LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

Third Fife Whisky Festival proves a sell out success

The third Fife Whisky Festival proved a sell-out success with more people enjoying the event than ever.

Third Fife Whisky Festival proves a sell out success

Article Source: Blackburn Communications
Last Updated: 19 March 2020 13:59

The third Fife Whisky Festival proved a sell-out success with more people enjoying the event than ever.

Around 650 whisky-lovers attended the Festival which organisers, Karen Somerville and Justine Hazlehurst, have announced will return for a fourth outing in 2021.

Wendy Chamberlain, Lib-Dem MP for North East Fife, described the event as “impressive” and welcomed the economic boost it brings to the Kingdom.

She said: “The Festival was very busy once again and is an important event for Fife.

“What is really impressive is the representation of distilleries – not only do all the local distillers attend but the big players from all over Scotland come along plus the smaller, bespoke companies.

“The Festival is very important in terms of tourism for North East Fife and it’s great that it brings people into Cupar and to visit Lindores Abbey which is a fantastic setting for the Friday dinner.

“It’s wonderful to see how the Festival is growing in numbers and in the variety of events which are included and I would like to congratulate Karen, Justine and their team of volunteers.”


Fife Whisky Festival once again included a whisky-themed dinner at Lindores Abbey Distillery in Newburgh with author Ian Rankin as this year’s guest of honour.

Co-founder Karen Somerville said: “It was just a fantastic weekend which went really smoothly, and we’re delighted it was a huge success once again.

“We had 80 people for the banquet dinner this time which was double the number we seated last year and Ian Rankin was a great speaker.

“Everyone enjoyed his after-dinner talk about his love for whisky and the way he weaves that into his stories by making his main character, Inspector Rebus, a whisky fan too.

“He also talked about growing up in Fife and his memories of childhood walks near the Kingdom’s Cameronbridge Distillery which this year provided our exclusive Festival bottling.

“We’re now looking forward to returning to Fife for our fourth Festival in March next year.”


The Festival including two tasting sessions at the Corn Exchange in Cupar with an increased number of attendees – 325 at each gathering - compared to last year.
Whisky connoisseurs enjoyed drams from more than 35 distilleries and independent bottlers including Springbank, Tullibardine, Blair Athol, Glen Scotia, Glenfiddich and Eden Mill.

And on the Sunday, there was the chance to attend a special screening of whisky film The Amber Light at Kingsbarns Distillery and Visitor Centre near St Andrews followed by a tour and tasting.

The Festival also raised £650 for Age Concern in Cupar with a raffle.
Fife Whisky Festival was launched in 2017 by Ms Hazlehurst, founder of Kask Whisky, and Mrs Somerville, managing director of Angels’ Share Glass, with the first event held in March 2018.

The Festival, sponsored by Bruce Stevenson Insurance Brokers, legal firm MacRoberts LLP and global construction company ISG, aims to showcase the renaissance of whisky-making in Fife by bringing together the best whisky producers from the region and beyond.

Ms Hazlehurst said: “The Festival really has gone from strength to strength since we started out – getting bigger and better every year.

“We’ve had some great feedback from the distillers and festival-goers about how much they enjoyed the event and how well run it was.

“And we’ve also heard from local business owners who were pleased with just how busy the town was over the weekend and how that boosted their business.

“A lot of people came from outside Fife and stayed over on the Friday and Saturday nights which meant the local B&Bs and restaurants took lots of bookings.”


Dates will be confirmed for the 2021 event shortly with plans including the introduction of a merchandising stall where fans can buy Fife Whisky Festival glasses, aprons and whisky water droppers.

The organisers also intend to launch a new website for 2021.

For more details about the Festival, visit

Latest Fife News

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.

READ MORE
Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes

Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.

READ MORE
Local pupil wins Easter hard hat design competition

Local pupil wins Easter hard hat design competition

A local pupil from Pathhead Primary School in Kirkcaldy is the winner of Miller Homes’ first ever Easter hard hat design competition, the homebuilder’s take on the traditional Easter bonnet.

READ MORE
Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours

Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!

READ MORE
Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Free activities this Easter at Dobbies

Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.

READ MORE
Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations

The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.

READ MORE
Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!

This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.

READ MORE
Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue

A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.

READ MORE
A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!

READ MORE
National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me

Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!

READ MORE
Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies invites nominations for national community initiative

Dobbies today launches Dobbies Community Gardens, to offer support for community and charity groups across the UK to help transform, restore or start their indoor or outdoor green spaces.

READ MORE
Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

Scottish stovies and strange sheep are announced as the winning entries for The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

A sinister story involving 'stovies' and a grisly tale about the strange sheep of Greshornish have been chosen as the winning and runner-up stories in The Glencairn Glass crime short story competition

READ MORE
Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

Easter fun for every bunny with the National Trust For Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is going hopping mad for Easter and hosting a bumper 35 Easter egg trails at the special places in its care this spring.

