One of the world’s best selling crime writers will be raising a glass on his return to the kingdom next month as the guest of honour at the Fife Whisky Festival.
Author Ian Rankin, who was born in Cardenden in Fife, will speak at the whisky-themed dinner which opens the annual event at Lindores Abbey Distillery in Newburgh.
“As a keen whisky drinker I’m delighted to be speaking at the festival,” said the writer best known for his Inspector Rebus novels.
“Whisky is one of the wonders of Scotland. Sharing a few whiskies with a friend is the ultimate act of conviviality.
“There’s a spirit of place to each lovingly-produced whisky and also a sense of history. Whisky connects us with the past, stirs memories, warms us and welcomes us.
“Scotland punches above its weight in many sectors, but with whisky we have given the world a very great gift.”
Now in its third year, the Fife Whisky Festival was founded by Justine Hazlehurst, of Kask Whisky, and Karen Somerville, of Angels’ Share Glass.
Kicking off with a banquet style dinner, the three-day programme will also include two whisky tasting sessions, with drams on offer from more than 35 distilleries and independent bottlers.
A screening of the film The Amber Light will also take place at Kingsbarns Distillery near St Andrews followed by a tour and tasting session
Directed by Adam Park and nominated for Best Documentary Feature Film at 2019’s Edinburgh International Film Festival, the film follows spirits writer Dave Broom on a quest to gain a deeper understanding of his national drink.
The festival will also feature a special bottling of whisky from Fife’s own Cameronbridge Distillery.
Exclusively selected by Luvians and bottled by James Eadie, this 22-year-old single grain whisky was finished for 12 months in a first fill Marsala hogshead.
The release is limited to just 275 bottles, which are being sold for the first time.
Ms Hazelhurst said: “It’s a real coup to have Ian Rankin join us as guest speaker at the dinner in Lindores Abbey – he’s well known for enjoying a dram and of course he has strong links to Fife so we’re looking forward to hearing what he has to say.
“We’re delighted to introduce a fantastic limited- edition single grain whisky at the Festival which I’m sure will prove popular.
“We’re also really pleased with how the Festival has grown in both numbers and reputation since the first event in 2018. We sold more tickets in the first three days this time than in the first three months for the 2019 festival which is indicative of its growing success.”
Fife Whisky Festival will run from March 6 -8, for more details go to www.fifewhiskyfestival.com
