NEWS : Scotch Malt Whisky Society new festival for Edinburgh

The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is hosting ‘The Gathering’, a week-long celebration of its Leith origins that will bring members together to discover and share wonderful whisky experiences. The festival is taking place from Monday 2 to Sunday 8 September at The Vaults and other iconic Leith venues.

‘The Gathering’ encapsulates what it means to be a member of The Scotch Malt Whisky Society, with a jam-packed week of fun-filled whisky-themed events. Festivities include a fascinating walking tour of Leith’s illustrious whisky history, an exclusive whisky and Leith food pairing, tasting and film screenings at renowned Leith venues, as well as member events in the courtyard of the spiritual home of the Society, The Vaults.

Attend events like :

• Tuesday 3rd – Whisky tasting and film screening - Sunshine on Leith @ Leith Theatre

• Wednesday 4th - Whisky tasting and film screening –Trainspotting @ The Biscuit Factory

• Friday 6th - First Friday Members’ gathering @ The Vaults

• Saturday 7th - Outdoor BBQ and party @ The Vaults Courtyard

BRINGING MEMBERS TOGETHER WHEREVER THEY ARE IN THE WORLD

The SMWS is now a truly global membership organisation, with members and partner bars across the world. For those who can’t make the journey to Leith, SMWS will share the spirit of The Vaults through an integrated online tasting experience. The Virtual Tasting, hosted by SMWS Master Ambassador John McCheyne, will be screened live from The Vaults to the world via Facebook on Saturday 7 September.

Branches across Europe including Munich, Paris and Stockholm will also be holding The Gathering events at their venues for local members from August 20 to September 21.

CELEBRATING LEITH’S HERITAGE

The SMWS will celebrate the arts and film that support its unconventional nature with festivities going beyond The Vaults to other iconic Leith venues, with exclusive screenings at the beautiful Leith Theatre, as well as The Biscuit Factory.

The whisky experts have partnered with local producers, including a colourful food pairing with the much-loved Kilted Donuts, who will be pairing five of their sweet and savoury donuts with delicious SMWS whiskies.

Throughout the week, SMWS member and history enthusiast Justine Hazlehurst will be hosting regular walking tours of Leith, getting up close to the area’s intriguing history and whisky heritage.

For details on all the events and to buy tickets, visit: www.campaign.smws.com/the-gathering