INDEPENDENT SPIRIT TAKES ARRAN FURTHER 

Isle of Arran Distillers has reported record results with the publication of their latest annual accounts.

The figures to the end of 2014 reveal that turnover rose by 21 per cent and net profit increased by 51 per cent – the best performance posted since the business started in 1995.

Success is being driven by brand sales that are ahead by 25 per cent – in marked contrast to a 7 per cent decline for the Scotch whisky industry as a whole.

The results reflect the underlying strength of the business. After a succession of healthy profits reported over the last five years, turnover for the independent distiller has more than doubled since 2010.

While 2014 saw total Scotch whisky exports fall at their fastest rate for 16 years, export sales for Isle of Arran Distillers climbed, with key markets for growth including Germany, Taiwan and Canada.

The award-winning Arran Single Malts are now available in 45 countries and further markets are being explored.

Managing director, Euan Mitchell, is delighted with the year-end results, saying: “In a challenging period for Scotch whisky our continued growth is testament to a focus on quality and a clear strategy well executed.

“Some people believe when the big companies in the industry sneeze we all catch a cold but this is not our experience. Interest in smaller, independent brands such as ours is surging and we are not even scratching the surface in global terms.”

As well as driving export sales, the Arran Malt is set for increased distribution in the UK with M&S, where two products will be available in stores later in 2015.

A key factor in the recent success of the business has been the repackaging of The Arran Malt core range, which launched in the second half of 2014. Combined with a schedule of limited edition releases, especially the final release of the acclaimed Devil’s Punch Bowl series, helped to grow sales of Arran single malts by 23 per cent over the previous year.

Euan Mitchell added: “We have invested to support the progress we expect to make.

“Two new pot stills are on order and will be installed in late 2016. This will allow production to double beyond one million litres of pure alcohol once fully commissioned.

“We have never been the kind of distillery to produce more than we expect to sell, so this boost in capacity and capability is purely a reflection of the anticipated demand for Arran malts.

“Though never complacent, we look forward with great confidence to celebrating our 21st anniversary in 2016.”

Notes

For more information visit http://www.arranwhisky.com/

* Accolades for Isle of Arran Distillery include Winner for: Best New Exporter (2004), Queen’s Award for International Trade (2005), Scottish Distiller of the Year (2007) and Scottish Drinks Producer of the Year (2007.)

Product awards include: Best Whisky Liqueur (2007), ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 12 Years & Under’ for The Arran Malt Amarone Cask Finish (2008) ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for The Arran Malt Sherry Single Cask 1998 (2010) and ‘Best Single Malt Scotch 11-15 Years’ for the Icons of Arran Peacock (2011.) ‘Double Gold Award’ for Arran’s 14 Year Old Single Malt and ‘Gold Award’ for Arran’s 10 Year Old Single Malt at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2012). Double Gold in FiftyBest.com awards (2012). Double Gold Medal for the 12 year-old Cask Strength in the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (2013). Double Gold for both the 10 year-old and 12 year-old Cask Strength at the China Wine & Spirits Best Value Awards 2014.

Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival 2015 

Dufftown 2000, originators of the Autumn Whisky Festival in Dufftown, will again be hosting a full range of events for the Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival from 24 to 28 September 2015.

During the festival, whisky connoisseurs from all over the world will be able to tour and taste an incredible array of fine single malts from a number of the Speyside Distilleries.

Dufftown 2000 will be hosting the “Dramble” on Mon 28 September 2015 where a maximum of 30 persons can walk all the distilleries of Dufftown. Drams will be given at each of the 7 distilleries, including Kininvie & Convalmore.

New for this festival is a Beer & Whisky afternoon at the New Inn at Aberchirder. Gary Smith’s annual beer festival coincides with the Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival in Dufftown and we are offering transport to and from this event where you will be able to sample real ales and selected whiskies.

But there is more – music and dancing to the Ice House Ceilidh Band on Friday Night in the Memorial Hall, the Craft Fayre in the Memorial Hotel on Saturday and Sunday and visits to the outlying distilleries of Speyside.

The best of Scotland’s culture will be on show alongside the celebration of its national drink.

