Isle of Harris Distillery unveils ‘stunning' pink ceilidh bottle inspired by island flora - price and how to buy
Launching at 10am on 16 July to coincide with the first day of HebCelt Festival, just 1,500 handcrafted bottles will be available online in the UK, with a limited number also available within the Distillery's Tarbert shop and the HebCelt festival shop on 16 and 17 July.
The newest pink shade represents the third edition within the annual Cèilidh Bottle series, building on a palette that captures the essence of the island's coastal environment and its rich natural landscape.
The soft pink glaze takes its cue from the delicate sea thrift which pop up on the shoreline rocks of Harris each summer with abundant 'pom-pom' shaped petals and a sweet nectar which is much-loved by the local bumble bees.
Each ceramic bottle has been hand-thrown by potter Rupert Blamire, in a process that spans months and requires meticulous care, allowing for small variances between each bottle that make each a one-of-a-kind piece of art.
The design evokes the signature maritime swirls of the original glass bottle in a medium that can be displayed, refilled or reused for years to come.
The recommended serve for this release is a Grapefruit Gimlet – a fresh, citrus-forward cocktail that complements the Isle of Harris Gin's signature maritime notes and serves as a natural match for the bottle's Sea Thrift Pink glaze.
Simon Erlanger, managing director of Isle of Harris Distillery, said: 'We're proud to continue our Cèilidh Bottle tradition with a colour that can be found across our coastlines this time of year.
'Sea thrift is a tough little plant with a striking pink bloom, known for its ability to survive harsh conditions and burst back to life each summer – a beautiful representation of life on this island for those who proudly call Harris home.'
The pink Cèilidh Bottle will be debuted at this year's HebCelt Festival held annually in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, attracting a global audience as the largest celebration of Celtic music and culture in the Outer Hebrides.
Following a successful partnership in 2024, the Isle of Harris Distillery will return to the festival with the Isle of Harris Gin Cèilidh Tent, featuring a curated line-up of talented contemporary trad musicians from across Scotland, cèilidh dancing, and a selection of premium 'Cèilidh Cocktails', as well as the distillery's acclaimed Hearach single malt.
At a half-standard 350ml in size, the Harris Cèilidh Bottle is ideal to present and pour, helping to better enjoy an evening among old friends and family. Online orders will arrive in a gorgeous box full of colour, embossing and Harris Cèilidh storytelling.
The Sea Thrift Pink Cèilidh Bottle will be available from 10am on Wednesday 16 July at the Harris Distillery website within the UK and at the distillery shop in Tarbert for £53 RRP.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
7 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Singer issues rallying call for islanders to return home
He says the sight of dozens of abandoned homes and crofts littering the island, and a steady stream of people moving away and never coming back, is something that could be reversed if others experienced the same feeling of 'homecoming'. It's against the backdrop of predictions forecasting a further sharp decrease in the island population within two years. The most recent National Records of Scotland mid-year estimates from 2023 put the current population of the Western Isles at 26,030 - a decrease from the 27,684 recorded in the 2011 National Census. READ MORE: How HebCelt festival fights depopulation on Lewis and Harris Barra bucking population trends but faces future storm Highland depopulation revealed in new Census data Now he and his band The Tumbling Souls are to release a new single - Nowhere In A Hurry - that they hope will act as a clarion call for island folk to consider whether now is a good time to stay put or even think about going home. He said: 'Over Covid and afterwards, we had a surge of people coming on holiday and moving here, sometimes not for very long. "The theme of the song's chorus is really about people who are from the place staying here and protecting it. 'There's something of immense value in the people who were born and brought up here. "It's really difficult to put your finger on exactly what it is, but there's a personality, a spirit, that maybe we're at risk of losing. The islands are expecting to see a six per cent drop in population by 2028 (Image: NQ) 'The second verse is pretty literal, I was looking up at the stars and feeling completely insignificant. "Everything was silent and absolutely glorious, because the stars were so clear and incredible. A clear winter sky on Lewis puts me in my place. 'I had in mind the abandoned houses that we still see on the island, broken windows, overgrown with weeds, the former pride and joy of a family, the hub and heart of a wider family that maybe lived away. 'People who've been forgotten but preserved, treasure in forgotten photo albums.' Research published by NHS Western Isles last year projected the area to suffer a 6% population decrease by 2028 - one of the biggest population decreases in Scotland. Last December, a study by Biggar Economics also highlighted how 4.55% of homes in the Western Isles were long-term empty in 2022, compared to 1.70% in Scotland as a whole. Another music star, John Maher from The Buzzcocks, documented the phenomenon of abandoned buildings as a photographer in a series of acclaimed exhibitions and books highlighting the 'beauty and sadness' of forgotten structures. Willie Campbell, who was recently inducted into the HebCelt Festival Hall of Fame for his contribution to music and the community, left Lewis aged just 15 to pursue a career with hit indie band Astrid, living in Glasgow and touring internationally. But the vigours and temptation of life on the road, coupled with youth, resulted in him taking a break and going home, rediscovering his creativity, making a family and becoming a leading light in the island's rich songwriting community. He admitted: 'With the new track, Nowhere In A Hurry, in the first verse, I think I just sound a little bit weary and sad. I go through little bouts here and there of feeling really deflated, and then suddenly feel excited again because I'm in the middle of writing a new song. 'The chorus definitely gets a bit more specific. Lewis has always played a huge part in making me feel better about my life, that is, of course, after my teenage years, when I had zero interest in the culture and just desperately wanted to get away. 'I feel protective over it now, in a weird way, although I did leave for nearly 10 years. In short, it is a call for islanders to appreciate where they're from, and an invitation for others to return and settle here.' Nowhere In A Hurry is released on August 22 via Isle of Lewis based Wee Studio Records.
