Prince William and Kate Middleton
The couple giggled as they tried the varieties of scotch whiskey. AFP / Getty Images

Kate Middleton has 'scotched' rumours that she is pregnant by indulging in a dram of whiskey during a visit to Scotland.

The Duke and Duchess were sampling the Scottish national drink during a tour of the Glenturret distillery, outside Crieff in Perthshire.

It had been rumoured that the Duchess is pregnant with twins following an off the cuff remark by Prince William during their tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The Prince was presented with a shawl for Prince George and commented that they may need another one soon.

However, the sight of the giggling couple tasting the variety of scotch whiskies will surely put an end to the pregnancy rumours.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
The Duke of Cambridge unveils a plaque during a tour of The Famous Grouse Distillery in Crieff, Scotland. AFP / Getty Images

The royals, who were appointed the Earl and Countess Strathearn by the Queen after they were married, were visiting the Strathearn area of central Scotland.

During their tour, they officially opened the newly-revamped Famous Grouse Experience visitor attraction. The Famous Grouse distillery is the oldest in Scotland, and was founded in 1775 - a year before the US gained independence from the UK. Along with producing world-class whisky, it is also a popular tourist attraction, hosting more than 100,000 guests a year.

And the couple made the most of the opportunity to try out the local brew as master blender Gordon Motion talked the royals through the different brands of whiskey.

An enthusiastic Prince William commented that the Alpha Black is "pretty good," while Kate sampled the Snow Goose, which, with its lighter taste is said to be a favourite among women. Describing it as "very nice" she suggested that William try "the girly one".

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton meets bagpipers at Strathearn Community Campus. AFP / Getty Images

The couple also tried a cask strength Glenturret single malt which prompted the Prince to say "Blimey, it's got a bit of a kick to it."

General manager Stuart Cassells presented the couple with a bottle of whisky, personalised with the label "The Famous Streathearns" and gave them a cuddly grouse toy for their son, saying: "We didn't want to leave George out."

Commenting on the royal visit Mr Cassells said: "They said they liked whisky, both Prince William and Kate. We were quite surprised at how many different whiskies they tried. The last whisky they tried was at 57% cask strength."

Wearing a coral and red striped coat by Scottish designer Jonathan Saunders and a dress by Goat, the Duchess looked her usual elegant self and was putting the recent embarrassment of pictures of her bare bottom being published in a German magazine, behind her.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton received a rapturous welcome from the local children. AFP / Getty Images

Attending a local village fete, the Princess gamely pulled funny faces for a child brandishing an ipad for a photograph.

The couple were greeted in traditional style by a bagpiper, as crowds gathered to welcome them to the village of Forteviot in the Scottish Highlands.

Visiting the Strathearn Community Campus in Crieff, they met local children and were given a tour of a Scottish Ambulance Service helicopter.

The royal couple were then whisked off to unveil a plaque at MacRosty Park where they received a rapturous welcome by cheering crowds.

Prince William and Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton spots a portrait of the young royals made of sweets displayed at the village fete. AFP / Getty Images

The Duke and Duchess were making their first public appearance as a couple since returning from the hugely successful tour of Australia and New Zealand.