The festival will start with a Whisky Nosing and Tasting – Whiskies of the Speyside line – followed by the Gathering of “Mates of the Whisky Museum” event on Thursday evening in the Memorial Hall.

We will also be arranging our usual complement of bus tours to the distilleries not normally open to the public on each day of the festival.

BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY SPIRITS RECOGNIZED

AS “OUTSTANDING” IN

INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Eagle Rare receives Gold Outstanding Medal second year in a row 

FRANKFORT, Franklin County, Ky (Aug. 18, 2015) – Buffalo Trace Distillery is continuing its tradition of being the world’s most award-winning Distillery with several new honors from the 2015 International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC).  The Distillery earned a total of 11 awards this year, including a Gold Outstanding Medal for its Eagle Rare Bourbon, making this the second year in a row Eagle Rare has received this top honor.

Buffalo Trace Distillery spirits earning awards are as follows:

Gold Outstanding Medal was awarded to:

• Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Gold Medals were awarded to:

• Sazerac Straight Rye Whiskey
• Wheatley Vodka
• Silver Outstanding Medals were awarded to:
• Benchmark Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• W. L. Weller 12 Year Old Bourbon
• Thomas Handy Straight Rye Whiskey
• Eagle Rare 17 Year Old Bourbon
• Col. E. H. Taylor Small Batch Bourbon

Silver Medal was awarded to:

• George T. Stagg Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• William Larue Weller Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey“The consistency of many of our results in this year’s competition tells us that we’re doing something right,” said Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “We are very honored and humbled by our placements at the IWSC.”All entries are first blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary, by professional expert judges (by glass, not bottle) and then the top products are sent for detailed (chemical and microbiological) analysis. This analysis is crucial as in some instances the results of this analysis may lead to marks being deducted or even outright rejection.
• About Buffalo Trace Distillery
• Learn more at http://www.iwsc.net/.
• The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.
• The “Gold Outstanding” and “Silver Outstanding” medals are awarded based upon the highest scores within each of those respective categories.

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1773 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee.  Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is a National Historic Landmark as well as is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won 17 distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named “Brand Innovator of the Year” by Whisky Magazine at its Icons of Whisky America Awards 2015.  Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 300 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/

THREE BOURBONS FROM BARTON 1792 DISTILLERY RECOGNIZED AS “OUTSTANDING” AT

2015 INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION 

BARDSTOWN, kENTUCKY (Aug. 20, 2015) –The results from the 2015 International Wine & Spirits Competition are in, and Barton 1792 Distillery has received all around “Outstanding” honors for three of its bourbons.

Facing competition from 90 different countries, Kentucky Tavern Bourbon was awarded a “Gold Outstanding” medal, and the Distillery’s 1792 Small Batch Bourbon and Zackariah Harris Bourbon were each awarded “Silver Outstanding” medals.

The “Gold Outstanding” and “Silver Outstanding” medals are awarded based upon the highest scores within each of those respective categories.

“We could not be more proud of the recognition these three bourbons received,” Ken Pierce, director of distillation and quality assurance, said. “We feel very honored by these wins.”

The International Wine and Spirit Competition was founded in 1969 and is the premier competition of its kind in the world. Its aim is to promote the quality and excellence of the world’s best wines, spirits and liqueurs.

All entries are first blind tasted in groups divided by variety, region and vintage as necessary, by professional expert judges (by glass, not bottle) and then the top products are sent for detailed (chemical and microbiological) analysis. This analysis is crucial as in some instances the results of this analysis may lead to marks being deducted or even outright rejection.

Learn more at www.iwsc.net.

About Barton 1792 Distillery

Barton 1792 Distillery is part of Barton Brands of Kentucky, with facilities in Bardstown, Ky., Carson, Calif., and Baltimore, Md. Barton Brands is owned by the Sazerac Company, an American family-owned company based in New Orleans, La. Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in the “Bourbon Capital of the World.” The Distillery is located on 196 acres and includes 28 warehouses, 22 other buildings, the Morton Spring and the Tom Moore Spring.  Distilling, aging and bottling fine Bourbon whiskey are hallmarks of the historic Barton 1792 Distillery. 1792 Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey is produced at Barton 1792 Distillery. This whiskey is named for the year Kentucky became a state and is the recent gold medal winner at the 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition

“FROM DREAM TO DRAM”

KINGSBARNS DISTILLERY BOTTLES NEW MAKE SPIRIT 

Kingsbarns Distillery is delighted to announce that bottles of its new make spirit are now for sale at the Visitor Centre.

