Latest news with #GlenScotia
Scotsman
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Ocean-rowing sons and whisky writer dad launch limited-edition charity whisky for Father's Day
A new limited-edition single malt from the Isle of Raasay Distillery is the latest charity bottling from The Maclean Foundation – and every bottle sold will provide clean water for life to a person in Madagascar. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... This five-year-old single cask whisky, matured in virgin Chinkapin oak and bottled at a cask strength of 61.1% ABV, is the third in a series of single malt releases by the charity, which was founded by whisky writer Charles Maclean MBE and his three sons – world record-breaking ocean rowers Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean. The launch celebrates a major milestone -- the Maclean brothers are now half way across the Pacific having spent 59 days rowing at sea. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Youngest brother Lachlan commented: 'On Father's Day, we'd normally enjoy a dram with dad. The thought of getting to enjoy our new whisky with him will make us row a little faster.' Charles Maclean Just 246 bottles are available, exclusively from Royal Mile Whiskies, Scotland's leading independent specialist Scotch retailer. As with previous Maclean Foundation whiskies – with Glen Scotia and Ardnamurchan– all profits will fund clean water boreholes in rural Madagascar through the charity's local partner, Feedback Madagascar. Charles Maclean MBE, who selected the cask at the Isle of Raasay Distillery, said: 'This partnership is rooted in gratitude — to the industry that's given me so much, and to a place with poetry and purpose in its bones. 'The island, the spirit, and the generosity of this cask reflect everything we hope to do – to connect people through whisky and turn drams into lasting positive impact.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The label, created by creative agency Contagious, features Maclean's own words and memories, written in a style that blends flavour notes with storytelling. It recalls a dram enjoyed at the summit of Dùn Caan – Raasay's flat-topped peak – with a nod to James Boswell's historic 1773 dance there. Ewan, Jamie, Charlie and Lachlan Maclean Charles added: 'It's a sensory time capsule. The smell of sphagnum moss, dry peat hags and distant sea mingling with mellow, savoury notes of the whisky. The taste is bracingly salty with a long, spicy finish to warm the heart.' The whisky is made using unpeated spirit and water sourced from the island's 'Well of the Pale Cow' – which runs through some of the oldest geological formations in the world, including Archean gneiss and Jurassic sandstone. It is matured in a virgin Chinkapin oak cask, air-dried and heavily charred to develop aromatic complexity. Isle of Raasay Distillery – the island's first legal distillery – was founded in 2017 by whisky blender and botanist Alasdair Day and entrepreneur Bill Dobbie. In the years since, it has won acclaim for both its spirit and its visitor experience, and now employs over 25% of the island's population. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alasdair Day, co-founder of Isle of Raasay distillers, said: 'We're honoured to collaborate with The Maclean Foundation, whose work is transforming lives by providing something as fundamental as clean water. That mission resonates deeply with us at Raasay, where water is at the core of our whisky-making, it imparts a purity and mineral richness that shapes every drop of our spirit. Matured in a bold, characterful Chinkapin virgin oak cask, this whisky captures the essence of our island and process, and we're proud that it will help bring lasting impact far beyond our shores.' Ewan, Charlie, Lachlan and Jamie Maclean The Maclean Foundation was established after the brothers' world record-breaking 2019/20 Atlantic crossing. It will be a few months before the brothers get to enjoy a dram of their new whisky – they're currently on a 9,000-mile row across the Pacific Ocean to raise £1 million for clean water projects. The Foundation works with Feedback Madagascar to fund the construction of boreholes in Madagascar, one of the country's most susceptible to the impact of climate change in the world. Each one costs around £6,000 and can supply clean water to 200 people for up to 100 years. So far, they've funded more than 20, helping thousands of people.
