said: "We now hope the appeal can be heard quickly by the Supreme Court, with a final ruling next year."

The decision to appeal to the Supreme Court was criticised by Alcohol Focus Scotland, a charity which aims to reduce the impact of alcohol on individuals.

Alison Douglas, the charity's chief executive, said: "It is so frustrating that the SWA will not accept that this is the end of the road for their misguided and damaging legal action.

"In the four and a half years since the Scottish Parliament voted overwhelmingly to pass minimum unit pricing, at least 4500 Scots have died of alcohol-related diseases.

"We know that the heaviest drinkers buy the cheapest, strongest alcohol and that's why minimum pricing is such an effective policy - it targets the drinks and drinkers causing the most harm with minimal impact on moderate drinkers."

The Scottish Government believes that by raising the price of alcohol it will reduce consumption and lead to less alcohol related health issues in society.

Health secretary Shona Robison said: "The SWA could still, even at this late stage, drop its appeal and allow this life-saving measure to go ahead without any further unnecessary delay.

"Minimum unit pricing will save the lives of many of the people who die each year from alcohol misuse. It was passed overwhelmingly by the Scottish Parliament, has been considered in Europe, has twice been ruled lawful in the Scottish courts and has the strong backing of those who work daily with the people affected by alcohol.

"That is the backdrop against which we have so staunchly defended this policy throughout this legal challenge and we will continue to do so in the Supreme Court."

A spokesman for the Judicial Office for Scotland said: "Following a hearing today, the Inner House of the Court of Session granted an application by the SWA for permission to appeal to the UK Supreme Court.

"Written reasons for the decision will be published in due course."

It is expected the hearing could take place in the first half of 2017.