Whisky, fire and song make a great weekend

The Raasay Distillery celebrated its fourth year of Whisky, Fire & Song in tremendous style at the weekend with music, lanterns, torch-lit processions – and plenty of whisky.

This year the festivities began on Friday night, with a night of Raasay Tunes in the Gathering Room at the Isle of Raasay Distillery and featured live music performances from Calum Alex MacMillan, from Lewis, and Ross Martin, from Arisaig.

On Saturday, the festivities included community events such as the annual themed cake competition and face-painting, which took place at Raasay House.

The frivolity continued into the evening at Isle of Raasay Distillery and included the traditional passing round of the quaich. The islanders then gathered outside the distillery and, with torches blazing and the Raasay Fire Brigade as guard of honour, marched along the lanes.

Calum Alex MacMillan (left) and Ross Martin perform on Friday night

Bad weather meant that the procession was not able to finish at the Boathouse for the bonfire as planned. Wind and rain did not dampen spirits, instead the torch-lit procession marched to Raasay House to finish the night with mulled wine and good craic in the West Wing and bar.

Scott Mooney, from Raasay Distillery, told Scottish Field: ‘It was great to welcome so many locals from the island as well as those from further a field to the distillery to celebrate this year’s Whisky, Fire & Song event with live music, lanterns, torch-lit processions and, of course, plenty of whisky!

‘We started Whisky, Fire & Song back in 2015 when the plans for the distillery were confirmed. Working with the community and Raasay House, we introduced an event to help promote the island at the end of the tourist season to encourage visitors to the island at a time of year when they might not normally come.

Enjoying some whisky before the Whisky, Fire Song Procession on Saturday evening

‘Each year the event has grown and brought more visitors over to the island who now visit specifically to attend the Whisky, Fire & Song event.

‘High winds meant the usual bonfire we normally conclude the event with wasn’t feasible, however wind or rain can’t put islanders down for long. Instead, the torch-lit procession marched from the Distillery over to Raasay House to finish the night with mulled wine and good craic in their West Wing & bar.

‘We would like to say a huge thank you to all those involved in the organisation and running of this year’s event.

‘The teams here at Raasay Distillery, Raasay House, as well as the members of the community who volunteered their time all worked exceptionally hard over the weekend to make it such a success. A special mention to Raasay’s volunteer fire service for ensuring the torchlight procession went smoothly and safely.’

Volunteer firefighters help with the torch parade