Coast to coast
You don't tend to think of Glasgow and Edinburgh when it comes to whisky. But if you dig about a bit and travel over to Campbeltown to the west there is plenty to enjoy
We have a map hanging up at home that shows Scotland’s distilleries, but it is hopelessly out of date. It is one of malt whisky’s greatest ironies that while the liquid requires a great investment in time, the distilleries open, close and change hands faster than a poker player changes cards.
So there is a sadness about my map, which I can’t quite bring myself to throw away.
A close look at the southern region stretching from east coast to west and over to the Campbeltown region reveals a swathe of distilleries that no longer exist. They represent a different era, one that will never return, and they are apoignant reminder as to how quickly the tides of fortune can change direction and leave their victims washed up on the shore.
We shouldn’t get too hung up on this of course. After all, we all know that the industry is in one of its healthier periods and is heading in another direction, with new openings and expansions being more the norm these days.
But it’s still a shame, and while it’s easy for the whisky enthusiast to have their attention pulled north and eastwards, it pays to reflect on the Lowland and Campbeltown region from time to time.
And indeed, if you take the time and trouble, there is an interesting and ultimately rewarding whisky journey to be made from east and west, making a diversion south and then travelling round Lochs Lomond and Fyne to end at one of Scotland’s true whisky-making gems.
So let’s start way over east at Glenkichie, less.....
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By Rob Allanson
Section : Visitor Guides
Page number : 36
