Whisky month kicks off in Scotland

Whisky Month celebrates Scotland's quality national drink during May, with events expected to attract around an additional 30,000 attendees to a range of Homecoming events. The First Minister opened the £3 million Scotch whisky tour at the Scotch Whisky Experience. The tour showcases the world's largest collection of whisky, features an interactive tour and charts the history of whisky from cottage industry to global leader. The First Minister then attended the launch of the 10th Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. Salmond said: "Whisky Month offers a great opportunity for whisky enthusiasts from home and across the globe to take part in a variety of themed events as part of our Homecoming celebrations." "The Scottish Government is committed to promoting Scotch Whisky worldwide and to protect its special status among international markets, as witnessed by the recent progress achieved in China. "One of the five key themes of our Homecoming year is whisky and I am confident Whisky Month, the Speyside Whisky Festival and the new Scotch whisky tour will offer visitors a great opportunity to celebrate - and sample - Scotland's national drink."