Scotch fans gear up for Speyside whisky festival

Scotch fans and industry members from across the world are gearing up for The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

Scotch fans will head to Speyside for the region’s annual whisky festival in May

Tickets for the annual festival, which will run from 1-5 May in the Speyside whisky region, will go on sale on 1 February.

Thousands of visitors are expected to attend more than 300 events, including tasting sessions, distillery tours and whisky schools.

James Campbell, chairman of the festival, said: “The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is unique in offering visitors the chance to not only sample some of the best whiskies in the world but also learn about the passion and tradition that goes into producing them.

“Our partners have really pulled out all the stops and created an outstanding programme of events from tasting sessions and our world-class whisky school to canoe tours and ‘drambles’ between our famous distilleries.”

The festival has been chosen to kick off Whisky Month, which is part of the Year of Homecoming Scotland programme, year-long programme of events and activities to promote Scotland leading up to the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup.

“The Year of Homecoming Scotland also gives us the opportunity to celebrate our history and offer a warm Scottish welcome to international visitors,” said Campbell.

“We are proud to have been chosen as the launch event for Whisky Month and it’s the perfect chance to raise a glass of our world famous malt whiskies.”

Tickets for all events in The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival can be purchased at www.spiritofspeyside.com.