The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Brian Stormont rounds up the latest news, releases and events for food and drink fans
LIMITED EDITION ROYAL TINS
Walker’s Shortbread has launched two limited-edition royal tins to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Available now, the new, elegant collector’s item tins each house official royal portrait photography of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, taken soon after her accession to the throne, honouring and commemorating her 70-year reign.
The ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Balmoral’ commemorative tin, the largest of the two, displays an intimate and relaxed portrait of the late Queen taken at the royal family’s Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle, Aberdeenshire. Taken in September 1952, the portrait captures the Queen with one of her beloved corgis outside in the beautiful Balmoral grounds, a place where she was said to be at her happiest.
The second commemorative edition tin, ‘Queen Elizabeth II: The Icon’, showcases a stunning portrait, shot 20 days after her accession to the throne. Taken at Buckingham Palace by professional portrait photographer Dorothy Wilding, it is one of the first official photographs that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II sat for and was used for the new sovereign portrait across coins, banknotes and stamps.
Walker’s Shortbread has shared a long association with the royal family and is proud that these editions are the first releases of Walker’s 125th anniversary year.
Nicky Walker, Walker’s Shortbread managing director, said: “Our family shared in the profound sadness on the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, whose warmth and dedication was truly inspirational. We feel honoured as royal warrant holders to have been able to create these special, keepsake tins with such profound portraits marking Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the throne.”
The new tins are available from www.walkersshortbread. com
FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets are now on sale for Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival which will return in spring 2023.
This year’s event will offer a bumper programme of whisky-inspired events designed to entice and inform the most experienced of connoisseurs to the whisky novice.
George McNeil, chairman of The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, said: “Whether you’re a dram expert or just entering the world of whisky for the first time, we will be delighted to welcome you to Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival in spring.
“Taking place across Elgin, to Kingussie and Forres, our comprehensive programme of events brings the journey of Scottish whisky to life for visitors, creating truly world-class and unforgettable experiences set among spectacular scenery.
“Our visitors travel from as many as 35 different countries, bringing everyone together over a shared passion and interest for whisky. I can think of no better antidote to the various challenges of the past few years.”
For more information, visit www.spiritofspeyside.com