READ MORE
Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Inspiring runners demonstrate transformative power of running

Great Run 2024 series highlights inspirational stories from runners around the UK.

READ MORE
Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies invites families to hop along to its breakfast event

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is bringing back its much-loved Easter event, inviting families to hop along to their nearest store and enjoy an Easter Bunny Breakfast egg-stravaganza.

READ MORE
Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Celebrate International Womens Day at Vue with these iconic stories

Friday 8th March marks International Women's Day and to celebrate Vue is set to screen four inspiring films which follow the achievements of incredible female leads.

READ MORE
Scottish trad music is on the rise

Scottish trad music is on the rise

New research released by VisitScotland reveals the growing popularity of Scottish traditional music, finding that over a third of Scots (34%) are listening to it more often in the past year.

READ MORE
The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

The 5th Paisley Book Festival programme is announced

A stellar line-up of authors are set to take Paisley by storm at this year's Paisley Book Festival in April!

READ MORE
Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

Last chance to secure an Earlybird Entry for the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run

The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run is back on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, and the Earlybird offer to save up to £8 off your entry ends this Friday 1st March at 10am.

READ MORE
Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

Animated film raises thousands for Shelter Scotland

A Scottish author's poignant tale of generosity and kindness has raised £2,262 to help the homeless.

READ MORE
Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies unveils its TEAriffic Mothers Day experience

Dobbies is offering customers the chance to treat the mother figures in their lives to an indulgent Mother's Day Afternoon Tea experience and a special flower gift on March 9th & 10th.

READ MORE
Fishermen bid to reel in political support

Fishermen bid to reel in political support

An Impassioned photo-led exhibition that depicts the challenge, pride and responsibility felt by those working in Scotland’s fishing industry is to debut within the Scottish Parliament.

READ MORE
Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

Who will be named Scottish influencer of the year

The Scottish Influencer Awards, the major awards ceremony celebrating Scotland's stars of social, has announced the full shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the Influencer of the Year.

READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops in March

Dobbies Garden Centre hosts free gardening workshops in March

Dobbies is encouraging gardeners of all ages and skill levels across the country to get one of their 5 a day by learning how to grow soft fruits at one of its free workshops in March.

READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show returns, celebrating 10 years of same sex marriage in Scotland

Scottish Wedding Show returns, celebrating 10 years of same sex marriage in Scotland

Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this Valentine's weekend and is putting love on display as the country celebrates 10 years of same sex marriage.

READ MORE
3D model offers chance to come face to face with Mary Queen of Scots

3D model offers chance to come face to face with Mary Queen of Scots

To mark the anniversary of Mary Queen of Scots’ death, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has released a digital 3D model of her death mask.

READ MORE
Rory McIlroy set for Genesis Scottish Open Title Defence

Rory McIlroy set for Genesis Scottish Open Title Defence

Rory McIlroy will return to the Genesis Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick from July 11th-14th, with tickets on sale now!

READ MORE
Romance blooms at Dobbies

Romance blooms at Dobbies

Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, will be indulging people of all ages with its Valentine's Afternoon Tea, taking place across 68 of its stores on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 February!

READ MORE
Jack Docherty announces Scottish tour for top reviewed show

Jack Docherty announces Scottish tour for top reviewed show

Following a sell-out run at the Fringe, Jack Docherty, the BAFTA award-winning star of Scot Squad and Absolutely, is taking his critically-acclaimed show David Bowie & Me: Parallel Lives on tour.

READ MORE
Championships medals revealed, as Museum of World Athletics Exhibition officially opened by Scottish Athletics legends

Championships medals revealed, as Museum of World Athletics Exhibition officially opened by Scottish Athletics legends

With less than four weeks until the first World Athletics Indoor Champion Glasgow 24 is crowned, organisers have revealed the medal specially commissioned for the event following a design competition.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Saint PHNX
Glaswegian siblings Saint Phnx have announced a gig at PJ Molloys on Tuesday 28th May!
Disco on the Beach: Elie Beach
Come along and join Ya Dancer Silent Discos for their Outdoor Disco at Elie Beach, Leven on Saturday 27th April!
Arab Strap
Following their critically-acclaimed UK Top 20 album As Days Get Dark, Arab Strap join us at the Byre, ready to make some noise with their new and upcoming album.
Anything Goes
Set sail with Lochgelly & District Amateur Musical Association for Anything Goes at the Lochgelly Centre!
Kirkcaldy Links Market
The famous Kirkcaldy Links Market, Europe's Longest Street Fair, will return to the Esplanade between the 17th and 22nd April 2024!

Popular Listings

Adam Smith Theatre Alhambra Theatre Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Corn Exchange Cupar Kings Theatre Kirkcaldy Lochgelly Centre PJ Molloys Rothes Halls Teasses Estate The Byre Theatre St Andrews