Potential fracking activity in Scotland could damage the whisky industry, which supports more than 10,500 Scottish jobs, according to campaigners.
The Scottish Government is considering whether to allow fracking for shale gas, with the central belt earmarked by industry as a target for development.
The activity could then be rolled out in other areas of Scotland after public consultation is concluded on May 31.
Fracking has the potential to release harmful and polluting chemicals into Scottish waterways, which are essential for whisky production.
Whisky expert Charles MacLean said: "Water is one of three ingredients used to make whisky, and the purity of Scotland’s water is a fundamental part of the Scotch whisky brand.
"Even the potential of water contamination from fracking in Scotland would be a seriously worrying development for the whisky industry and Scotland’s economy."
Campaigners say this compares to about £50 million per year which would be generated by fracking and an estimated 1,400 Scottish jobs which they say would be for a limited period.
Our reputation for clean water is key to its image around the world.
"The potential risks that fracking poses to our water and our whisky far outweigh any economic benefits it might bring, so why on earth would we swap a strong and secure whisky industry for the potential hazards of fracking?
"The Scottish Government are currently in a period of consultation on whether to get rid of fracking.