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A Wee Touch of Tartan Yvonne McGregor , Section UK VP They came by train, plane and car to the Highlands of Scotland to attend the Tayside Branch annual Ceilidh Friendship weekend. F riday, 8 February was the date 45 IPA members , their friends and their families arrived at the Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie. There were several regulars and it was good to see a lot of new faces too. We had a very special guest this year. David Kernohan from Northern Ireland, who was with his son and daughter in law; Mark and Mandy, along with other family members. David only knew he was coming to Scotland two days before, as it was arranged to start off his 90th Birthday celebrations. After dinner we made the draw for the ‘Tombola’ prizes; a bottle of the IPA 12 year old Blair Athol Malt Whisky, a litre of Gin and a bottle of Prosecco. There was entertainment in the hotel, but the long journeys some folk had made were beginning to tell and many drifted off for an early night. A very sedate start to the weekend.

A Touch of Tartan

Saturday afternoon saw our guests from No. 2 Region in the bar of the Hotel proudly wearing their Northern Ireland rugby shirts. This was a bit of déjà vu as two years ago we watched Scotland play Northern Ireland in the same bar. Sadly, the result was not the same. Then, many of us moved from the bar into the conservatory, where Ewan McIlwraith, from Robertsons of Pitlochry, was all set for a Whisky and Gin tasting.

Saturday morning saw the first car shuttles head to the Speyside Distillery for our Whisky Tour and Tasting. It is in a stunning location on the River Tromie and is unique. While one group were doing their tour, another shuttle run was in progress for the gin lovers, who were doing the Gin Tour and Tasting. Everyone enjoyed an excellent presentation by Findlay, the Distillery Manager and Susan, our regular tour guide. Several bottles of whisky and Byrons Gin were taken back to the hotel.

Whisky Tasting at the Duke of Gordon Hotel

Speyside Distillery

Ewan gave a very informative talk on the drinks and he brought a very good selection for all tastes. A lot of positive comments were forthcoming and once again, several purchases were made, including the IPA 12 year old Malt Whisky. Saturday night is the “Wee touch of Tartan” dinner. We were piped into the dining room by Ronnie on the bagpipes. After dinner the ceilidh commenced and the dance floor was never empty. We had IPA friends from Germany doing a Strip the Willow. Items were donated to the raffle, with some amazing prizes.

Savouring the Flavour of the Whisky, Speyside Distillery

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POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No.2, 2019