Scotch Whisky Association staff use pedal power

The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) celebrates its Centenary this year and to mark the occasion employees are using pedal power to raise money for chosen charities.

Employees from the SWA’s Edinburgh head office are taking on the challenge of cycling to all 108 distilleries in Scotland to raise money for two nominated charities, Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland and WaterAid in Scotland. Macmillan improves the lives of people affected by cancer, while WaterAid works globally to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities.

Staff have divided themselves into teams to cycle across the country to raise money for the charities. In doing so, they will cover well over 1,000 miles of cycling.

Scotch Whisky producers are supporting the charitable efforts through donating cash to Macmillan and WaterAid and providing bottles of Scotch Whisky from distilleries visited for auctioning later this year.

Rosemary Gallagher, SWA communications manager, said: 'This is a very special year for the Association. As employees we were keen to take on a challenge which would raise money for two very worthwhile causes, Macmillan and WaterAid.'

'Cycling to all 108 distilleries across Scotland will hopefully increase the profile of the charities while allowing staff a chance to get out and about and meet people across the industry. We’ve been delighted with the support shown by companies in the industry so far.'

The SWA trade body was founded as the Wine & Spirit Brand Association in 1912, before becoming the Whisky Association in 1917 and the SWA in 1942.

Donations can be made to Macmillan at http://www.justgiving.com/Scotch-Whisky-Association|