The Visitor Centre was opened on St Andrews Day 2014 by the Wemyss family owners and the founder, local man Douglas Clement. Distilling started in January 2015 and the Distillery Manager and his team are so delighted with the quality of the spirit being produced that it was decided to bottle the spirit for all to try.

Scotch Whisky has to mature for at least 3 years and a day in oak casks and so the launch of the new make spirit will give visitors and curious whisky drinkers a unique chance to sample the spirit before it is filled into casks to mature. The New Spirit Drink is bottled at 63.5%, the same strength at which the casks are filled and available for sale in 20cl bottles priced at £14.95.

Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd, is delighted with the new bottling and commented: “It’s a great pleasure to share our new spirit with visitors. The spirit itself is an elegant, fruity and floral spirit and I can’t wait to see how it is going to develop into Scotch whisky over the coming years. I recommend that water is added to enjoy the fruity flavours at their best.”

Tours of the distillery include a taste of the new make spirt and can be arranged by contacting: +44(0)1333 451300 or booking on the website www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

www.kingsbarnsdistillery.com

Twitter: @KingsbarnsDist Facebook: Kingsbarns Distillery & Visitor Centre

Notes to Editors:

• Kingsbarns Distillery was officially opened on St Andrews Day 2014, 30th November. Since opening, the Visitor Centre has been awarded a 4 star visitor attraction award by Visit Scotland.
• The founder of the distillery is Douglas Clement. Formerly a golf caddie, Douglas was inspired to open a distillery near to the famous golf courses in the St Andrews and Kingsbarns area. Douglas has also been appointed a Fife Ambassador by Fife Council and now enjoys the position as Visitor Centre Manager.
• Distillery Manager, Peter Holroyd, is a graduate of Heriot Watt University Brewing and Distilling, and was formerly head brewer at craft brewer, Strathavon Ales, near Glasgow.
• The Wemyss family owners are from Scotland and their historic family seat is Wemyss Castle in Fife where they’ve lived since the 1300s.
• The family already own Wemyss Malts which is an independent bottler with a whisky range including the blended malt whisky range comprising: The Spice King, The Peat Chimney and The Hive; single malt single cask bottlings and the blended Scotch named Lord Elcho after one of the Wemyss family’s ancestors; all of which are avilable for tasting and sale at The Kingsbarns Distillery.
• The Wemyss family premium wines and spirits brands also include boutique gin Darnley’s View together with the premium wine estate of Rimauresq Cru Classé in Cotes de Provence.

The most expensive bottle of Tasmanian single malt whisky 

At $10,000 Tasmania’s leading whisky distillery, Sullivans Cove, has created the most expensive bottle of Tasmanian whisky to date. Made from extremely rare French oak single malt from the distillery’s top awarded casks including French Oak HH0525 – the World’s Best Single Malt Whisky, French Oak HH0390 – the Best Australian Single Malt 2015 and French Oak HH0509 – 96.5/100 Jim Murray’s Whiksy Bible 2013, the Sullivans Cove Manifesto gives connoisseurs the opportunity to own a piece of whisky history.

Limited to only two bottles, the Sullivans Cove Manifesto decanters were hand made by Tasmanian glass sculptors Anne Clifton and Peter Bowles and each 6kg decanter comes with its own specially blown glass “spirit thief”, a hand moulded “travel” stopper made from rare Tasmanian Huon pine and Portuguese cork and a matching glass stopper for everyday use. The decanters are housed in hand made Huon pine cases lined with doeskin.

