Johnnie Walker is taking on the Proud Boys, after the far-right group adopted a logo bearing a striking resemblance to the whisky’s famous “Striding Man” image.

A black T-shirt bearing the mascot was first seen at a pro-gun rally in Richmond, Virginia. 

The staunchly pro-Donald Trump Proud Boys have been classified as an “extremist group” by the FBI, while the anti-racist Southern Poverty Law Center lists it as a hate group.

READ MORE: Fury as far-right group dons kilts for pro-Trump march

They describe themselves as “Western chauvinists” and have in recent years been responsible for starting fights with left-wing anti-fascist activists. 

At one of the most recent presidential debates, Trump was asked to disavow white supremacist groups. 

When the then president asked for a name, Joe Biden called out the Proud Boys.

Trump replied: "Proud Boys, stand back and stand by, but I'll tell you what, somebody's got to do something about antifa and the left, because this is not a right-wing problem. This is a left-wing problem.”

Just this week, Joseph Biggs, their leader, was arrested in Florida in connection with his role in the storming of the US Capitol this month.

Prosecutors said he led dozens of the group’s members in an angry march toward and into the building. 

The Proud Boys was founded by Gavin McInnes, a Canadian born publisher who has links to Glasgow through his father who was born in the Gorbals.

READ MORE: US fashion firm plans to 'modify and reclaim' kilts worn at pro-Trump march

Johnnie Walker’s Striding Man was first used by the booze brand in 1908, and considered to be one of the first marketing symbols ever used.

Diageo, who own the Scots firm, said it regarded the use of the logo as a “serious infringement of our intellectual property”.

A spokesman said: “We stand for inclusion and diversity and have a strong, consistent track record in promoting values of social justice and equality. This is a serious infringement of our intellectual property and we will take whatever action is required to protect the integrity of our brand.”

Last year the fashion brand Fred Perry pulled one of its famous polo shirt designs after it became associated with a far-right organisation.

The company has halted sales of the black and yellow top in the US and Canada. 

The company said that although it sought to represent inclusivity and diversity “we have seen that the black/yellow/yellow twin tipped shirt is taking on a new and very different meaning in North America as a result of its association with the Proud Boys.

"That association is something we must do our best to end.”

The right-wingers also upset an LGBT kilt maker, after they wore some of his product to a Trump march.

Bosses at American fashion company Verillas said they were "disgusted" by the images.

They tweeted to say they had donated $1000 to civil rights organisation National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

They said: "Disgusted to see members of 'Proud Boys' a fascist terrorist org wearing our products. We're LGBTQIA+ owned, operated, designed and lived. We're against everything they stand for. I see $750 of our gear in the picture – I just gave $1000 to the NAACP to redirect hate to love."

Allister Greenbrier, owner of Verillas, told The National: "As a designer and entrepreneur of Scottish ancestry the support I've received from Scots around the world has been tremendous and I hope I've been able to do right by them with our actions. Love wins."