117-495: The Great Estuarine Group is a sequence of Middle Jurassic sedimentary rocks deposited in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland . The sedimentary sequence was originally named the 'Great Estuarine Series' by geologist John Wesley Judd in 1878. Sedimentary outcrops occur on Skye , Raasay , Eigg and Muck . It comprises a series of shales , clays , silts , mudstones , and sandstones deposited in two drainage basins :
234-433: A cornerstone of the country's economy exported to nearly 180 markets. The Scotch Whisky Association estimated that Scotland's whisky industry supported 40,000 jobs and accounted for £4.37 billion in exports in 2017. Of that total, single malt Scotch accounted for £1.17 billion in exports, a 14% increase over 2016. The drink is exported to nearly 180 markets and, in 2022, its exports were valued at over £6 billion for
351-452: A disparate archipelago. The largest islands are, from south to north, Islay , Jura , Mull , Rùm and Skye . Skye is the largest and most populous of all with an area of 1,656 km (639 sq mi) and a population of just over 10,000. The southern group are in Argyll , an area roughly corresponding with the heartlands of the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata and incorporated into
468-501: A distillation date or a bottling date. Whisky does not mature once bottled, so if no age statement is provided, one may calculate the age of the whisky if both the distillation date and bottling date are given. Labels may also carry various declarations of filtration techniques or final maturation processes. A Scotch whisky labelled as "natural" or "non-chill-filtered" has not been through a filtration process during bottling that removes compounds that some consumers see as desirable. Whisky
585-698: A distinctive product. The SWR regulation also states that no additives may be used except for plain (E150A) caramel colouring. To qualify for this category the Scotch whisky must be made in one distillery, in a pot still by batch distillation, using only water and malted barley. As with any other Scotch whisky, the Scotch Whisky Regulations of 2009 also require single malt Scotch to be made completely and bottled in Scotland and aged for at least three years. Most are aged longer. Another term
702-511: A drink, Scotch whisky was a favourite of King James IV of Scotland . Spirit production was first taxed by the Scottish parliament of January 1644, with an excise duty of 2s 8d imposed per Scots pint ; instigating the illicit distilling of spirits within the country. Between the 1760s and the 1830s a substantial unlicensed trade originated from the Highlands , forming a significant part of
819-593: A fourth kindred, Cenél Comgaill had emerged, based in eastern Argyll. The figure of Columba looms large in any history of Dál Riata and his founding of a monastery on Iona ensured that Dál Riata would be of great importance in the spread of Christianity in northern Britain. However, Iona was far from unique. Lismore in the territory of the Cenél Loairn, was sufficiently important for the death of its abbots to be recorded with some frequency and many smaller sites, such as on Eigg, Hinba and Tiree, are known from
936-478: A great part of Europe. The Isle of Sky has stags and roebucks, but no hares. They sell very numerous droves of oxen yearly to England, and therefore cannot be supposed to want beef at home. Sheep and goats are in great numbers, and they have the common domestic fowls." In the modern era avian life includes the corncrake , red-throated diver , rock dove , kittiwake , tystie , Atlantic puffin , goldeneye , golden eagle and white-tailed sea eagle . The last named
1053-421: A number, must reflect the age of the youngest whisky used to produce that product. A whisky with an age statement is known as guaranteed age whisky. Scotch whisky without an age statement may, by law, be as young as three years old. In the early 21st century, such "No age statement" whiskies have become more common, as distilleries respond to the depletion of aged stocks caused by improved sales. A label may carry
1170-656: A previous massacre on Eigg, resulted in the Battle of the Spoiling Dyke of 1578. After the failure of the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, Flora MacDonald became famous for rescuing Prince Charles Edward Stuart from the Hanoverian troops. Her story is strongly associated with their escape via Skye and she is buried at Kilmuir . She was visited by Samuel Johnson and James Boswell during their 1773 Journey to
1287-597: A rapid and decisive response from Norway. Magnus Barelegs had re-established direct Norwegian overlordship by 1098. A second expedition in 1102 saw incursions into Ireland but in August 1103 he was killed fighting in Ulster. The next king of the isles was Lagmann Godredsson and there followed a succession of Godred Crovan's descendants who, (as vassals of the kings of Norway) ruled the Hebrides north of Ardnamurchan for
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#17327931499481404-467: A region of tidal mixing of coastal water. The inhabited islands of the Inner Hebrides had a population of 18,257 at the 2001 census, and this grew to 18,948 in 2011. During the same period Scottish island populations as a whole grew by 4% to 103,702. There are a further 44 uninhabited Inner Hebrides with an area greater than 30 ha (74 acres). Records for the last date of settlement for
1521-439: A sentence of forfeiture for MacDonald's lands. Some were restored for a promise of good behaviour, but MacDonald was unable to control his son Aonghas Óg , who defeated him at the Battle of Bloody Bay , fought off the coast of Mull near Tobermory in 1481. A further rebellion by his nephew, Alexander of Lochalsh , provoked an exasperated James IV to forfeit the lands for the last time in 1493. The most powerful clans on Skye in
1638-405: A settlement of some kind and this is amongst the oldest evidence of occupation in Scotland. Evidence of large-scale Mesolithic nut processing, radiocarbon dated to circa 7000 BCE, has been found in a midden pit at Staosnaig on Colonsay. The dig discovered the remains of hundreds of thousands of burned hazelnut shells and gives an insight into communal activity and forward planning in
