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Welcome to our online store, our first launch includes a range of traditional & flavoured rum.
THE S.S POLITICIAN & WHISKY GALORE
The SS Politician was a cargo ship that ran aground off thecoast of the Hebridean island of Eriskay in 1941. The cargo onboard included 22,000 cases of malt whisky , which was later recovered by islanders from across the Hebrides, contrary to marine salvage laws. Made famous by the Compton MacKenzie novel and the films of the same name ‘Whisky Galore’, this event happened on the shores of South Uist. The locals learned what the ship was carrying and a series of illegal salvage operations took place at night, before the customs and excise officials arrived.
The island’s supply of whisky had dried up due to war-time rationing, so the islanders periodically helped themselves to some of the 260,000 bottles of whisky from the ship. The story has it that none of the locals regarded it as stealing, as for them the rules of salvage meant that once the bounty was in the sea, it was theirs to rescue. Founder, David Steele’s own grandfather, Duncan Campbell was one of the men who acquired some bottles of whisky from the SS Politician.
This tale of defiance and drink is a part of the South Uist Distillery Co. story.
Creating opportunity for the locals to create a range of artisan spirits showcasing local products, whilst protecting the environment and attracting people to the island itself.
Something worth seeing, something worth drinking.
Creating something for those with a sense of adventure...