New '˜Whisky Galore!' to close 70th Edinburgh film festival

A NEW big-screen version of the classic Scottish comedy 'Whisky Galore!' will close the Edinburgh International Film Festival this summer.

Picture: TSPL

An all-star cast including Eddie Izzard, Gregor Fisher, James Cosmo and Kevin Guthrie are expected on the red carpet for the festival finale on 26 June.

Just like Compton MacKenzie’s original novel, the new film is based on the true-life events which unfolded in 1941 when a ship carrying a huge cargo of whisky sunk off the Hebridean island of Eriskay.

The filmmakers said the remake will tell “the perennial story of a united community putting itself against officialdom and authority. It is the purpose of this film to tap into that international sharing and genuinely entertain a world audience with a popular tale that is universal.”

The classic Scottish comedy will close EIFF this summer. Picture: Graeme Hunter Pictures.

Mark Adams, artistic director of the festival, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be staging the world premiere of Whisky Galore! as the closing night film of this year’s festival.

“It is a delightful adaptation of a much-loved classic and will wrap up our 70th edition in memorable style.”

Tickets for the world premiere of Whisky Galore! go on sale tomorrow at 10am.