The first ever Whisky Galore Festival is being launched next week on the Isle of Barra, to mark the 60th anniversary of the famous film.
And those who fancy going along will be treated to a jam-packed line-up, with whisky tastings, tours exhibitions, seminars, exciting re-enactments, traditional workshops, a golf tournament and a range of lively social gatherings for all ages.
The 1949 film, Whisky Galore, was based on the all-action novel by Compton MacKenzie, who lived on the Isle of Barra for many years, and is buried there.
The author was inspired to pen tale after the real-life shipwrecking of the freighter SS Politician during World War II, which saw the vessel stranded off the Isle of Eriskay with a cargo of whisky on board – a valuable commodity during wartime.
And the thirsty islanders who lived there instantly set about salvaging as much whisky as they possibly could before the authorities turned up to confiscate it.
Now the festival – which is part of Homecoming Scotland 2009 - is being held in honour of the famous film, over the weekend of September 18-20.
And some of the locals who took part as young extras in the 1949 film are even expected to turn up for the fun-filled event.
Gillian Hamill, a spokeswoman for the Whisky Galore Festival said: “We are celebrating another one of Barra's little gems, and in typical island fashion, Barra and Vatersay embrace the opportunity of yet another party.
“This will be a great weekend for all, visitors and locals, to enjoy the Craic and take pleasure from all things Scottish. It is a unique invitation to come and taste the friendly island experience - and be a part of history in the making.
“We have tried to offer varied events so that festival goers can pick and choose what they want to be part of. We are hoping that it will be a very interactive weekend and that people will leave with fond memories, new friends and an eagerness to come visit us again.”
The Whisky Galore Festival launches in Kismul Castle, the famous castle and seat of the Clan Macneil, on Friday September 18.
To find out more about it, visit www.whiskygalorefestival.com or click here
