News: From the Vaults - Whisky and the Scots

We have taken the opportunity to display the parchment Exchequer Roll of 1494, the earliest document to mention whisky. This famous reference records how Friar John Cor was allowed 8 bolls of malt from royal lands in Fife for making 'aquavite'. The roll is not normally on display because of its fragility and age, so this is a rare chance to see this iconic document from our vaults.

Find out about getting whisky and soda on prescription in 1913, and the true story behind Whisky Galore!', when whisky was 'salvaged' from the SS 'Politician' in 1941.

A final highlight illustrates the work of Scotland's most famous Exciseman, Robert Burns: the official ledger containing the poet's last signatures for his salary shortly before his death in July 1796.

To help reveal how the Scots have distilled, enjoyed and promoted whisky, we are fortunate to be able to show fascinating documents, objects, and bottles from the collections of Diageo plc, John Dewar & Sons Ltd, and a private collector.

'From the Vaults' has been made possible by generous sponsorship from the Scotch Whisky Association, the industry body, as well as Diageo and Dewar's.