MSP drops by for a dram

The Argyll & Bute member was presented with a bottling as the distillery prepared for the annual Campbeltown Malts Festival.

During the visit the MSP, who is also cabinet secretary for constitutional affairs, had an opportunity to see some of the oldest parts of the distillery, which date back to the 1830s and to meet some of its staff.

He also bottled his own whisky, choosing an 18 Years Old Single Malt from Cask 560, a first fill ex-Bourbon cask stored in Glen Scotia’s historic dunnage warehouse. 

Iain McAlister, distillery manager, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Michael Russell MSP to our distillery. We’re very proud of our exceptional single malts and their contribution to both Campbeltown and Scotland’s world-leading whisky industry. Research suggests that Campeltown was the predominant Scotch whisky for almost 100 years.

“Whisky is in our DNA in Campbeltown. After being at the forefront of production, distilling has become a way of life here and we’re looking forward to sharing our passion for whisky with visitors to this year’s malts festival.”

Michael Russell MSP, said: “It’s very encouraging to see how Glen Scotia is helping to attract visitors to the Campbeltown and boost recognition of its role in Scotch. I wish it well with its new campaign.”