Gibson Congratulates Balblair Distillery for Best Highland Malt

18/3/2010
Highlands and Islands SNP MSP has lodged a motion in Parliament congratulating Balblair Distillery for winning Best Highland Single Malt Whisky at the 2010 World Whiskies Awards.

The Balblair 1975 vintage beat off 150 competitors to take the crown. Mr Gibson praised the skills and quality that are in the world's second oldest surviving (opened 1790) distillery which is situated on the shores of the Dornoch Firth next to the Easter Ross village of Edderton.

"Some of the best whiskies in the world come from the Highlands so to see Balblair crowned champions is a fantastic achievement. Great credit has to go to Distillery manager John MacDonald and his team, both past and present."

"An award of this calibre will help raise the profile of the whisky around the world and showcases the excellence in both drink and food that exists in Easter Ross and across the Highlands and Islands."

"Whisky production is important to the economy off remote and rural Scotland. I wish Balblair good luck in the future and am confident that the popularity of their malts will go from strength to strength."

Ends

Note

Photo of Rob at Balblair Distillery

Copy of motion:

S3M-05912 Rob Gibson
(Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): Balblair Distillery Wins Best Highland Malt— That the Parliament congratulates Balblair Distillery, Scotland’s second oldest distillery, in being awarded Best Highland Single Malt Whisky at the 2010 World Whiskies Awards for its Balbair Vintage 1975; understands that this world-recognised distillery in Edderton near Tain releases just 3,000 bottles of the Balblair Vintage 1975 worldwide; praises everyone at Balblair, which is considered by many to have maintained the highest levels of quality since the distillery first opened in 1790; believes that Balblair represents the finest standard of iconic Scottish malt whisky to the world, and wishes all at Balblair the best of luck for the future.