/Scotland is number one for... gin

SCOTLAND now produces 70 per cent of the UK’s gin - and it’s got plenty of gin-soaked events lined up to celebrate.

The country is also home to more than 50 different gin producers, and is becoming a magnet for gin enthusiasts thanks to its ever growing collection of craft brands infused with some wonderful natural botanicals.

Scotland’s links to gin go back centuries with many crediting Edinburgh-born George Cleghorn with creating the first gin and tonic after discovering quinine could cure malaria.

The quinine was drunk in tonic water with gin to make it more palatable.

In recent years, ‘Mother’s Ruin’ has enjoyed a notable resurgence.

From Shetland to Dumfries, there are new distilleries, exciting events and unique gin-themed experiences popping up the length and breadth of the country.

The Wee G&T festival, which takes place in Perth on September 16, will feature more than 50 different gins to taste, as well as workshops, a chance to meet the distillers and gin-inspired recipes and cocktails.

Gin Fest Edinburgh meanwhile, runs from 6 to 8 October at the city’s Corn Exchange.

The UK’s biggest and oldest gin festival will feature more than 100 different gins, as well as live music, great food and a gin cocktail bar. Gin lovers can soak up some Scottish distilling heritage with an extra special fifth bar, dedicated exclusively to Scottish gins.

The Stirling Gin Festival, at the Highland Hotel, takes place from 3 to 4 November.

Now in its fourth year, this little festival has gone from strength to strength and now welcomes some of the top distilleries in Scotland. With more than 60 gins to try the hardest task on the day will be where to start.

The country also has a variety of year round gin themed attractions, including a gin retreat on the Hebridean haven of Colonsay, a gin school in Aberdeenshire and its own gin trail.

Created by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) and launched just last year, Scotland’s Gin Trail hopes to mirror the success of the country’s whisky trails by taking visitors on a tour of 12 of the best gin distilleries and bars including Shetland Reel, Eden Mill and Edinburgh Gin.

For more details go to isitscotland. com/scottishgin