The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Rounding up the latest news, releases and events for local food and drink fans
WHISKY AUCTION RETURNS AFTER TWO-YEAR ENFORCED COVID HIATUS
Following a two-year break due to Covid-19 restrictions, Craigellachie Village Council (CVC) is compiling the catalogue for its eighth whisky auction, taking place during the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival 2022 on Sunday May 1.
The CVC has gained a reputation for staging a very professional event, meeting the aspirations of sellers and buyers, while attracting interest from local, national and international whisky fans.
Since 2013, the seven Craigellachie whisky auctions have sold a total of 888 lots at a hammer value of £172,106. At the last event in 2019 the highest-valued bottle sold for £2,000. However, while many bottles attained prices exceeding £1,000, there were also bottles available for under £20.
The income raised by previous auctions had enabled the CVC to finance various maintenance and improvement projects within the village. The latest improvement is the recently completed extension to the village hall, which provides disabled access and facilities plus much-needed storage space.
Former chairwoman and co-ordinator of the auction, Jane Tweedie, said: “The Covid pandemic meant we were unable to host the auction in 2020 and 2021, but we are all looking forward to welcoming the public back to the village hall for our auction on May 1 2022.
“The planning and preparation for the auction involves a considerable amount of hard work for our small committee, and we are fortunate to have a very willing group of volunteers who help us pull it all together. In the past the atmosphere in the village hall on auction day has had a real buzz and we are hoping this year’s event is an especially exciting auction.”
The Village Council committee and helpers have been working hard to ensure the event runs smoothly and Colin Fraser, a professional auctioneer based in Edinburgh, will again oversee bidding.
Colin grew up in Craigellachie and comes back to the village each year to conduct the auction. He said: “I am delighted to be asked back to support Craigellachie Village Council in this fantastic fundraising endeavour. The two-year break has felt a long one, but I know we will all be back with a bang come the auction. The market has never felt stronger, so I am hoping for some great bottles to come in for sale.”
The event will take place in the Craigellachie Village Hall, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Full details about the event can be found at craigellachie.org.uk and on Facebook @craigellachievillagecouncil
The range of items entered in the auction will be very varied, and there is sure to be something to tempt everyone and suit all budgets, whether buyers are looking for a bargain bottle or a special bottle to keep as an investment.