19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Here's how to toast your knowledge of Scots
In 1958, the Scots Year Book devoted a few lines to 'Makers of Wooden Scottish Quaichs from drinking size suitable for St Andrew Dinners and Burns Nicht, to large carved ones for prizes or presentation'. Ceremonial quaichs continue to be used in the 21st century as trophies for sports such as golf, shinty, rugby, and shooting.
In January 2003, the Scotsman included the following convivial image: 'Talisker is my chosen dram... I'd serve it in a quaich that's being continually passed around the table.'
In the present day, prominent supporters of the Scotch whisky industry are inducted as honorary keepers of the quaich. Upon joining their ranks in October 2024, Sir Rod Stewart told the Sunday Mail: 'I am absolutely over the moon to receive this award – it's an honour and a privilege which I don't take lightly. Thank you to the Keepers of the Quaich. Slàinte Mhath!'
Scots Word of the Week comes from Dictionaries of the Scots Language. Visit DSL Online at