BBC News
24-07-2025
- BBC News
HebCelt hails 'most successful' year as thousands flock to Lewis
Organisers of the HebCelt music festival have hailed its "most successful year ever" after more than 18,500 fans made their way to Stornoway last event first began 28 years ago and doubles the population of the Lewis town. Scottish pop icon Lulu headlined this year, with other favourites including Skerryvore, Tide Lines, Nina Nesbitt and Eddi year's festival also had a heavy focus on female talent, with 70% of the billing made up by female artists, including locals Josie Duncan and Isla Scott. Iain Macphail, who chairs the festival, said: "Stornoway and the entire Isle of Lewis can be rightfully proud of what the festival family has achieved together."It's been the most successful festival in our history and is a testament to all those who have worked, volunteered and supported us in building what is essentially a pop-up village to deliver a best in class, internationally-renowned event."Last year, the festival was estimated to have generated £4.2m towards the local is now the third biggest music festival in Scotland behind TRNSMT and Belladrum, which takes place next weekend. Next year's HebCelt festival will take place between 15 and 18 July.
The Herald Scotland
20-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
The best pictures from HebCelt as Skerryvore delight the crowds
It was a crowd already entertained with Nina Nesbitt showing her talents earlier in the day. Skerryvore are celebrating their 20th anniversary and they kicked off to huge cheers with Path to Home followed by Beasts and Lucky Ones. They also introduced guests throughout the night with Grant Cassidy, Cassie and Maggie, Elias Alexander and the Lewis Pipe Band all performing alongside them. The crowds watching Skerryvore (Image: HebCelt) Samba Sene during the festival (Image: HebCelt) Skerryvore on stage (Image: HebCelt) Skerryvore Co-Founder Daniel Gillespie said: 'What an amazing feeling to know that it's a sell out. Congratulations HebCelt, and everyone who is here tonight. You've done Stornoway proud again and we're so delighted to be a part of it.' Festival organisers believe it could be the most successful festival in its 28-year history thanks to Skerryvore, Lulu, Tide Lines, Laura Silverstone and many more. Early-bird tickets for next year's festival go on sale next week, with the event to take place between July 15 and 18. Carol Ferguson, Operations Co-Ordinator, said: 'We're over the moon that so many people have chosen to join Skerryvore's 20th anniversary party and enjoy so many other great performers across our sold out Saturday. 'We're still crunching the data, and totting up the numbers, but it looks like a very good year indeed, which is testament to the hard work of the team, our funders, sponsors and all the artists who have made this such an amazing success.' Chair Iain Macphail said: 'That the whole HebCelt family can come together like this and put on a world class event on this scale is simply amazing, and we're grateful to every single music fan, performer, volunteer, contractor and business for making it happen.' Ahead of Skerrymore, Nina Nesbitt also delivered a scorching performance for the final night in Stornoway amid baking temperatures. The 'I'm Coming Home' star, who wrote that song about heading back to Scotland, told fans: 'We are so excited to be here in Stornoway for the first time. 'I recently released a new album called Mountain Music. It feels very fitting to be here because it's definitely the kind of imagery to go alongside the album. Stornoway is very much on brand." Nina Nesbitt was a big success at HebCelt (Image: HebCelt) Fans enjoying themselves at the festival (Image: HebCelt) Crowds enjoying the festival (Image: HebCelt) Crowds enjoying the festival (Image: HebCelt) The 'Best You Had' singer was picture perfect throughout as she performed tracks from her latest album including Pages, Anger and I'm Coming Home and also debuted a cover of Mazzy Star's Fade Into You for her visit. Astro Bloc, Samba Sene and Iona Mairead also performed throughout the day along with Gaelic children's TV legend Donnie Dòtaman who led an army of homemade hat wearers in song as he took to the Lewis Wind Power Island Stage. HebCelt Artist Programmer Michelle Shields said: 'This has been one of the most exciting, diverse and popular line-ups we have ever had and we're ecstatic that so many great performers were able to join us. 'From legends like Lulu and Skerryvore, to Tide Lines, Beluga Lagoon, Donnie Dòtaman and others, we couldn't be happier with the reaction they have had. It's been a massive success and their music has been out of this world. 'We just can't wait to do it again next year.'