Daily Record
26-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'most affordable place by the sea' where homes cost just over £100,000
The average price of a house was found to be £103,078. A Scottish town has been named the country's "most affordable place by the sea". It was revealed as the cheapest coastal spot in the country in new research conducted by the Bank of Scotland. As previously reported by the Daily Record, St Andrews was named in the Bank of Scotland's report as the country's most expensive coastal town. The average cost of a home in St Andrews was found to be £458,381, which is an increase of 8 per cent over the last year. On the other hand, Campbeltown in Argyll and Bute was named as the most affordable place to live by the sea both in Scotland and Britain as a whole. According to the experts, the average cost of a home in the coastal town is £103,078. The Bank of Scotland wrote: "Top of the list is Campbeltown, on the scenic Kintyre Peninsula, where the average home costs just £103,078—down 11 per cent in the past year. Once dubbed the whisky capital of the world, Campbeltown offers dramatic coastal views and access to the islands of Islay, Jura and Arran." It was followed by Rothesay, Millport, and Port Bannatyne in second, third, and fourth place respectively. The average price of a home in Rothesay was reported as £111,764, while it was found to be £114,008 in Millport and £115,421 in Port Bannatyne. Campbeltown is situated by Campbeltown Loch along the Kintyre Peninsula. It is home to a population of approximately 4,500 people, and is among the biggest towns in Argyll. The town was once named 'the whisky capital of the world', and remains to this day a popular destination among whisky enthusiasts. Out of the 30-plus distilleries that were once found in the area, today just three remain: Glen Scotia, Glengyle, and Springbank. Glen Scotia, Glengyle, and Springbank all offer tours for those looking to learn more about how their whiskies are made. There are also tasting experiences available, where visitors can sample some of their most famous drams. Campbeltown is around 10 minutes by car from the picturesque Westport Beach, which is one of the most beautiful beaches on Scotland's west coast. The bay stretches for more than six miles, and is popular amongst picnickers, dog walkers, and surfers alike. Another top beauty spot in the area is the Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse, which dates all the way back to 1788. Among the very first lighthouses to be established by the Commissioners of Northern Lighthouses, it offers spectacular views out over the coast. In terms of visitor attractions in Campbeltown, one of the town's top sights is the Campbeltown Heritage Centre. Here, visitors can discover more than 300 years of history through fascinating exhibits and objects. Elsewhere, the Campbeltown Museum is all about the history of Kintyre. It features a varied collection that includes highlights such as a Bronze Age jet necklace and a reflector originating from the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse. When it comes to food, Campbeltown offers a huge selection of cafés and restaurants. Among the most popular is the Harbourview Grille, which is an upscale but casual eatery that specialises in steaks and seafood. Elsewhere, Bartek's Bistro is a sit-in or takeaway café that serves up burgers, homemade pizzas, wraps and more. Customers can also enjoy milkshakes that come in flavours such as strawberry, Milky Bar, banoffee, and pistachio. Meanwhile, one of the top pubs in Campbeltown is The Black Sheep. Situated within The Royal Hotel, the pub includes both indoor and outdoor seating along the waterfront and a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Cheapest coastal town near you revealed including ‘hidden gem' crowned the ‘whisky capital' of the world
BRITS sick of the hustle and bustle should look no further than an affordable coastal town once crowned the 'whisky capital' of the world. With a population of just 4,500, Campbeltown in Scotland, might be the perfect spot for those craving fresh air and a slower pace of life. You can expect to start your days with a walk along West Port beach, taking in the striking views of the Atlantic Ocean and distant mountains. And in the evening you need look no further than the Black Sheep Pub to enjoy a quiet pint and some food with a seafront view. This idyllic region is also soaked in history and culture. It is best known for whisky distillation and at one point had 34 distilleries, crowning it the 'whisky capital' of the world. Today, just three remain, including the beloved Glen Scotia brand, which was crowned 'World's Best Single Cask Single Malt' at World Whiskies Awards 2023. And if you are craving a picturesque life in a coastal town, don't expect to pay a fortune. That's because the area has been named as the cheapest coastal region to buy a property across the whole of the UK. New research by Lloyds found homes in the area cost an average of £103,078 – down 11% in the past year. That's also nearly £300k less than the average asking price for homes in April. Those searching for a balance between city and sea life should consider Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in the North East of England. This sleepy seaside town is just a 32-minute drive from Newcastle. Weekends here could be spent at the much-loved 18-hole