Scotland’s first rum festival goes digital this summer

SCOTLAND’S first rum festival will be celebrated online this summer and raise funds for The Ben.

Initially scheduled to be held in The Merchants’ Hall in Edinburgh, the inaugural Scottish Rum Festival will now be broadcast on the festival’s social media channels on July 25 between 12.30pm and 9.30pm, with £5 from every ticket sold donated to the licensed trade charity. There will also be a trade event on July 24 for invitees.

Showcasing distillers and blenders from across Scotland – including Matugga Distillers in Livingston, Ninefold Distillery in Dummfrieshire, VS Distillers in Orkney, Brewdog Distilling Co, Deeside Distillery in Banchory, Rumburra Scotland in Bonny, and Glasgow-based Spirit of Glasgow, Wester Spirit Co and The Glasgow Distillery Co – the online event will feature talks, tastings and brand experiences; ticket holders will also receive a festival tasting pack with ten rum samples and a Glencairn glass.

Dr Kit Caruthers, owner and head distiller at Ninefold Distillery, said: “This is a great opportunity for the burgeoning Scottish rum sector, and I am delighted to play a part in the inaugural Scottish Rum Festival. There is a growing band of producers who make rum authentically and honestly here in Scotland, and we’re looking forward to giving everyone a great rum experience.”

Chris Gardner, chief executive of The Ben, said: “It’s wonderful to see Scotland’s rum industry come together. Donations from the festival will help us to provide social, financial or emotional support to trade professionals affected by the coronavirus pandemic, for which we are very grateful.”

Tickets are priced at £34.95 and are available to purchase at ScotRumFest.com.