Wolfburn whisky from Thurso added to national museum collection
A bottle of whisky from Thurso has become a museum piece after being added to the collection held by National Museums Scotland.
The Wolfburn Northland single malt is among a selection of bottled drams, packaging and related material acquired to reflect the thriving whisky industry in the 21st century.
The 14 objects span more than a decade of production and their acquisition was announced to coincide with World Whisky Day on May 21.
Whisky is the UK’s largest food and drinks export, reaching 166 international markets. National Museums Scotland points out that the industry has undergone a period of growth and reinvention, with dozens of distilleries opening for production since the turn of the century.
The acquisitions have been made as part of a sixth-month Student Development Fund project in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, and cover the length and breadth of Scotland – from the Borders to the Inner Hebrides as well as Thurso.
Laura Scobie, doctoral researcher at the University of Edinburgh and National Museums Scotland, said: “I’m delighted to add such fascinating examples of material culture associated with contemporary Scottish whisky to the national collection, from actual bottles of whisky to surprising artistic responses from local makers.
"These items not only provide an insight into one of our leading industries but reveal a picture of Scotland in the early 21st century that will now be preserved for generations to come.”
Wolfburn opened in 2013 on the outskirts of Thurso, close to the site of a previous distillery dating back to the 1820s.
It was awarded a Brand of the Year 2020 title by the Whisky Committee, an independent UK-based association of 133 whisky aficionados.