A whisky has been launched that will help pour new life into the waters of the River Tay.
The Dalmore Tay Dram will raise funds for vital conservation projects aimed at boosting fish stocks in one of the UK’s best salmon fishing rivers.
For every bottle of the spirit sold, at least £4 will be donated to the Tay Foundation, an Almondbank-based charity that seeks to protect, conserve and improve all fish species.
Foundation chairman William Jack said, “The Dalmore Tay Dram has the potential to channel considerable funding to the Tay Foundation and thus kick-start several projects which will open up and improve habitats for the Tay’s indigenous and valuable fish stocks.”
The fund-raising malt was officially launched on Tuesday night at the presentation at Scone Palace of the Savills Malloch Trophy, which celebrates the largest salmon caught on the fly and released safely in Scottish waters.
Raising a glass to success was Huston McCollogh, who landed a 36lb salmon on the River Spey in May last year and is only the second person to receive the award in recent years, as it was only reinstated in 2009 following a 10-year absence.
The American now living in East Sussex was joined in the awards by Delfur ghillie Grant Morrison and Sir Edward Mountain, owner of the Spey beat.
While the Tay was the focus of the ceremony, it is not the only river that will benefit from a nip of whisky.
The Dalmore Tay Dram is one of four bespoke whiskies designed to raise funds to conserve the four leading salmon rivers in Scotland the Dee, Spey, Tay and Tweed.
Whyte & Mackay master distiller Richard Paterson ensured each captured the spirit of the various rivers by meeting people who work and fish on each one.