Scottish Fact of the Day: Whisky

Tracing the origins of Scotland’s national drink

• The word ‘whisky’ comes from the Gaelic word ‘uisgebeatha’, which translates as ‘water of life’.

• Archaeological evidence suggests that whisky was distilled in Scotland over 6,000 years ago; the Scottish Parliament belatedly introduced a whisky tax in 1644. Around 60-70% of the price of whisky in Scotland is subject to tax levies.

• Glenlivet became Scotland’s first licensed distillery in 1823.

• 1978 was blended whisky’s golden year, selling over 300 million litres - sales have declined steadily since.