A CHARITY whisky tasting to be hosted by a Forres man who travels the globe representing one of the world’s most awarded single malt whisky has sold out in less than 24 hours.
Struan Grant Ralph, global brand ambassador for Glenfiddich will present the event for the Forres Heritage Trust as part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.
And all proceeds from the event, which will take place on April 30, will be donated to the Trust which looks after the upkeep of the Tolbooth and ensures Nelson’s Tower opens each year as a visitor attraction.
Struan, a former Forres Academy pupil said: “I travel the world with Glenfiddich but have recently moved back home to Forres and was approached by the Trust to host an event and I jumped at the chance. I am delighted to be back home in Forres and I think it’s really important to get involved in your local community.
“Whisky is clearly a passion of mine and so is Scottish history, so being able to host this event for the heritage trust is a natural fit.
A Night With Glenfiddich will take place in the historic court room within the Tolbooth which recently underwent a massive refurbishment.
Guests will be treated to a unique opportunity to taste the latest releases from Glenfiddich including the new 23-year-old Grand Cru and some rare single casks direct from the distillery warehouse.
George Alexander, chairman of the Trust and a former teacher of Struan’s said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Struan to the Tolbooth for our second event in association with the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. He has been very generous in agreeing to do the event and the money raised will be used to continue our renovation of the Tolbooth. The fact that it sold out in less than 24 hours, is a good indication that it is going to be a fantastic night.
“The building is hundreds of years old and to ensure that it continues to be a focal point of our town, it needs to be maintained, so Struan’s generosity in running this event for us should be thanked and commended.”
In January, it was revealed that plans are in place to make access available to the external walkway around the old clock tower in the Tolbooth which would be opened as a tourist attraction.
The project has received £9375 from the Town Centre Regeneration Funding which was allocated for ‘alterations to the outside gallery around the clock tower’, however, the development is expected to cost in excess of £50,000.