Dram fine support for SCAA's island lifeline
Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance is raising a toast to two of the most respected names in the world of whisky after receiving a £20,000+ donation to support its crucial lifeline to the country's islands.
Master Distiller Jim McEwan and Dramfool staged a series of special events to mark Jim's retiral after a lifetime in the whisky industry.
Living on Islay, Jim and his family know first hand the value of air ambulance support for island and outlying communities and he had no hesitation in naming SCAA to receive funds raised during his swan-song sell-out events.
A virtual Masterclass tasting and a special single cask bottling were among the events which attracted support from whisky enthusiasts throughout the world.
Dramfool's Bruce Farquhar explained that the support from Jim's army of fans was "overwhelming" with global interest particularly piqued by the single cask bottling of Jim's beloved Bruichladdich from his personal collection released to celebrate his contribution to the whisky industry.
"We were absolutely blown away by the interest and support we received for the online event and the special bottling," he said. "Having more than 260 people over at least eight time zones and 12 countries tune in for tasting was amazing.
"Then to sell 314 bottles of the celebration Bruichladdich in just seven minutes was beyond all expectations - among the fastest sellouts of any release we've ever had.
"It is this enthusiasm and affection for Jim McEwan, Islay and the work of Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance that resulted in such outstanding support from our clients."
As Jim joined Bruce Farquhar and Colin Fraser from Dramfool to present a cheque for £20,549 to SCAA, he expressed his pleasure at being able to support a charity close to his heart.
"I've worked in Scotland's greatest industry all my days and now, as I hand over to the next generation, it seems appropriate to give something back to a charity that has proved a lifesaver to the people of Islay and other remote communities across Scotland," said Jim.
"Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance is funded solely from public donations and it's crucial that we all try to help fund its life-saving flights. Everyone who supported our special events is helping to keep these guys in the air."
Nick Harvey, Director of Fundraising and Communications at SCAA, said the support shown by Jim and Dramfool would help save lives.
"SCAA is a regular visitor to islands such as Islay and Jura to tend and airlift those seriously ill or injured," he said. "Our pre-hospital care and speed in getting patients to mainland care can literally prove a lifesaver.
"We're extremely grateful to both Jim and Dramfool - and the many hundreds who supported the events - for recognising the value of SCAA's life-saving service. Our thanks to everyone concerned."
Islay-based SCAA volunteer Katherine Urquhart accepts the cheque from (from left) Bruce Farquhar, Jim McEwan and Colin Fraser.