golf club that offers stunning views of the beach. You could also treat yourself to a cheeky Indian meal at the Shaj Tandoori, which has gotten over 271 "excellent" reviews on Trip Advisor. A home here costs around £132,863, but the price is up 51% on the last five years. That's compared to the £310,918 you would be expected to pay for a home in Whitley Bay, the most expensive seaside town in the North East. Fleetwood and Blackpool have also been named as other affordable hotpots for a seaside home, with prices coming in at £146,338 and £146,764 respectively. DOWN SOUTH Those fantasising about a quiet life by the sea down south may find a home in East Cowes, a small town in the Isle of Wight. Your evenings could be filled with walks along the town's sea front, and enjoying some top rated fish and chips at the lifeboat pub. And those who are looking to soak up some more culture could head to Osborne House. This a former royal residence designed in the style of an Italian Renaissance palazzo Homes here cost £239,605, which is over £200,000 cheaper than the national average cost of a detached home in the UK. It's also significantly cheaper than Lymington, which is located in the New Forest and is the priciest area in the South to buy a house. Homes here cost, £608,253 but could go for up to £1,150,000 depending on where you are looking. Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages, Lloyds, said that those willing to look beyond the traditional hotspots, can find some "hidden gems". She explained: "In some of the UK's most desirable coastal towns, average prices have dipped slightly over the past year. But, over the longer term, values remain significantly higher – especially in the South West, where demand from lifestyle movers continues to shape the market. "At the other end of the scale, there are still pockets of real affordability – particularly in Scotland, where buyers can find coastal homes for a fraction of the price." 3 3 3
Daily Record
12-05-2025
- Daily Record
Remote Scots town 100 miles away from closest train station was once world's whiskey capital
Currently, three distilleries operate in Campbeltown, though at one point, the town was home to 34 whisky distilleries Often overlooked in favour of more accessible destinations, one of the UK's most remote towns, Campbeltown in Scotland, offers visitors a stunning escape despite its challenging location 100 miles from the nearest train station. While the UK boasts numerous picturesque seaside towns, this captivating spot on the Kintyre Peninsula stands out for its unique charm and breathtaking scenery. Located in the west of Scotland on the shores of Campbeltown Loch, Campbeltown functions as a working fishing port and remains a significant hub for Scottish whisky. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, it is widely considered one of the most beautiful places on the island of Britain, providing an ideal base for those who enjoy hiking or simply driving through scenic vistas, Express reports. Campbeltown sits directly across the water from the stunning Isle of Arran, another must visit destination in Scotland known for its natural beauty. Though modest in size today, Campbeltown once held the prestigious title of the whiskey capital of the world. While only three distilleries, Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank, currently operate within the town, historically, a remarkable 34 distilleries were producing whisky here. Springbank Distillery, founded in 1828 by the Mitchell family, still uses traditional methods to produce Longrow whisky and offers tours by appointment, according to VisitScotland. Whisky enthusiasts will find the town a compelling visit, with guided tours available at the operational distilleries. Even for those new to whisky, these tours offer a fascinating insight into the cultural significance of the drink and the heritage of the local area. Campbeltown whiskies are known for their distinctive character, which sets them apart from other Scotch whisky regions like Speyside, Islay, and the Highlands, according to Master of Malt. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. These whiskies typically have a robust and complex profile, with a balance of sweet, fruity, and maritime flavours. Beyond its whisky connections, Campbeltown serves as an excellent starting point for exploring this magnificent corner of Scotland. As mentioned, it is conveniently close to the Isle of Arran, frequently cited as one of the UK's most naturally stunning islands. Furthermore, visitors can easily access nearby attractions such as Davaar Island, Westport Beach, An Ceardach Garden, and the imposing Dunaverty Rock. The exploration opportunities extend even further, with ferry services running between Campbeltown and Northern Ireland. This connection allows travellers staying in the area to easily visit famous sites like the Giant's Causeway. While undeniably remote, reaching Campbeltown is achievable through various means. West Coast Motors provides four coaches a day travelling to and from Glasgow, a journey taking approximately 4.5 hours, Explore Campbeltown says. Alternatively, access is possible by boat from Ballycastle in Northern Ireland, or from Ardrossan, which is easily accessible from Glasgow. For a quicker option, Loganair operates two flights per day from Glasgow to Campbeltown every weekday, with the flight lasting just 30 minutes.