1755-578: A single distillery and is often used in making blended Scotch. Single grain whiskies are usually not distilled in pot stills but with column stills . Blended malt whisky , formerly called vatted malt or pure malt (terms that are now prohibited in the SWR 2009), is one of the least common types of Scotch: a blend of single malts from more than one distillery (possibly with differing ages). Blended malts contain only single malt whiskies from two or more distilleries. This type must contain no grain whiskies and
1872-429: A single malt; the addition of any whisky from a second distillery is by regulation a blended malt (which will also allow it to be exported in bulk form, unlike single malts which may only be exported bottled ready for sale). Instead the bottler may identify only the general geographical area of the source, or simply market the product using their own brand name without identifying their source. This may, in some cases, give
1989-519: A surge in demand for whisky. By the 1890s, almost forty new distilleries had opened in Scotland. The boom years continued until the industry was significantly affected by World War I and later, by the Great Depression ; many of the companies closed and never re-opened. During the 1970s there was a new boom in Scotch whisky production that led to an overproduction in the early 1980s. Starting in 1981 whisky distilleries slashed production by
2106-658: A sustainable future for the Scotch Whisky industry by promoting sustainable production, global trade, and responsible consumption. A Scotch whisky label comprises several elements that indicate aspects of production, age, bottling, and ownership. Some of these elements are regulated by the SWR, and some reflect tradition and marketing. The spelling of the term whisky is often debated by journalists and consumers. Scottish , English , Welsh , Australian and Canadian whiskies use whisky , Irish whiskies use whiskey , while American and other styles vary in their spelling of
2223-572: A third and kept it low for a decade. During that time many distilleries closed. Banff , Brora , Coleburn , Convalmore , Dallas Dhu , Glen Albyn , Glenesk , Glen Flagler , Glenlochy , Glen Mhor , Glenugie , Glenury , Millburn , North Port , Port Ellen and St Magdalene were mothballed, shut down or demolished. Since the 2010s, Scotch whisky has entered a new phase of growth with new distilleries like Ardnahoe and Borders opening and older distilleries like Brora , Port Ellen and Rosebank reopening. As of 23 November 2009 ,
2340-611: A unit for drinking as a dram . The word whisky comes from the Gaelic uisge beatha or usquebaugh ' water of life' (a calque of Medieval Latin aqua vitae ; compare aquavit ). The earliest record of distillation in Scotland is in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland for 1494. To Friar John Cor, by order of the King, to make aqua vitae, VIII bolls of malt. The Exchequer Rolls' record crown income and expenditure and
2457-439: A vatted malt or pure malt, the SWR requiring them to be labelled blended malt instead. The term blended grain Scotch refers to whisky that contains at least two single grain Scotch whiskies from at least two distilleries, combined to create one batch of the product. Blended Scotch whisky constitutes about 90% of the whisky produced in Scotland. Blended Scotch whiskies contain both malt whisky and grain whisky. Producers combine
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#17327931499482574-566: A view developed among both islanders and outsiders that the more remote islands lacked the essential services of a modern industrial economy. However, the populations of the larger islands grew overall by more than 12% from 1981 to 2001. The main commercial activities are tourism, crofting , fishing and whisky distilling (centred on Islay but also including Talisker in Skye , Isle of Jura Single Malt and Tobermory and Ledaig in Mull ). Overall,
2691-477: A way that reflected traditional and current practice: before the 2009 SWR, any combination of Scotch whiskies qualified as a blended Scotch whisky, including for example a blend of single malt Scotch whiskies. As was the case under the Scotch Whisky Act 1988, regulation 5 of the SWR 2009 stipulates that the only whisky that may be manufactured in Scotland is Scotch whisky. The definition of manufacture
2808-569: Is malt whisky or grain whisky (or a blend of the two) made in Scotland . The first known written mention of Scotch whisky is in the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland of 1494. All Scotch whisky was originally made from malted barley . Commercial distilleries began introducing whisky made from wheat and rye in the late 18th century. As of May 2024, there were 151 whisky distilleries operating in Scotland, making Scotch whisky one of
2925-587: Is "keeping for the purpose of maturation; and keeping, or using, for the purpose of blending, except for domestic blending for domestic consumption". This provision prevents the existence of two "grades" of whisky originating from Scotland, one "Scotch whisky" and the other, a "whisky product of Scotland" that complies with the generic EU standard for whisky. According to the Scotch Whisky Association, allowing non-Scotch whisky production in Scotland would make it difficult to protect Scotch whisky as
3042-438: Is aged in various types of casks—and often in used port or sherry casks—during distinct portions of the maturation process, and will take on characteristics, flavour, and aromas from such casks. Special casks are sometimes used at the end of the maturation process, and such whiskies may be labelled as "wood finished", "sherry/port finished", and so on. Scotland's identity and heritage are deeply intertwined with Scotch Whisky,
3159-407: Is between 40% and 46% ABV. Whisky is considerably stronger when first emerging from the cask—normally 60–63% ABV. Water is then added to create the desired bottling strength. If the whisky is not diluted before bottling, it can be labelled as cask strength . A whisky's age may be listed on the bottle providing a guarantee of the youngest whisky used. An age statement on the bottle, in the form of
3276-602: Is difficult to reconcile the records of the Irish annals with Norse sources such as the Orkneyinga Saga but it is likely that Norwegian and Gallgáedil Uí Ímair warlords fought for control for much of period from the 9th to the 12th centuries. In 990 Sigurd the Stout , Earl of Orkney took command of the Hebrides, a position he retained for most of the period until he was killed at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. There