Speaking from the distillery in Cambridge, malt master Bert Cason said, “Sullivans Cove and Tasmanian whisky in general have come a very long way and we wanted to create something really special that captures this. Using whisky from our top awarded casks plus some of our finest unreleased casks, we’ve created a malt that stands head and shoulders above the rest and promises the connoisseur the treat of a lifetime, not to mention a slice of whisky history. “

One decanter is available from the distillery cellar door or online at www.sullivanscovewhisky.com, while the other is available from Dan Murphy’s Double Bay.

.A. Smith Bowman Distillery Releases Limited Edition High Rye Bourbon
Release is Extremely Limited, Mostly Only in Virginia

Fredericksburg, VA. (Aug. 6, 2015) – A. Smith Bowman Distillery announces the latest release in its Abraham Bowman line of expressions, the Abraham Bowman Limited Edition High Rye Bourbon. Using a bold bourbon recipe that contains five times more rye than A. Smith Bowman’s standard bourbon recipe, this limited release was aged for seven years and nine months in Virginia before being deemed ready to bottle. At 100 proof, it is a powerful whiskey full of flavor.

The aroma of slight peppery notes opens up to sweet vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak. Honey, praline, and spice mingle with baked apples and cherry notes in the flavor. A long, slightly dry finish lingers on the tongue.

Master Distiller Brian Prewitt leads the whiskey experiments at A. Smith Bowman and is excited to release this high rye limited edition. “This high rye bourbon has such a distinct nose and taste profile that I think fans looking for a full-bodied bourbon with lots of spice will really enjoy. It’s been fun to release experiments like these, and we look forward to creating even more interesting expressions that are a good fit for our Abraham Bowman line in the future.”

The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition High Rye Bourbon is part of a series of limited edition whiskies, named after Abraham Bowman, the commander of the 8th Virginia Regiment in the American Revolutionary War. Each edition of the Abraham line is a different expression and a new release is offered a few times a year. This is the twelfth release in the Abraham line. The Abraham Bowman Limited Edition High Rye Bourbon will be available at retail in August. However, quantity is very limited and it will mostly be available only in Virginia. It is 100 proof. Suggested retail pricing is $69.99.

About A. Smith Bowman

A. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm. In response to the rapid rise of taxes in Northern Virginia, the Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

INTRODUCING THE FAMOUS GROUSE MELLOW GOLD

The UK’s number one selling Blended Scotch whisky, The Famous Grouse, has announced a new edition, The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold, will be added to the Famous Family this August.

The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold has been Blended for Smoothness and carefully crafted by Master Blender Gordon Motion. The master blender’s art is on full display, blending the finest scotch whiskies, matured in sherry and bourbon casks to deliver a smooth, well rounded whisky. Mellow Gold’s recipe has a higher proportion of sherry casks than The Famous Grouse to deliver a subtly sweeter, mellow flavour.

The introduction of this new expression follows the unveiling of The Famous Grouse’s new look packaging, which is set to be rolled out from August.

Gordon Motion, Master Blender described his new premium blend:

“In Mellow Gold we’ve carefully selected a particular combination of casks to create a rich and smooth whisky. As with all Famous Grouse expressions, we’ve used sherry and bourbon-seasoned casks – but for Mellow Gold we’ve used more first fill casks imparting a richer, sweeter flavour.

“The effect is added complexity with vanilla notes and subtly-sweet spice to create a gentle, velvety dram. Mellow Gold is a delicious achievement – and a subtle, smooth indulgence to be savoured.”

“On the nose, The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold has scents of orange peel and vanilla, perfumed with a hint of lychee. On tasting sweeter notes come to the fore, combining the delicious flavour of spiced crème brûlée with heady cedar notes, followed by a twist of lemon peel and lingering spiciness to finish.”

The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold is a great example of the nuances of the master blender’s art to create a fantastic, versatile liquid that tastes great neat or served long, over ice with lemonade and a wedge of orange.

The Famous Grouse Mellow Gold will be available in supermarkets and independent retailers across the UK from October 2015 priced at £22.

Visit http://www.thefamousgrouse.com/ for more information.

Please enjoy our whisky responsibly.

