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New Spirit of Speyside celebration be-gins


By Lorna Thompson

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HUNDREDS of people enjoyed a taste of things to come at the inaugural Spirit of Speyside Gin Experience over the weekend.

The flagship event, held within the grounds of Gordon Castle, came very close to being sold out with more than 500 guests at the two sessions on Saturday. Guests enjoyed 11 Speyside gin brands and cocktails, a selection of locally sourced food and crafts.

Music was provided by Sam Cain, Hollie Atkinson, Chris Grant, Verii Wellenger, Bob Neish, and Gordon James and the Power.

Events co-ordinator Lauren Mustard said: "We are really delighted with the response from local people and visitors to Moray Speyside.

Emily McAuslan with Gordon Castle Botanical Gin.
Emily McAuslan with Gordon Castle Botanical Gin.

"There was a brilliant atmosphere throughout the day and it was a real pleasure to see everyone enjoying our Speyside gins as well as getting a chance to talk to the local gin producers and enjoy what was a great new social occasion.

"We are also very much indebted to Gordon Castle for providing such a great setting for the first year for our main event and to all of the volunteer board members and helpers who have played such an important role in putting the event together."

Gin events took place across Speyside over the weekend with sumptuous food pairings, cocktails and gin tastings on the Strathspey Steam Railway, meet the makers, distillery visits, mixology and masterclasses. A number of the events sold out.

Lauren added: "The Spirit of Speyside team are hoping to build on the success of year one to turn what is a very unique gin festival into one of the most important gin events in the UK calendar over the coming years.

"In addition to being an attraction for local Speysiders, we hope to attract gin lovers from all over to come and stay with us for the whole weekend."


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