3393-422: Is distinguished by the absence of the word "single" on the bottle. The age of the vat is that of the youngest of the original ingredients. For example, a blended malt marked "8 years old" may include older whiskies, with the youngest constituent being eight years old. Johnnie Walker Green Label and Monkey Shoulder are examples of blended malt whisky. Starting from November 2011, no Scotch whisky could be labelled as
3510-475: Is exposed to wind and tide, and there are numerous sites of wrecked ships. Lighthouses are sited as an aid to navigation at various locations. Dubh Artach lighthouse is located on a remote rock and warns seafarers away from the area itself and the nearby Torran Rocks . Originally it was considered to be an impossible site for a light, but the loss of the steamer Bussorah with all thirty-three hands on her maiden voyage in 1863 and of an astonishing 24 vessels in
3627-575: Is known as a no age statement (NAS) whisky, the only guarantee being that all whisky contained in that bottle is at least three years old. The minimum bottling strength according to existing regulations is 40% alcohol by volume. Scotch whisky is divided into five distinct categories: single malt Scotch whisky, single grain Scotch whisky, blended malt Scotch whisky (formerly called "vatted malt" or "pure malt"), blended grain Scotch whisky, and blended Scotch whisky. Many Scotch whisky drinkers refer to
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3744-495: Is possible that Ptolemy did so also, as Agricola's information about the west coast of Scotland was of poor quality. Watson (1926) states that the meaning of Ptolemy's "Eboudai" is unknown and that the root may be pre-Celtic. Other early written references include the flight of the Nemed people from Ireland to "Domon and to Erdomon in the north of Alba", which is mentioned in the 12th century Lebor Gabála Érenn . Domon, meaning
3861-459: Is sometimes seen, called "double wood" or "triple wood", sometimes incorrectly referred to as "double malt" or "triple malt". These indicate that the whisky was aged in two or three types of casks. Hence, if the whisky otherwise meets the criteria of single malt, it still falls into the single malt category even if more than one type of cask was used for ageing. Examples include The Balvenie 12 Year DoubleWood and Laphroaig Triple Wood. Another nuance
3978-512: Is still debated, as some bottlers maintain that consumers confuse the term with "blended Scotch whisky", which contains some proportion of grain whisky. The brand name featured on the label is usually the same as the distillery name (for example, the Talisker distillery labels its whiskies with the Talisker name). Indeed, the SWR prohibits bottlers from using a distillery name when the whisky
4095-403: Is that Lowland Scotch malts use a triple distillation just like Irish whiskey , breaking away from the general rule that all Scotch is double distilled. Single grain whisky is made with water and malted barley but the distillery then adds other grains or cereals, wheat , corn , or rye , for example. From that moment on, it can no longer be called single malt. This type of product must be from
4212-602: Is the Brown–Forman Corporation based in Kentucky , United States . Nonetheless, Scotch whisky is produced according to the current regulations, as to ageing, production, and so on, ensuring that it remains Scottish. Independents owned by Scots companies make a substantial amount of Scotch whisky, with the largest, William Grant & Sons , producing 8%, or about 7.6 million cases per year. Its brands include Balvenie , Glenfiddich , and Grant's . Glenfiddich
4329-434: Is the ' Cullaidh Shale Formation '. Overlying this is the ' Elgol Sandstone Formation ', the type locality of which is to be found at the village of Elgol on Skye. These sandstones are interpreted as being deltaic in origin. Above the sandstone is the ' Lealt Shale Formation ', a unit in which fossils of creatures which lived in brackish lagoons abound. These include mussels , sharks and plesiosaurs . The discovery of
4446-564: Is the best-selling single malt Scotch in the world. Roughly 14 million bottles of Glenfiddich are sold annually. Most malt distilleries sell a significant amount of whisky by the cask for blending, and sometimes to private buyers as well. Whisky from such casks is sometimes bottled as a single malt by independent bottling firms such as Duncan Taylor , Master of Malt, Gordon & MacPhail , Cadenhead's, The Scotch Malt Whisky Society , Murray McDavid , Berry Bros. & Rudd , Douglas Laing , Adelphi and others. These are usually labelled with
4563-586: Is then a period of uncertainty but it is possible that Sigurd's son Thorfinn the Mighty became ruler circa 1035 until his own death some two decades later. By the late 12th century Irish influence became a significant feature of island life and Diarmait mac Maíl na mBó , the High King of Ireland took possession of Mann and the Isles until 1072. The records for the rulers of the Hebrides are obscured again until
4680-533: The Aberdeen council registers, in a case heard in 1505 by the town's bailies concerning the inheritance of goods belonging to a chaplain called Sir Andrew Gray, who died in 1504. Among his goods was recorded (in Middle Scots ) "ane stellatour for aquavite and ros wattir'". Aqua vitae (in the form of wine or spirits) was used when making gunpowder to moisten the slurry of saltpetre, charcoal and sulphur. As
4797-563: The Court of Exchequer in Edinburgh for tougher sentences. Highland landowners were now happy to remove tenants who were distillers in clearances on their estates. These changes ushered in the modern era of Scotch production: in 1823 2,232,000 gallons of whisky had duty paid on it; in 1824 this increased to 4,350,000 gallons. A farmer, George Smith, working under landlord the Duke of Gordon ,
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4914-532: The Hebrides , which experience a mild oceanic climate . The Inner Hebrides comprise 35 inhabited islands as well as 44 uninhabited islands with an area greater than 30 hectares (74 acres). Skye , Mull , and Islay are the three largest, and also have the highest populations. The main commercial activities are tourism, crofting , fishing and whisky distilling . In modern times the Inner Hebrides have formed part of two separate local government jurisdictions, one to
