Ardbeg releases whisky in support of community hub on island
THE Glenmorangie Company, the firm behind Ardbeg, has launched a new initiative to support local community organisations in the distillery’s home town of Port Ellen, on Islay.
The whisky firm has joined forces with the North Highland Initiative (NHI) and local charity South Islay Development to build a ‘community-hub’ in the town.
Named The Kildalton Project, the partnership will involve the development of a community-run hub in Port Ellen, which will be used as a centre for social activities, training and learning, as well as acting as an information centre for visitors to the south of the island.
The partnership aims to develop a ‘community-hub’ in Port Ellen on Islay.
To assist in fundraising for the project the Ardbeg distillery has launched a limited edition whisky, Ardbeg Kildalton, which is initially available at the distillery but will be sold online later in the year.
Taking its name from local landmark the Kildalton Cross, the 46% ABV whisky was created by Ardbeg director of distilling and whisky creation Dr Bill Lumsden.
“Ardbeg Kildalton is a rather curious whisky, created from an interesting cask selection,” he said. “Sublime whiskies from two carefully selected years have been chosen for their juxtaposed but complimentary styles.”
David Whiteford, chair of NHI, said the group is “delighted to have The Glenmorangie Company as a new partner”. “The Kildalton Project will bring alive this vision in a vital island community and is the kind of project where we can add support and expertise to already hard working rural community groups,” said Whiteford.
Jackie Thomson, visitor centre manager at Ardbeg d
istillery and chair of South Islay Development, said: “Islay is really ‘on the move’ and South Islay in particular is becoming a dynamic place to visit as a result of the projects we already have underway.
“A new community hub will be an important piece of the jigsaw in sustaining Port Ellen as a vibrant community.”
