Distillery tours and expert insights
Scotland’s most northerly distillery, Highland Park on the island of Orkney, flings open its doors for a free, exclusive Open Weekend on the 23rd and 24th May.

Up in the Highlands visit Dewars World of Whisky, where Homecoming is celebrated with “Dewar’s Signature Tour” a chance to taste some of the world’s finest and rarest whiskies from Dewar’s premium portfolio and a warehouse tasting of Aberfeldy Single Malt. In Aberdeenshire, take the opportunity to enter Ardmore Distillery – rarely open to the public – where you can experience a bespoke tour and whisky tasting session. While you are in the region head across to the University of Aberdeen’s Word Festival 2009 for Maclean’s Malt Whisky Tour of Scotland. A world-authority on Whisky, Charles MacLean will talk about his new book MacLean’s Malt Whisky Handbook and provide his expert insight into the flavour and character of Scotch malt whisky.

In the Lowlands there are also plenty of opportunities to get a flavour of Whisky Month. Visit Auchentoshan’s newly refurbished Visitors Centre near Glasgow and make sure you stop at Edinburgh’s Scotch Whisky Experience for ‘Enthusiasm for Scotch’ and The Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection – the world’s largest collection of whiskies a ‘must see’ for whisky fans and novices alike

Whisky Galore – A Musical!

Whisky Month will also play host to the world premiere of a new musical adaptation of Whisky Galore from 15th May to 17th October. Showing in the beautiful surroundings of Highland Perthshire at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Whisky Galore – A Musical! is part of The Home Season from Scottish playwrights featuring six plays across six days. The celebration of this famous tipple doesn’t stop there! For the full Whisky Month programme and details on the range of the whisky events taking place across Scotland throughout 2009 including information of whisky packages, trails and itineraries go to: www.homecomingscotland2009.com/whiskymonth

Gavin Hewitt, Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Association, said: “Whisky Month in May is the perfect time to visit Scotland, the home of whisky. An exciting programme of distillery and festival events awaits our visitors. They will experience the very best that Scotch whisky has to offer and learn why this global icon embodies the spirit of Scotland.”

Marie Christie, Homecoming Scotland 2009 Project Director said: “Scotch whisky is a unique aspect of Scotland’s rich culture and heritage which is celebrated across the world. Showcasing it through the Homecoming festivities provides us an opportunity to promote some of the country’s most distinctive communities and regions through a lively programme of activity.”

For a full listing of events in the Whisky Month programme and for further information on Homecoming Scotland 2009 go to www.homecomingscotland2009.com/whiskymonth