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Ten leading ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ have joined together in a new initiative to attract visitors to the capital and promote their high quality whisky experience to tourists. The scheme – created under the auspices of ScotlandWhisky, Scotland’s national Whisky tourism initiative - is launched today. 

Chris Conway, of ScotlandWhisky, said

“Pubs and bars are an important part of many visitors’ experience of Scotland, as is the wish to try Scotch Whisky in its home country. ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ is a new collaboration to ensure that visitors know where they can be ensured a great bar and whisky experience.

“Edinburgh is rightly famous for its bars and ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ brings together ten fantastic examples of where visitors can enjoy a dram in a traditional setting.  Each bar has a great reputation for its Scotch Whisky range and staff that have passed the Scotch Whisky training school.”

Gary Still from ‘Whiski Bar’ on the Royal Mile , a member of the ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ group said:

“With bars feeling the effects of the ‘credit crunch’, this collaboration reflects the determination of the bars, and their partners in the Scotch Whisky industry, not to standstill during this difficult period.  Working with other bars in the group to attract locals and tourists alike, we want to show the best of Scottish hospitality and may be teach customers a little bit about our national drink along the way.”

The scheme is being supported by a free ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ map and a more in-depth website (www.whiskybarsofedinburgh.com).  Similar schemes in Glasgow and other parts of Scotland are being developed.

-ENDS-

Notes for editors

The ‘Whisky Bars of Edinburgh’ are:

The Albannach                       The Royal Mile

Whiski                                     119 High Street

Scotch Whisky Experience    354 High Street

The Abbotsford                      3-5 Rose Street

Leslies Bar                              45 Ratcliffe Terrace

The Bow Bar                           80 West Bow

Stockbridge Tap                     2-4 Raeburn Place        

Thomson's Bar                        182-184 Morrison Street

Teuchters                               26 William Street

Teuchters' Landing                1c Docks Place

Research by Harris International for VisitScotland - ‘Visitors’ Perceptions of Scotland as a food destination’ (February 2008) - reported that two-thirds of visitors to Scotland visited a bar to eat and drink.

Further information about ScotlandWhisky and its Embassy network is available at www.scotlandwhisky.com.  ScotlandWhisky is supported by The Scotch Whisky Association, The Scotch Whisky Experience, Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, VisitScotland and its membership.

If you would like an interview with Chris Conway or any further information or photography, please contact:

Tel: 0131 478 7120

c.conway@whisky-heritage.co.uk