To celebrate World Whisky Day, on Saturday, 18 May, visitors to Scotland are invited to raise a dram and discover more about whisky, Scotland’s national drink and biggest export.

The practice of distilling whisky has been lovingly perfected throughout Scotland for centuries and began as a way of turning rain-soaked barley into a drinkable spirit, using the fresh water from Scotland’s crystal-clear springs and streams. Looking towards 2020, as Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters, it’s not surprising that whisky will play a starring role alongside Scotland’s fresh seafood, stunning islands and rugged coastlines.

Today there some 148 distilleries across Scotland, each producing wonderfully distinct whisky, dependent on everything from the source of the water to the wood of the cask. Paying a visit to a distillery enables visitors to discover more about the environment and the people who shape the taste of it.

An important part of Scotland’s heritage, whisky can be celebrated all year round with a host of events and openings across the country for whisky fans to enjoy.

Celebrate whisky at the following annual festivals…

Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival | 1-6 May | Aberdeenshire

Join whisky lovers from far and wide in Speyside for a unique whisky festival. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is filled with special behind-the-scenes distillery tours, whisky and food pairings, whisky tours by train, whisky-themed walks and more, held across a huge range of iconic distilleries and local venues throughout the Speyside region.

Stirling Whisky Festival | 10-11 May | Stirling

Returning for its seventh year, this little festival has gone from strength to strength attracting most of top distilleries from across Scotland. Attendees will have access to over 100 malts, gaining first-hand knowledge from the makers themselves. Taking place in the iconic and historic city of Stirling, the festival’s backdrop features the famous Stirling Castle which looms over head.

The Highland Whisky Festival is a brand-new whisky festival which celebrates the established Highland Whisky Trail. Taking place from 10 to 17 May, the Highland Whisky Festival is a celebration of the region’s finest distilleries on the North Coast 500 route. Glenmorangie, Old Pulteney, The Dalmore, The Singleton of Glen Ord and Tomatin will each host visitors from around the world, showcasing their centuries of tradition, process and craft through exclusive tastings, tours and events.

World Whisky Day, first created by Scot student Blair Bowman, will see events take place from as far as Australia, China, and Columbia –and all paying tribute to one of Scotland’s best exports.

The Edinburgh Stramash has the ideology that whisky is for everyone. Visitors will have over 100 different whiskies from around the world to sample and a number of participatory “experiences” to get involved in. Wonderful food and tastings, all within one of the most iconic cities.

Take a sensational whisky barrel ride through a replica distillery before your expert guide imparts the secrets of the whisky regions. Finally, you’ll choose your perfect ‘dram’, and taste it in The World’s Largest Whisky Collection.

Speyside is home to more than half of Scotland’s distilleries, all situated amid beautiful coastline or amongst historical towns and villages. The likes of Benromach, Glenfiddich, and Glenlivet all reside within Speyside, making it the world’s premium whisky making region! Visitors can also see the award-winning Speyside Cooperage in Craigellachie which provides the opportunity to view highly-skilled coopers practising their ancient craft.

VisitScotland Raise a dram on World Whisky Day on 18 May