Speyside coopers' skill on show at Holyrood

SPEYSIDE coopers demonstrated the art of cask-making to MSPs at Holyrood this week as parliamentarians toasted five centuries of whisky.

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) celebrated the 525th anniversary of the first recorded dram by hosting an event at the Scottish Parliament.

Ministers and MSPs gathered at Holyrood to mark the occasion and were joined by SWA chief executive Karen Betts.

Speyside Cooperage Craigellachie manager Malcolm Munro, and Speyside Cooperage Alloa manager Stevie Langlands guided Fergus Ewing MSP, Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, and Bruce Crawford MSP as they tried their hand at the art of whisky cask making, a skill which can take years to master.

The first known mention of Scotch Whisky distillation is credited to Lindores Abbey in Newburgh, Fife. A note in the 1494 Exchequer Rolls details that by order of King James IV, "eight bols malt" be supplied to Friar John Cor to produce "aqua vitae" – the water of life.

Mrs Betts said: "Scotch has moved with the times. Scotland’s national drink is now our most successful global export, shipped to destinations which were only just being discovered by the explorers of the 15th century.

"Now we are proud that Scotch Whisky is the hugely successful export that it is. Over the last 525 years, the industry has not rested on its laurels and Scotch Whisky companies now produce some of the most globally recognised consumer brands."

Scotch Whisky tourism saw record numbers of visitors in 2018, with over 2 million visits to distilleries. The SWA’s annual survey revealed visits were up 6.1% year on year and 56% more than in 2010.

Event host Mr Crawford said: "It has been a pleasure to host the reception recognising the great work the SWA does and celebrating the 525th anniversary of whisky in Scotland.

"Many centuries later Scotch Whisky is one of Scotland’s biggest success stories, with 2018 being a record year for exports.

"Yes, there may be some uncertainties over the future as a result of Brexit – but this is an industry that thrives on optimism and opportunity and I am sure it will go from strength to strength."

Each year the Speyside Cooperage makes and repairs more than 100,000 casks, which end up in distilleries all over Scotland.

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