A global whisky giant has moved to offer reassurance after the building that houses its flagship tourist attraction was put on the market.

The landmark former department store was reopened three years ago after a major refurbishment to create the whisky tourist centre over eight floors.

The Johnnie Walker Experience building in Princes Street in Edinburgh has been put on the market at offers over £31.58 million.

Drinks giant Diageo has a lease on the building, most recently a former House of Fraser store,  to 2044. It said that "the sale of the iconic building will have no impact on our operations".

JLL, which is marketing the building, said in its investment highlights that the property is a "unique opportunity to acquire the multi award-winning, flagship visitor experience for the world’s largest selling Scotch whisky brand".

JLL said: "More Scotch whisky is enjoyed globally than American, Japanese and Irish whiskies combined and Scotch whisky visitor centres are collectively the most popular tourist attraction in Scotland

"The property is let to Diageo Scotland Limited on a 25-year FRI lease, expiring 6th August 2044 at a current passing rent of £1,854,183 per annum."


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It added: "Diageo is a global leader in premium drinks, with over 200 brands including Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, Tanqueray and Baileys sold across 180 countries worldwide."

It comes as Diageo celebrated the "massive milestone" of welcoming over one million visitors.

A Diageo spokesperson said in response to the sale news: "We are delighted with the continued success of Johnnie Walker Princes Street. We have a secure long-term lease, and the sale of the iconic building will have no impact on our operations in delivering world class experiences across all eight floors."

Property giant Parabola bought the building from House of Fraser in 2018.