|
Contents
- Prefatory Note
- Origin of Distillation Doubtful
Ascribed to Ancient Egyptians and Chi nese — Communicated by
Egyptians to Babylonians and Hebrews—Unknown to Ancient Greeks and
Romans—Arabians distilled aromatic waters in remote times —"Alcohol"
an Arabic term—Old Stills in Ceylon and Pacific Islands—Art
introduced into Europe by Moors, 1150— "Aqua Vitæ"
found in Ireland, 1170— Derivation of "Uisge-beatha " and
Whisky-—Virtues claimed for Irish Whisky.
Highland Whisky
No reference in early writings—Little reference in Gaelic poetry and
literature— Ale and Mead—Juice of Birch Trees— Liquor from
heather—Whisky mentioned in Statutes of
lcolmkill, 1609—Ale,
Wine and Brandy more used than Whisky— Statutes against importation,
etc., of Wine, 1616-1622—Repressive measures lead to increased
distillation of Whisky—Excise duty first laid on Whisky in
1660—Rates of duty and quantities charged—"Ancient Brewary of
Aquavity" at Ferintosh—Privileges to proprietor in 1690—Withdrawal
of privileges in 1784—Burns on loss of privileges—Minister of
Dingwall on withdrawal —William Ross on virtues of Ferintosh Whisky.
Causes which led to and
encouraged Smuggling
Old practice of distilling in homes—Old permission to brew
Ale—Farming out of duties while low—High duties and injudicious
restrictions—Collection of increased duties by Excise
Officers—Boundary fixed between Highlands and Lowlands—Licence on
contents of Stills—Leads to sharp practices and inferior
Whisky—Smugglers' Whisky superior in flavour and quality—
Prohibition to use small Stills—Complaints and discontent—Graphic
picture by Robert Burns—Highland Authorities appeal to
Government—Duties reduced and regulations modified—Smuggling
prosecutions number 14,000 in 1823—Military and Revenue Cutters
employed.
Smuggling Stories and Detections
Lawlessness, daring and cunning—"Good, pious men" as Smugglers —
Alasdair Hutcheson of Kiltarlity—John Dearg of Kiltearn—An artful
Abriachan woman— Sandy MacGruar and the Artist—West Coast Smuggler
in Dingwall jail—Large seizure in Auchanalt Deer Forest—Melvaig and
Loch Druing Smugglers—Inverasdale Smugglers disturbed—Alligin and
Diabaig Smugglers—Tarvie and Garve Smugglers— Nigg Smugglers hide
Still under pulpit— Glen Urquhart Millers outwit Officers— Foulis
Smuggler and daughter baffle Officer — Smuggler's coolness: a neat
story—Glen Urquhart bull at a bothy—Glen Urquhart Castle and Castle
Gloom, Dollar—Cunning and daring of Smugglers.
Highland Sentiment regarding Smuggling
Considered
a very venial offence—Old custom of making home-brewed Ale—Old
permission to distil in homes—Whisky distilled from produce of own
land—Evil influence of Ferintosh privilege—Distinction between
English Statute and Divine laws —No love or respect for English
Government — Resentment against injudicious regulations — Smuggled
Whisky superior and popular—Circumstances reversed now —Distillers'
produce best and matured Whisky — Smugglers use rude utensils, work
by rule of thumb in terror and hurry. Result: coarse, inferior
Whisky.
Moral Aspect of Smuggling
Causes
demoralization, destitution, and recklessness—Families, houses and
crofts neglected — Moral and physical stamina impaired—A curse to
the individual and community—Decrease in Smuggling since 1823—Causes
of improvement—Spread of Education Influences of Landlords and
Clergy—Enforced idleness and poverty —Long, severe winters in wild,
remote localities—Natural craving for excitement or profit—Evil
example of persons not driven by poverty—Responsibility of purchaser
of smuggled Whisky—Legitimate trader and Revenue suffer—Success
causes envy and jealousy—Distrust and suspicion among neighbours
—Revival of smuggling after Abolition of Malt Tax—Probable effect of
Security of Tenure under Crofters' Act—Duty of all interested in
material, physical and moral welfare of Highland people.
|