Scotsman
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Glen Scotia unveils its oldest whisky - a 50 year old inspired by 'maritime air'
Campbeltown distillery, Glen Scotia has released a new 50-year-old whisky - a single malt shaped by the elements of the unique geographic setting and refined by the craftsmanship of human hands. The inaugural expression in a new collection, Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air marks a pivotal moment in the distillery's history, as its oldest ever release. The Elements of Campbeltown Collection takes inspiration from the Celtic five-fold knot, as air, water, fire and earth bind together in perfect harmony to create the fifth circle in the centre denoting the spirit. Drawing from Glen Scotia's oldest maturing casks, each chapter will showcase a different element and the influence it has on the spirit. A celebration of the distinctive character of Scotland's smallest whisky region; and testament to the environment that has shaped it over generations, Release Number One: Air captures Campbeltown's maritime climate and the subtle nuances it weaves into the whisky over time. Every drop is a tribute to the patience, precision, place and power of nature that have played a part in its creation. Five decades in the making, the precious Glen Scotia 50 Year Old was distilled in 1973 and bottled at a natural cask strength of 42.3% ABV in 2024. Fully matured in refill American oak hogshead casks to preserve the distillery's character at this age, the coastal influence is woven into the flavour of the spirit, creating hints of salinity between complex and ever-changing layers of baked orchard and tropical fruits. This single malt brings an array of aromas, from flaked almonds, vanilla fudge and salt crystals to sweet edible seaweed and fresh glazed apple tart. There is a medley of flavours with a creamy sweet and salty texture, white pepper, powdered ginger and a lingering coconut finish. Michael Henry, Loch Lomond Group master blender, said: 'Responsibility for whisky of this age, where the passage of time shapes and moulds the character of the spirit is a privilege. "With the first release in this milestone collection for Glen Scotia, I want to give people the opportunity to experience our distillery character at this remarkable age and showcase how time has shaped it. "Matured exclusively in American oak, with its more subtle, supportive cask influence, the character shines through. "Bringing this whisky to its optimum condition has been through knowing the character of the spirit, its interplay with the wood and thoughtful cask management, with a vision already laid down for future releases that will bring people on an incredible journey.' Iain McAlister, Glen Scotia master distiller and distillery manager added: 'Since 1832, our climate has left a fingerprint on our spirit as enduring as the generations that cared for it. "While times may change, the effects of the natural forces endure through the decades. 'Air' is a masterpiece sculpted by the elements for half a century, its scent a symphony of natural elements and timeless tradition. "It is remarkable to think about all the hands this 50-year-old would have passed through, each inheriting it and opting to let it continue its journey beyond them until this optimal moment.' To mark the release, Glen Scotia has collaborated with UK artist Gina Parr to create a unique piece of art capturing the essence of 'air' in the distillery's historic dunnage warehouse, where salty sea air intertwines with heavy spirit vapours to create a distinctive scent and atmosphere. Gina took inspiration from Campbeltown's coastal air stream and Glen Scotia's distilling process to create an oil painting to adorn the cabinet doors concealing each whisky decanter. Using the sensorial experience of her visit, she depicts the abstract yet distinctive air of the distillery and town and its interplay with the whisky. The solid ash and birch display cabinet draws inspiration from an easel in an art gallery and features deep coastal tones and an amber hue on the exterior, selected by Gina to reflect the surroundings and provide a nod to the whisky itself. Housed in the luxurious white leather interior is a bespoke Glencairn crystal decanter encasing the precious whisky. Created exclusively for the new collection, it features a delicate band around the base to represent 'air' while a Celtic knot crowns a heavy brass stopper and is presented alongside a hardback book telling the story of this single malt. Gina Parr said: 'Glen Scotia 50 Year Old started life in the same year I embarked on my own creative journey. For me, this beautifully matured whisky mirrors my art practice – rooted in history, shaped by dedication, and inspired by nature and the elements, which are always sensory and deeply emotive. "I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to collaborate with Glen Scotia for this very special release. "My work is driven by the sights and experiences of living and working in a coastal town in Devon. I love being by the sea, so I knew I would be inspired by Campbeltown. "But there was so much I didn't anticipate - the stunning landscapes and textures, the beautiful curve of the harbour - all of which shaped the creative process. "The distillery itself was awe-inspiring. The smells were overwhelming in the most wonderful way, weaving together the town, the spirit vapour, and the salty sea air into one evocative experience.' Limited to only 100 individually numbered crystal decanters worldwide, Glen Scotia Elements of Campbeltown Release Number One: Air has an RRP of £35,000 and is available by enquiry at and in specialist retailers from May 2025. Glen Scotia has been producing whisky in Campbeltown since 1832 and is one of only three surviving distilleries in the town which was once known as the 'Victorian whisky capital of the world'. Maintaining much of its original design, including the stillroom, and the dunnage warehouse, to this day, the distillery follows in the footsteps of its founders, using traditional methods, carefully creating the subtly maritime Campbeltown style it is renowned for.
