More than £130,000 was raised for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) last month through a partnership between Isle of Arran Distillers and actor Ewan McGregor.
The company gifted McGregor a cask of whisky – an ex-sherry hogshead – in 1998. It was one of the first casks from its Lochranza Distillery to reach three years of maturation and officially become whisky.
Last month the distillery team worked with the Obi Wan Kenobi actor to fill 150 bottles from the cask, which were then auctioned through Whisky Auctioneer to raise money for CHAS.
The limited run was Christened Ewan’s Cut, with each label featuring a snippet of film dialogue and no two bottles the same.
The packaging was designed, pro-bono, by Edinburgh creative company Leith Agency.
Bottle number one was sold for £4350 – the highest price paid for a bottle of Arran single malt at auction.
“We are absolutely delighted that the auction of ‘Ewan’s Cut’ has successfully raised an incredible £135,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS),” said Isle of Arran Distillers managing director, Euan Mitchell.
“This project has been a journey close to our hearts since Ewan McGregor first joined us at Lochranza Distillery back in 1998.
“To see his private cask of Arran single malt contribute to such a worthy cause is truly special.
“It has been a privilege to collaborate with Ewan, Whisky Auctioneer, and the Leith Agency to bring this unique whisky to life, and we are deeply grateful for the support and generosity from everyone involved.
“The funds raised will make a significant difference in supporting the vital work of CHAS, helping families during their most challenging times.”
McGregor said CHAS has ‘always been close to my heart’.
“I know it’s the children they help and their families who will benefit a lot from this – so thank you very much to everyone involved and to those that placed generous bids in the auction,” he said.
Rami Okasha of CHAS said the project will ‘make a huge difference to children and families’ across Scotland.