5031-593: The Scotch Whisky Regulations 2009 (SWR) define and regulate the production, labelling, packaging as well as advertising of Scotch whisky in the United Kingdom. They replace previous regulations that focused solely on production, including the Scotch Whisky Act 1988. Since the previous act focused primarily on production standards, it was repealed and superseded by the 2009 Regulations. The SWR includes broader definitions and requirements for
5148-900: The Sleat peninsula, Skye. Some ferries reach the Inner Hebrides from other islands such as the Seil to Luing route, Fionnphort on the Ross of Mull to Iona, Sconser to Raasay and Port Askaig to Feolin , Jura. There is also a service to and from the Outer Hebrides from Tarbert, Harris and Lochmaddy on North Uist to Uig, Skye and from Castlebay , Barra to Tiree . National Rail services are available for onward journeys, from stations at Oban , which has direct services to Glasgow and from Kyle of Lochalsh to Inverness . There are scheduled flights from Colonsay Airport , Islay Airport near Port Ellen and Tiree Airport . The archipelago
5265-524: The "deep sea isle" refers to the Outer Hebrides and Erdomon, meaning "east of, on or near Domon" is thus the Inner Hebrides. The individual island and place names in the Outer Hebrides have mixed Gaelic and Norse origins. Although Ptolemy's map identifies various tribes such as the Creones that might conceivably have lived in the Inner Hebrides in the Roman era, the first written records of life begin in
5382-482: The ' Valtos Sandstone Formation ' represents a further series of deltaic sandstones. Large calcareous concretions commonly occur within this formation. They are post-depositional in origin with individual nodules reaching more than a metre in diameter and cutting across the bedding . The ' Duntulm Formation ' succeeds the Valtos Formation and is in turn succeeded by the ' Kilmaluag Formation ', and then by
5499-412: The 19th century had a devastating effect on many communities and it is only in recent years that population levels have ceased to decline. Sea transport is crucial and a variety of ferry services operate to mainland Scotland and between the islands. The Gaelic language remains strong in some areas; the landscapes have inspired a variety of artists; and there is a diversity of wildlife. The islands form
5616-606: The 25% increase in tariffs imposed by the U.S. in October 2019 would not be apparent until 2020.) Nonetheless, by year-end 2017, exports had reached a record-breaking amount. In November 2019, the Association announced that the government of the UK had agreed to consider revising the alcohol taxation system, hopefully producing a new plan that was simplified and "fairer". Exports in 2018 again increased 7.8% by value, and 3.6% in
5733-510: The 6th century CE when the founding of the kingdom of Dál Riata is recorded. This encompassed roughly what is now Argyll and Bute and Lochaber in Scotland and County Antrim in Ireland. In Argyll it consisted initially of three main kindreds : Cenél Loairn in north and mid-Argyll, Cenél nÓengusa based on Islay and Cenél nGabráin based in Kintyre . By the end of the 7th century
5850-623: The Braes " involved a demonstration against lack of access to land and the serving of eviction notices. This event was instrumental in the creation of the Napier Commission , which reported in 1884 on the situation in the Highlands. Disturbances continued until the passing of the 1886 Crofters' Act and on one occasion 400 marines were deployed on Skye to maintain order. For those who remained new economic opportunities emerged through
5967-616: The British Isles are recorded. "All the islands of Britain" were devastated in 794 with Iona being sacked in 802 and 806. In 870 Dumbarton was besieged by Amlaíb Conung and Ímar, "the two kings of the Northmen". It is therefore likely that Scandinavian hegemony was already significant on the western coasts of Scotland by then. In the 9th century the first references to the Gallgáedil (i.e. "foreign Gaels") appear. This term
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#17327931499486084-606: The Elder 's Natural History , where he states that there are 30 "Hebudes". Ptolemy , writing about 80 years later, around AD 140-150 and drawing on the earlier naval expedition of Agricola , refers to the Ἐβοῦδαι ("Eboudai") ("Ebudes" or "Ebudae" in Latin translation) of which he writes that there were only five, thus possibly specifically meaning the Inner Hebrides. Pliny probably took his information from Pytheas of Massilia who visited Britain sometime between 322 and 285 BCE. It
6201-469: The Hebrides were devastated by the clearances , which destroyed communities throughout the Highlands and Islands as the human populations were evicted and replaced with sheep farms. The position was exacerbated by the failure of the islands' kelp industry that thrived from the 18th century until the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and large scale emigration became endemic. The " Battle of
6318-538: The Inner Hebrides as well as part of the Western Highlands as subjects of the King of Scots until John MacDonald , fourth Lord of the Isles, squandered the family's powerful position. Through a secret treaty with Edward IV of England , negotiated at Ardtornish Castle and signed in 1462, he made himself a servant of the English crown. When James III of Scotland found out about the treaty in 1476, he issued
6435-723: The Inner Hebrides basin and the Sea of the Hebrides basin. The sediments are equivalent in age to the Inferior and Great Oolite Groups found in southern England . The Group overlies the Garantiana Mudstone of the ' Bearreraig Sandstone Formation ' and is itself overlain by rocks of the 'Skye Lava Group', erupted during the Palaeocene . The lowermost (and hence oldest) unit of the Great Estuarine Group
6552-504: The UK declined significantly, and that included Scotch whisky. Distillers were required to close for some time and the hospitality industry worldwide experienced a major slump. According to news reports in February 2021, the Scotch whisky sector had experienced £1.1 billion in lost sales. Exports to the US were also affected by the 25% tariff that had been imposed. Scotch whisky exports to
