Renowned Scottish actor Ewan McGregor has partnered with an island distillery to auction off 150 limited edition bottles of whisky for charity this month.
McGregor previously toasted the inaugural cask of Arran Single Malt from the Lochranza Distillery in 1998, marking the first legal cask to be laid down on the island for over 150 years.
The actor was gifted his own, ex-sherry hogshead cask that day, which has since been maturing for almost three decades in the distillery warehouse.
This month, the Scottish star has announced plans to auction a collection of bottles from his personal cask with all proceeds will go to Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), a charity dedicated to supporting children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
He said: “I have been involved with CHAS and visited their hospices many times over the years, so I know the unwavering care that both Rachel House and Robin House provide children and their families during their hardest moments.
“My hope is that this auction can raise a significant amount to ensure that these wonderful places are able to continue providing the service they do.”
The limited-edition bottles will be auctioned by Whisky Auctioneer, the world’s leading online whisky auction platform, from Friday, September 27 to Monday, October 7.
The auction is open to bidders globally, with Whisky Auctioneer reported to be waiving the seller’s commission and donating its 12.5% buyer’s commission, ensuring that the maximum possible funds reach CHAS.
Joe Wilson, head curator and spirits specialist at Whisky Auctioneer said: “At Whisky Auctioneer, we take great pride in supporting charitable causes, and we were honoured to be approached to bring Ewan’s Cut to auction.
“The launch of Isle of Arran Distillers nearly three decades ago was a landmark moment in the whisky industry, ushering in a new era of independent Scottish distilleries.
"We are proud to play our part in this exciting chapter of their story and look forward to sharing this remarkable whisky with enthusiasts globally."
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This rare 26-year-old Arran Single Malt, matured in an ex-Sherry Hogshead cask, is one of the oldest whiskies ever produced by the Lochranza Distillery.
Bottled at 46% ABV, each bottle features a unique, specially designed label.
The first twenty-four of the bottles have been personally signed by Ewan McGregor.
Stewart Bowman, distillery manager at Isle of Arran Distillers said: “In 1998 Ewan McGregor joined us at Lochranza Distillery to toast the first cask of Arran Single Malt.
“Since then Ewan has gone on to have an amazing career and we have built a global whisky brand whilst proudly maintaining our independent status.
“We are thrilled to invite Ewan back to the distillery, where our story began almost 30 years ago, to present him with the finished bottles of Ewan's Cut.
“Like Ewan, we remain close to our roots and are passionate about giving back to the community. We have looked after Ewan's cask for the last 26 years and we are delighted to work with him, Whisky Auctioneer and Leith to raise money for CHAS.”
To register to take part in the auction, visit www.whiskyauctioneer.com
For more information on Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), visit www.chas.org.uk
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