UNEXPECTEDLY: Whisky shops in England braced for Scottish booze cruisers as minimum alcohol pricing hits.

Whisky shops in Berwick and Carlisle are preparing for Scottish drinkers on booze cruises after the introduction of minimum pricing.

Industry experts have warned the new rules will mean drinkers may cross the border in search of cheaper alcohol.

At midnight tonight, new pricing rules to discourage problem drinking will increase the prices of alcohol in Scotland.

Shops in England are already preparing for the surge in Scottish customers by increasing stock of whisky, other spirits and beer.

The law will affect lower-end whisky, as it is the less expensive brands which will be hit by the minimum alcohol pricing, with price per unit set at 50p.

This means that 70cl bottle of whisky (28 units of alcohol) could not be sold for less than £14.

The House of Malt in Carlisle is hoping to cash in on the minimum alcohol pricing ruling. The shop specialises in high-end whiskys but is expanding its lower-end range for Scots hoping to buy cheap booze.

Hordes of angry Scotsmen driving south into England in search of cheap booze — what could go wrong?