6669-516: The US during 2020 "fell by 32%" from the previous year. Worldwide exports fell in 70% of Scotch whisky's global markets. A BBC News headline on 12 February 2021 summarized the situation: "Scotch whisky exports slump to 'lowest in a decade ' ". A 2016 report stated that only 20% of the whisky was made by companies owned in Scotland. Distilleries owned by Diageo , a London-based company, produce 40% of all Scotch whisky, with over 24 brands, such as Johnnie Walker , J&B and Vat 69 . Another 20% of
6786-531: The Western Islands of Scotland and written on her gravestone are Johnson's words that hers was "A name that will be mentioned in history, and if courage and fidelity be virtues, mentioned with honour". In the wake of the rebellion the clan system was broken up and islands of the Hebrides became a series of landed estates. With the implementation of the Treaty of Union in 1707 the Hebrides became part of
6903-678: The annals. The kingdom's independent existence ended in the Viking Age , and it eventually merged with the lands of the Picts to form the Kingdom of Alba . North of Dál Riata the Inner Hebrides were nominally under Pictish control although the historical record is sparse. According to Ó Corráin (1998) "when and how the Vikings conquered and occupied the Isles is unknown, perhaps unknowable" although from 793 onwards repeated raids by Vikings on
7020-430: The area in a storm on 30–31 December 1865 encouraged positive action. Skerryvore is another remote lighthouse in the vicinity and at a height of 48 metres (157 feet) it is the tallest in Scotland. There are about 4,000 Gaelic speakers in the Inner Hebrides, equal to 20% of the population of the archipelago. There have been speakers of Goidelic languages in the Inner Hebrides since the time of Columba or before, and
7137-435: The area is relatively reliant on primary industries and the public sector; there is a dependence on self-employment and micro-business, and most parts are defined by Highlands and Islands Enterprise as economically "Fragile Areas". However, the islands are well placed to exploit renewable energy, particularly onshore and offshore wind; and the Sleat peninsula of Skye is an example of a more economically robust area. Some of
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#17327931499487254-399: The arrival of Godred Crovan as King of Dublin and the Isles. The ancestor of many of the succeeding rulers of Mann and the Isles, he was eventually ousted by Muirchertach Ua Briain and fled to Islay, where he died in the plague of 1095. It is not clear the extent to which Ui Briain dominance was now asserted in the islands north of Man, but growing Irish influence in these seas brought
7371-502: The author of How to Train Your Dragon , spent childhood summers in the Inner Hebrides and has stated that they are "one of the most beautiful places on Earth" and "the kind of place where you expect to see dragons overhead". In some respects the Hebrides generally lack biodiversity in comparison to mainland Britain, with for example only half the number of mammalian species the latter has. However, these islands have much to offer
7488-606: The coastline is machair , a fertile low-lying dune pastureland. Many of the islands are swept by strong tides, and the Corryvreckan tide race between Scarba and Jura is one of the largest whirlpools in the world. There are various smaller archipelagoes including the Ascrib Islands , Crowlin Islands , Slate Islands , Small Isles , Summer Isles and Treshnish Islands . The islands are shown to be important as
7605-433: The crafting, bottling, labelling, branding, and selling of "Scotch Whisky". International trade agreements have the effect of making some provisions of the SWR apply in various other countries as well as in the UK. The SWR defines "Scotch whisky" as whisky that: The Scotch Whisky Association acts as the regulatory body that ensures that Scotch Whisky is produced in accordance with traditional practices, as well as ensuring
7722-406: The distillery's name, but not using the distillery's trademarked logos or typefaces. An "official bottling" (or "proprietary bottling"), by comparison, is from the distillery (or its owner). Many independent bottlings are from single casks, and they may sometimes be very different from an official bottling. For a variety of reasons, some independent bottlers do not identify which distillery produced
7839-680: The earliest stone-built structures found so far in Scotland. However, in general the Neolithic sites in the Inner Hebrides lack the scale and drama of those found in Orkney and the Western Isles. There are numerous Iron Age sites including the remains of Dun Ringill fort on Skye, which are similar in layout to that of both a broch and a complex Atlantic roundhouse . The earliest extant written reference to these islands appears in Pliny
7956-528: The economy in some remote rural areas, according to Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs. "The Scottish Government is committed to working with partners like the Scotch Whisky Association to increase our tourism offer and encourage more people to visit our distilleries," the Secretary said. During the COVID-19 pandemic , exports of many food and drink products from
8073-418: The export of cattle, commercial fishing and tourism. Nonetheless emigration and military service became the choice of many and the archipelago's populations continued to dwindle throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries. Jura's population fell from 1300 in 1831 to less than 250 by 1961 and Mull's from 10,600 in 1821 to less than 3,000 in 1931. Lengthy periods of continuous occupation notwithstanding, some of
8190-493: The first plesiosaur was made in 1844 by the geologist Hugh Miller . The 'Kildonnan Member' of the Lealt Shale Formation contains stromatolites and various microfossils such as dinoflagellates and acritarchs . The succeeding 'Lonfearn Member' consist of shales and thin shelly and oolitic limestones with conchostracan fossils. It has also yielded dinosaur footprints. At the next stratigraphic level
8307-400: The first time. The industry's contribution to the economy of the UK was estimated as £5.5 billion in 2018; the industry provided £3.8 billion in direct GVA (gross value added) to Scotland. Whisky tourism has also become significant and accounts for £68.3 million per year. One factor negatively affected sales, an extra 3.9% duty on spirits imposed by the UK in 2017. (The effect of
