Whisky Month
May is an exciting month for whisky lovers in Scotland, with a huge range of unmissable events and festivals in celebration of Homecoming Scotland 2009 and our national tipple.
Spirit of Speyside (May 1-10)
As part of Homecoming 2009, what better way to celebrate the national bard’s 250th birthday than by raising a dram and cheering ‘slainte’ at the Spirit of Speyside festival.
This annual gathering in Moray, from May 1 - 10 2009, promises an exciting programme of events. For whisky aficionados, expect a host of tastings opportunities, including the chance to sample rare whiskies from the area’s whisky making past.
A festival for young and old alike, traditional live music, exhibitions, tours and book signings accompany whisky talks and dinners.
Don't miss the festival finale on May 9, Celebrate with Capercailie, which promises visitors an evening of top class musical entertainment. The programme also includes a fanfare by the TA team of the Highland Regiment, a performance by the Junior World Champions, The Bucksburn & District Pipe Band, a mass rally of fiddlers, dancers and a special performance by internationally renowned fiddle player Charlie McKerron. There's also a floodlit solo piping display on the church tower and a stunning firework display over the River Spey.
Spirit of the West (May 16-17)
The impressive Inveraray Castle, on the banks of Loch Fyne, hosts the Spirit of The West festival. This two-day event is a celebration of Scotland’s west-coast whisky heritage (from Springbank all the way up to Talisker), fine Scottish produce and local culture.
Taking place on 16 and 17 May, Spirit of The West has no less than 16 distilleries taking part in everything from tasting demonstrations and master classes to treasure hunts, celebrity cook-offs and clan tartan fashion shows. The festival is part of the 2009 Homecoming celebrations, celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns, with Argyllshire’s stunning countryside and coastline a more than fitting backdrop to Burns’ line ‘Freedom and Whisky Gang Thegither’.
Feis Ile (May 23-31)
Feis Ile - The Islay Festival of Malt and Music - is a fantastic opportunity to catch some of Islay’s musical talent, sample some whisky and explore the island during one of its most beautiful seasons. A celebration of the heritage and culture of Islay, experience a mixture of local talent as well as artists brought in from the mainland to perform.
Special to Homecoming
The Scotch Whisky Experience in Edinburgh is proud to welcome home the Diageo Claire Videz Scotch Whisky Collection; the world’s largest collection, which returns for Homecoming. Pitlochry Festival Theatre will also be reflecting on Scotland’s culture and identity, through a whole season of Scottish plays, including the world premiere of the stage adaptation of ‘Whisky Galore’.
Homecoming Scotland 2009: Don't miss it!
Homecoming is based on 4 key themes (Robert Burns, Whisky, Golf, Great Scottish Minds and innovations and Scottish ancestry).
Find more information about the year-long programme of events taking place across Scotland visit Homecoming Scotland 2009.