The following is an eclectic, but hopefully useful, list of links. There is a (sometimes very loose!) connection to whisky for the majority and all are personal recommendations. The web link you click on will open in a new window.

Whisky information and books

A fascinating site. Ian Buxton and Neil Wilson are producing very affordable, top quality facsimile reprints of out-of-print classic whisky books. Not only that, you can be actively involved by becoming a Founding Subscriber and helping to ensure that your particular favourite is created. And it just gets better! With each book you also get a free, searchable CD version of the text - a brilliant idea.

Ulf Buxrud’s Whisky site
A classic that no home should be without. Includes information on Ulf’s own extensive collection, a very comprehensive list of whisky books, a section on lost distilleries, plus much, much more.

Scotch Whisky Association
The SWA is the trade association for the Scotch whisky industry but this newly (2006) revamped site has a lot of interest, including information on visiting distilleries, whisky recipes, and a short video on whisky production.

Scotchwhisky.net
A mine of useful facts and figures on just about every aspect of Scotch whisky plus a regularly updated news section.

Accommodation near distilleries
I love my job because, amongst other perks, for several weeks of the year I get to spend time in Scotland visiting distilleries. Below are a few personal recommendations for accommodation if you’re lucky enough to get the chance to visit a few distilleries yourself.

Port Charlotte Hotel, Islay
If you’re on a pilgrimage to Islay then for a touch of luxury and some great art stay at the Port Charlotte. The bar has (as might be expected) an excellent range of single malts and it’s a very convivial place to be.

Cuil-An-Darraich, Logierait, Pitlochry
Handy for Blair Athol, Edradour, Aberfeldy etc. Beautifully situated with a view of the River Tay. The house has been recently refurbished, and Racheal’s food and hospitality are second to none plus if you like live music she’s the girl who will know where it’s happening locally!

Milton of Grange Farmhouse, Forres, Moray
If you are visiting Speyside then this B & B is ideally situated for numerous distilleries, and it’s just down the road from Findhorn with its fabulous beach and famous Findhorn Foundation. The accommodation is comfortable and the breakfast good and plentiful. Hilda Massie, the owner, is a real gem.

Archiestown Hotel, near Aberlour
A great hotel in the heart of Speyside. Roaring log fires, good food, and cheerful staff – what more could you want? Ask for Room 10 – it has a great view of Ben Rinnes.

Rickla, Orkney
Make the effort and visit Highland Park and Scapa distilleries on Orkney – it’s well worth the trip. If you do then Orkney’s only 5 star B & B, Rickla, is set in a fabulous position where you truly get a feeling of the prehistoric landscape that surrounds it. Wonderful bedrooms with their own sitting rooms overlooking the Ring of Brodgar in the distance plus good food make this a place that is hard to leave. Jacky and Stewart are excellent hosts.

Miscellaneous

Martins of Glasgow
If anyone can repair your favourite Rolex/Omega/Tag Heuer then Martins Jewellers are the people. Established in 1987, they have evolved from being a typical high street jeweller into a company providing a high quality, worldwide, repair service for jewellery, watches, clocks & barometers/barographs. Prepared to investigate (usually for no charge) the possibility of repair on items written off by others, if the job is at all possible then their skilled craftsmen will carry out a high quality repair at competitive prices - with all work being guaranteed. Martin & Gail, the owners, are extremely approachable and, as an added bonus, Martin is a graduate of the Bruichladdich Whisky Academy and an avid Laddie fan so you can chat about whisky as well as arranging for your cherished item to be repaired!