8424-448: The global trading system". Scotch whisky tourism has developed around the industry, with distilleries being the third most visited attraction in Scotland; roughly 2 million visits were recorded in 2018. Some 68 distilleries operate visitors' centres in Scotland and another eight accept visits by appointment. Hotels, restaurants, and other facilities are also impacted by the tourism phenomenon. Tourism has had an especially visible impact on
8541-557: The hills and the grey seal and common seal are present around the coasts of Scotland in internationally important numbers, with colonies of the former found on Oronsay and the Treshnish Isles and the latter most abundant in the Firth of Lorn . The rich fresh water streams contain brown trout , Atlantic salmon and water shrew . Offshore minke whales , killer whales , basking sharks , porpoises and dolphins are among
8658-623: The historic period the earliest known settlers were Picts to the north and Gaels in the southern kingdom of Dál Riada prior to the islands becoming part of the Suðreyjar kingdom of the Norse , who ruled for over 400 years until sovereignty was transferred to Scotland by the Treaty of Perth in 1266. Control of the islands was then held by various clan chiefs, principally the MacLeans , MacLeods and MacDonalds . The Highland Clearances of
8775-464: The independent bottling company the flexibility to purchase from multiple distillers without changing their labels. There are two basic types of Scotch whisky, from which all blends are made: Excluded from the definition of "single malt Scotch whisky" or "single grain Scotch whisky" is any spirit that qualifies as a blended Scotch whisky. This exclusion is to ensure that a blended Scotch whisky produced from single malt(s) and single grain(s) distilled at
8892-400: The island's populations have begun to increase after decades of decline. Scheduled ferry services between the Inner Hebrides and the Scottish mainland operate on various routes including: Tayinloan , Kintyre to Gigha ; Kennacraig , Kintyre to Islay; Oban to Mull, Coll and Tiree and Colonsay; Mallaig to Armadale , Skye and Eigg, Muck , Rùm & Canna ; and Glenelg to Kyle Rhea on
9009-705: The islands have development trusts that support the local economy. The influence of the Atlantic Ocean and the North Atlantic Current creates a mild oceanic climate. Temperatures are generally cool, averaging 6.5 °C (44 °F) in January and 15.4 °C (60 °F) in July at Duntulm on the Trotternish peninsula of Skye. Snow seldom lies at sea level and frosts are fewer than on
9126-483: The islands include Ian Anderson , Donovan , Chris Rainbow and Runrig . Enya 's song "Ebudæ" from Shepherd Moons is based on a traditional waulking song . The poet Sorley MacLean was born on Raasay, the setting for his best known poem, Hallaig . George Orwell wrote much of the novel 1984 whilst living at Barnhill on Jura and J.M. Barrie wrote a screenplay for the 1924 film adaptation of Peter Pan whilst on Eilean Shona . Cressida Cowell ,
9243-545: The local area. They understood that the trade supported the rents paid. Imprisoned tenants would not be able to pay any rent. In 1823, Parliament eased restrictions on licensed distilleries with the Excise Act, while at the same time making it harder for the illegal stills to operate. Magistrates found counsel for the Crown appearing in their courts, so forcing the maximum penalties to be applied, with some cases removed to
9360-498: The mainland. Winds are a limiting factor for vegetation: a speed of 128 km/h (80 mph) has been recorded; south-westerlies are the most common. Rainfall is generally high at between 1,300 and 2,000 millimetres (51 and 79 inches) per annum, and the mountains and hills are wetter still. Tiree is one of the sunniest places in the country and had 300 days of sunshine in 1975. Trotternish typically has 200 hours of bright sunshine in May,
9477-456: The majority of distilleries produce only malt or grain whiskies; however a few distilleries such as Loch Lomond produce both malt and grain whisky at the same site. Scotland was traditionally divided into four whisky regions: Campbeltown, The Highlands, The Isle of Islay and The Lowlands. Due to the large number of distilleries found there, the Speyside area became the fifth, recognised by
9594-617: The modern unitary council area of Argyll and Bute . The northern islands were part of the county of Inverness-shire and are now in the Highland Council area. The ten largest islands are as follows. The geology and geomorphology of the islands is varied. Some, such as Skye and Mull, are mountainous, whilst others like Tiree are relatively low-lying. The highest mountains are the Cuillins of Skye, although peaks over 300 metres (980 ft) are common elsewhere. Much of
9711-537: The modern variant of Scottish Gaelic ( Gàidhlig ) remains strong in some parts. However, the Education (Scotland) Act 1872 led to generations of Gaels being forbidden to speak their native language in the classroom, and is now recognised as having dealt a major blow to the language. Children were being beaten for speaking Gaelic in school as late as the 1930s. More recently the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act
9828-415: The most renowned geographical indications worldwide. All Scotch whisky must be aged immediately after distillation in oak barrels for at least three years. Any age statement on a bottle of Scotch whisky, expressed in numerical form, must reflect the age of the youngest whisky used to create that product. A whisky with an age statement is known as guaranteed-age whisky. A whisky without an age statement
9945-424: The naturalist. Observing the local abundance found on Skye in the 18th century Samuel Johnson noted that: At the tables where a stranger is received, neither plenty nor delicacy is wanting. A tract of land so thinly inhabited, must have much wild-fowl; and I scarcely remember to have seen a dinner without them. The moor-game is every where to be had. That the sea abounds with fish, needs not be told, for it supplies
10062-467: The new Kingdom of Great Britain , but the clans' loyalties to a distant monarch were not strong. A considerable number of islesmen "came out" in support of the Jacobite Earl of Mar in the "15" and again in the 1745 rising including Macleod of Dunvegan and MacLea of Lismore. The aftermath of the decisive Battle of Culloden , which effectively ended Jacobite hopes of a Stuart restoration,
