Major scotch exhibition to open

A major exhibition about scotch whisky, Scotland’s 'national drink', will open on 29 November at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Scotch Whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition marks the centenary of the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA), the industry trade body.

The SWA says the exhibition brings together for the first time an array of images and artefacts from many scotch whisky producers and enthusiasts.

Many items on display have been stored in archives and personal collections until now and have never been seen before by the public.

The exhibition also tracks landmark events in the last 100 years which have shaped the SWA and the industry.

Scotch whisky's past is showcased, highlighting its position as an iconic Scottish product.

Scotch whisky exports reached a record £4.23 billion last year and the industry directly employs more than 10,000 across Scotland.

Visitors will learn how scotch whisky is made to how it is marketed and exported. The exhibition explains, through images and words, how the “What is whisky?” debate of the early 20th century led to a Royal Commission report which helped establish the modern day scotch whisky industry. 

Visitors will also find out why a full size model of a white horse and a papier mache giraffe are on display at a scotch whisky exhibition.

SWA chief executive Gavin Hewitt, said: “We hope as many people as possible will visit the scotch whisky: From Grain to Glass exhibition to find out more about the heritage of Scotland’s national drink.

“Visitors will find out exactly how Scotch Whisky is made and how marketing has changed through the decades. Everyone, from scotch whisky aficionados to novices will learn something new from the exhibition.”