Scotland is really set to get into the spirit of WWF's Earth Hour later this month, with the country's famed whisky makers announcing their support for the annual global event to highlight people and wildlife threatened by climate change.

The Scotch Whisky Association, whose members account for more than 90 per cent of Scotch Whisky production, is encouraging whisky drinkers and distillers to join the global switching off - set for 8.30pm on Saturday 26 March.

One distillery already supporting the initiative is Deanston at Doune. This hydro-powered distillery uses traditional methods and only Scottish barley to produce its distinctive whisky.

This comes after the announcement last week by Earth Hour Executive Director Andy Ridley in Singapore that announced a series of high profile and individual environmental actions, and a new dynamic online platform, to mark the global launch for Earth Hour, Beyond the Hour.

Beyond the Hour marks the start of a new phase for the Earth Hour movement. In 2010 hundreds of millions of people across the world took part in Earth Hour, but switching off the lights was only the beginning. This year Earth Hour asks people to commit to an action, big or small, that they will sustain for the future of our planet.

Last year millions of people in 128 countries worldwide took part in WWF's Earth Hour. Some of world's most recognisable landmarks went dark including Edinburgh Castle, the Sydney Opera House, the Eiffel Tower and the Pyramids of Giza.

Dr Richard Dixon, Director of WWF Scotland said:

"It is great to see a product so identifiable with Scotland getting into the 'spirit' of WWF's Earth Hour. Receiving the backing of our national drink will help put Scotland on the global Earth Hour map. We are working hard to make this year's switch off the biggest and best yet and we are encouraging everyone, from large businesses to individuals to take part.

"WWF's Earth Hour is one simple way for people to show their support for strong action on climate change. However, we also hope it will inspire people to think what they can do beyond the Hour to tackle climate change at home, in their work place and in their community."

Callum Fraser of Deanston Distillery said:

"We are delighted to show our support for Earth Hour and work in association with WWF Scotland to raise awareness of such a worthwhile cause. As a global industry, it is important that we do our bit all year round, not just for one day a year. Deanston has been generating its own hydro electric power source since 1966. The excess is sold back to the National Grid - enough to power a small village with around 400 homes - so you could say we know a thing or two about being eco-friendly."

Morag Garden, Environmental Affairs Manager at the Scotch Whisky Association said:

"We are delighted to support Earth Hour for the second year in a row. Whisky distillers continue to invest and work hard to improve energy efficiency, move to non-fossil fuel energy sources, and implement an ambitious environment strategy. "