10179-458: The next 160 years. However, their control of the southern Inner Hebrides was lost with the emergence of Somerled , the self-styled Lord of Argyle. For a while Somerled took control of Mann and the Hebrides in toto , but he met his death in 1164 during an invasion of the Scottish mainland. At this point Godred the Black , grandson of Godred Crovan re-took possession of the northern Hebrides and
10296-430: The north and the other to the south. Together, the islands have an area of about 4,130 km (1,594 sq mi), and had a population of 18,948 in 2011. The population density is therefore about 4.6 inhabitants per square kilometre (12 inhabitants per square mile). There are various important prehistoric structures, many of which pre-date the first written references to the islands by Roman and Greek authors. In
10413-598: The number of bottles, in spite of the duty imposed in 2017; exports grew to a record level, £4.7 billion. The US imported Scotch whisky with a value of just over £1 billion while the European Union was the second-largest importer, taking 30% of global value. This was a boom year with a record high in exports, but the Scotch Whisky Association expressed concern for the future, particularly "the challenges posed by Brexit and by tensions in
10530-475: The period. The nuts were harvested in a single year and pollen analysis suggests that the hazel trees were all cut down at the same time. The scale of the activity, unparalleled elsewhere in Scotland, and the lack of large game on the island, suggests the possibility that Colonsay contained a community with a largely vegetarian diet for the time they spent on the island. Three stone hearths and traces of red ochre found on Jura and dated to 6000 BCE are
10647-662: The post-Norse period were Clan MacLeod , originally based in Trotternish , and Clan MacDonald of Sleat . Following the disintegration of the Lordship of the Isles, the Mackinnons also emerged as an independent clan, whose substantial landholdings in Skye were centred on Strathaird . The MacDonalds of South Uist were bitter rivals of the MacLeods, and an attempt by the former to murder church-goers at Trumpan in retaliation for
10764-405: The product is made by distillers owned by Pernod Ricard of France , including brands such as Ballantine's , Chivas Regal and Glenlivet . There are also 12% made by smaller distillers that are owned by foreign companies, such as Cutty Sark and Label 5 owned by La Martiniquaise of France , Dewar's and William Lawson's owned by Bacardi Limited of Bermuda and BenRiach whose parent
10881-421: The quote records eight bolls of malt given to Friar John Cor to make aqua vitae over the previous year. The term aqua vitae is Latin for "water of life" and was the general term for distilled spirits . This would be enough for 1,500 bottles, which suggests that distillation was well-established by the late 15th century. The first known reference to a still for making "aquavite" in Scotland appears in
10998-465: The region's export economy. In 1782, more than 1,000 illegal stills were seized in the Highlands: these can only have been a fraction of those in operation. The Lowland distillers, who had no opportunity to avoid taxation, complained that untaxed Highland whisky made up more than half the market. The heavy taxation during the Napoleonic Wars gave the illicit trade a large advantage, but their product
11115-447: The same distillery does not also qualify as single malt Scotch whisky or single grain Scotch whisky. Nearly 90% of the bottles of Scotch sold per year are blended whiskies. Three types of blends are defined for Scotch whisky: The five Scotch whisky definitions are structured in such a way that the categories are mutually exclusive. The 2009 regulations changed the formal definition of blended Scotch whisky to achieve this result, but in
11232-479: The sea life that can be seen and edible crab and oyster are also found, in for example, the Sound of Scalpay . There are nationally important horse mussel and brittlestar beds in the sea lochs. Scotch whisky Scotch whisky ( Scottish Gaelic : uisge-beatha na h-Alba ; Scots : whisky/whiskie [ˈʍɪski] or whusk(e)y [ˈʍʌski] ), often simply called whisky or Scotch ,
11349-465: The smaller islands are incomplete, but most of them were inhabited at some point during the Neolithic , Iron Age , Early Historic or Norse periods. In common with the other main island chains of Scotland, many of the smaller and more remote islands were abandoned during the 19th and 20th centuries, in some cases after continuous habitation since prehistoric times. These islands had been perceived as relatively self-sufficient agricultural economies, but
11466-422: The smaller islands were abandoned – the Treshnish Isles in 1934, Handa in 1948, and Eilean Macaskin in the 1880s among them. Nonetheless, there were continuing gradual economic improvements, among the most visible of which was the replacement of the traditional thatched blackhouse with accommodation of a more modern design and in recent years, with the assistance of Highlands and Islands Enterprise many of
11583-485: The southern isles were distributed amongst Somerled's sons, his descendants eventually becoming known as the Lords of the Isles , and giving rise to Clan MacDougall , Clan Donald and Clan Macruari . However, both during and after Somerled's life the Scottish monarchs sought to take a control of the islands he and his descendants held. This strategy eventually led to an invasion by Haakon Haakonarson , King of Norway. After
11700-525: The stalemate of the Battle of Largs , Haakon retreated to Orkney, where he died in 1263. Following this expedition, the Hebrides and Mann and all rights that the Norwegian crown "had of old therein" were yielded to the Kingdom of Scotland as a result of the 1266 Treaty of Perth . The Lords of the Isles, a phrase first recorded in 1336, but which title may have been used earlier, would continue to rule
11817-476: The sunniest month. The Hebrides were originally settled in the Mesolithic era and have a diversity of prehistoric sites. A flint arrowhead found in a field near Bridgend , Islay has been dated to 10,800 BCE. This find may indicate the presence of a summer hunting party rather than permanent settlement. Burnt hazelnut shells and microscopic charcoal found at Farm Fields, Kinloch on Rùm indicate
11934-477: The term "pure malt" for the same purpose, causing a controversy in the process over clarity in labelling —the Glenfiddich distillery was using the term to describe some single malt bottlings. As a result, the Scotch Whisky Association declared that a mixture of single malt whiskies must be labelled a "blended malt". The use of the former terms "vatted malt" and "pure malt" is prohibited. The term "blended malt"
