Auctioneer Bonhams has announced that it is "reinforcing" its spirits auctions in Scotland, through the appointment of a new head of spirits and whisky specialist.

The announcement comes as part of a "broader reorganisation" for the auction house. Bonhams will operate its European spirits sales from Scotland. It is currently securing a Scottish licence to operate independently, as well as a Glasgow-based warehouse space.

Bonhams' new head of spirits, Scotland is Patricia Byott, who joins from Edrington. At Edrington, Byott was head of private clients for the Macallan, and based in Hong Kong. 

The auctioneer has also appointed Jamie Connor as a whisky specialist for its Edinburgh saleroom. Connor was formerly assistant manager and whisky specialist at spirits retailer the Whisky Exchange.

May Matthews, managing director of Bonhams Scotland, said: "Scotland is the natural home for our spirits business, and this move marks a transformative moment. With Patricia at the helm, a bonded warehouse in Glasgow, and new partnerships underway, we’re putting the right people and structures in place to better serve our global clients from the heart of whisky country."

Amayès Aouli, Bonhams global head of wine and spirits, added: "With the global expansion of Bonhams Wine and Spirits department, this strategic move is designed to provide a set of state-of-the-art services to our clients. Bonhams has been pioneering the Spirits auction market and I could not be more delighted at our initiative to reinforce our Scotland operations. With Patricia and Jamie, I know our clients will be in excellent hands."