A Dutch whisky trader is pursuing a Spanish couple living on Islay through the Scottish courts, alleging they failed to repay a £50,000 loan and an agreed fee. The dispute matters because it involves accusations of a scam and forgery in connection with a substantial whisky-related transaction on an island renowned for its distilleries.

Pierre Sauren, 43, travelled to Campbeltown Sheriff Court for a civil hearing against Isaias Cuartero and Marta Arroyo. Court papers reportedly state that the loan was to be repaid the following month with an additional £26,400 fee, taking the claimed total to more than £70,000; the allegations have yet to be determined by the sheriff.