12051-438: The term. The label always features a declaration of the malt or grain whiskies used. A single malt Scotch whisky is one that is entirely produced from malt in one distillery. One may also encounter the term " single cask ", signifying the bottling comes entirely from one cask. The term "blended malt" signifies that single malt whisky from different distilleries is blended in the bottle. The Cardhu distillery also began using
12168-414: The various malts and grain whiskies to produce a consistent brand style. Notable blended Scotch whisky brands include Ballantine's , Bell's , Chivas Regal , Cutty Sark , Dewar's , Grant's , J&B , Johnnie Walker , Teacher's Highland Cream , The Famous Grouse , Vat 69 , Whyte and Mackay and William Lawson's . Most Blended Scotch Whiskies are made from the produce of at least two distilleries as
12285-403: The whisky in the bottle. Mostly this will be at the request of the whisky distiller as they are unable to regulate the quality of the whisky sold. Some distilleries, to prevent third-party bottlers from naming them on the bottle, add a small amount of whisky from a different distillery, a technique called 'tea-spooning' which then precludes the sale of the whisky as from a specific distillery, or as
12402-417: The world to attend Sabhal Mòr Ostaig , a Scottish Gaelic college based on Skye. Hebridean landscapes have inspired a variety of musicians, writers and artists. The Hebrides , also known as Fingal's Cave , is a famous overture written by Felix Mendelssohn inspired by his visit to Staffa . Marie Dare 's Hebridean Suite for cello and piano was composed in 1947. Contemporary musicians associated with
12519-546: The youngest unit of the Great Estuarine Group, the ' Skudiburgh Formation '. Inner Hebrides The Inner Hebrides ( / ˈ h ɛ b r ɪ d iː z / HEB -rid-eez ; Scottish Gaelic : na h-Eileanan a-staigh , lit. 'the Inner Isles';) is an archipelago off the west coast of mainland Scotland , to the south east of the Outer Hebrides . Together these two island chains form
12636-510: Was a time of improvement and population growth. Roads and quays were built, the slate industry became a significant employer on Easdale and surrounding islands, and the construction of the Crinan and Caledonian canals and other engineering works such as Telford's " Bridge across the Atlantic " improved transport and access. However, in the mid-19th century, the inhabitants of many parts of
12753-516: Was also considered better quality, commanding a higher price in the Lowlands. This was due to the method of taxation: malt was subject to tax (at a rate that climbed substantially between the 1790s and 1822). The licensed distillers, therefore, used more raw grain in an effort to reduce their tax bill. The Highland magistrates, themselves members of the landowning classes, had a lenient attitude to unlicensed distillers—all of whom would be tenants in
12870-491: Was enacted by the Scottish Parliament in 2005 in order to provide continuing support for the language. By the time of the 2001 census Kilmuir parish in Skye had 47% Gaelic speakers, with Skye overall having an unevenly distributed 31%. At that time Tiree had 48% of the population Gaelic-speaking, Lismore 29%, Islay 24%, Coll 12%, Jura 11%, Mull 13% and Iona 5%. Students of Scottish Gaelic travel from all over
12987-466: Was made. This process made manufacturing more affordable by performing the equivalent of multiple distillation steps. The new still dramatically increased production and the resultant whisky was less intense and smoother, making it more popular. Secondly, there was a shortage of wine and brandy in France, significant by 1880, due to phylloxera , a parasitic insect, destroying many vineyards, which led to
13104-455: Was not made there. A bottler's name may also be listed, sometimes independent of the distillery. In addition to requiring that Scotch whisky be distilled in Scotland, the SWR requires that it also be bottled and labelled in Scotland. Labels may also indicate the region of the distillery (for example, Islay or Speyside ). Alcoholic strength is expressed on the label by Alcohol By Volume (ABV) or sometimes simply "Vol". Typically, bottled whisky
13221-399: Was re-introduced to Rùm in 1975 and has successfully spread to various neighbouring islands, including Mull. There is a small population of red-billed chough concentrated on the islands of Islay and Colonsay . Mountain hare (apparently absent from Skye in the 18th century) and rabbit are now abundant and predated on by Scottish wildcat and pine marten . Red deer are common on
13338-474: Was the first person in Scotland to take out a licence for a distillery under the new Act, founding the Glenlivet Distillery in 1824, to make single malt Scotch. Some of the distilleries which started legal operations in the next few years included Bowmore, Strathisla , Balblair , and Glenmorangie ; all remain in business today. Two events helped to increase whisky's popularity. The first
13455-399: Was the introduction in 1831 of the column still . Aeneas Coffey patented a refined version of a design originally created by Robert Stein, based on early innovations by Anthony Perrier, for the new type of still which produced whisky much more efficiently than the traditional pot stills . The column still allowed for continuous distillation , without the need for cleaning after each batch
13572-424: Was variously used in succeeding centuries to refer to individuals of mixed Scandinavian-Celtic descent and/or culture who became dominant in south-west Scotland, parts of Northern England and the isles. The early 10th century are an obscure period so far as the Hebrides are concerned but Aulaf mac Sitric , who fought at the Battle of Brunanburh in 937 is recorded as a King of the Isles from c. 941 to 980. It
13689-399: Was widely felt. The British government's strategy was to estrange the clan chiefs from their kinsmen and turn their descendants into English-speaking landlords whose main concern was the revenues their estates brought rather than the welfare of those who lived on them. This may have brought peace to the islands, but in the following century it came at a terrible price. The early 19th century
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