Note

The Famous Grouse (http://www.thefamousgrouse.com/)

• The Famous Grouse is the no. 1 whisky in UK and no. 5* standard blended whisky worldwide (*IWSR data 2013).
• The Famous Grouse has been the best-selling whisky in the home of Scotch whisky, Scotland since 1980.
• The Famous Grouse is exported to over 100 countries.
• Created in 1896 by founder Matthew Gloag, it was originally called The Grouse Brand.
• The brand became so popular that on August 12^th 1905 it was renamed The Famous Grouse.
• The Famous Grouse Experience is located at Scotland’s oldest working distillery – Glenturret. Originally established as a single malt distillery in 1775, today The Famous Grouse Experience is the most visited distillery in Scotland.(www.thefamousgrouse.com/experience)

A. SMITH BOWMAN wins TWO silver MEDALS AT

2015 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION

Fredericksburg, VIRGINIA (Aug. 11, 2015) – Two bourbons from the A. Smith Bowman Distillery have each garnered silver medals at 2015 Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition.

John J. Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Bowman Brothers Straight Bourbon Whiskey were each ranked among 365 spirits that were submitted from a total of 34 countries, and were ultimately awarded for demonstrating superior quality and taste.

“It is a real honor for two of our bourbons to be awarded silver in this competition,” Brian Prewitt, master distiller, said. “It means a lot to us to be ranked among so many excellent spirits from across the globe.”

The Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition was formed in 2007, with an esteemed panel of judges using a blind-tasting method to award medals to the best distilled spirits from around the world.  The award-winning entries will be displayed during the Los Angeles County Fair, Sept. 4 – 27, in “The Wine, Beer & Spirits Marketplace.”

Complete results of the 2012 LAIWSC are available at www.laspiritscomp.com.

About A. Smith Bowman

1. Smith Bowman’s distilling roots date back to the years before Prohibition when the Bowman family had a granary and dairy farm in Sunset Hills, Virginia. They used excess grain from the family estate to distill spirits. In 1934, after the Repeal of Prohibition, Abram Smith Bowman and his sons continued the family tradition and built a more modern distillery in Fairfax County, Virginia called Sunset Hills Farm.  In response to the rapid rise of taxes in Northern Virginia, the Distillery was moved in 1988 and is now nestled in Spotsylvania County near the city of Fredericksburg, 60 miles away from the original location.

           As a small and privately owned company, A. Smith Bowman Distillery continues the time-honored traditions on which it was founded. Considered a micro-distillery by today’s standards, A. Smith Bowman produces an assortment of hand-crafted spirits distilled from only the finest natural ingredients and using the latest technology. This micro-distillery focuses on the production of premium spirits honoring the legacy of Virginia’s first settlers. For more information on A. Smith Bowman, please visit www.asmithbowman.com.

CHILDREN’S ARTHRITIS CHARITY GETS FUNDING BOOST FROM CHIVAS BROTHERS

Employees of Scotch whisky producer Chivas Brothers have chosen the Scottish Network for Arthritis in Children (SNAC) as their Charity of the Year for 2015. The organisation was chosen by employees at the company’s Speyside and Orkney sites. The company has donated £5,000 to the charity.

SNAC was set up by parents of children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Its objective is to provide a national support network for children with arthritis and their families through the provision of factual, practical and emotional support. It aims to pull together the wider community of affected children in Scotland as well as raise public awareness of JIA.

Charities of the Year are nominated by employees, before a shortlist is created and voting takes place. SNAC holds a special place in the heart of employee Willie Templeton from the company’s Mulben warehouses in Keith.

He explained: “Two years ago when my son Kylan was diagnosed with JIA we were looking for more information about the condition and found out about SNAC. The parent information days, family weekend and activity days have been invaluable for our family.

“As SNAC is run voluntarily by parents and relies on fundraising and donations, I nominated them for Charity of the Year never imagining for a minute that we would be successful. When I found out we had won I was absolutely delighted and couldn’t wait to thank my colleagues who had voted.”

Michael Kent, Chairman of SNAC, said: “We are delighted to be chosen as Chivas Brothers’ charity partner for the next year and the £5,000 donation is a great boost help to us to fund further support to those affected by JIA.

“We are hugely grateful to everyone who supports us in whatever way they can to improve the experiences of children with JIA. The relationship with the clinical teams is as strong today as ever and SNAC work closely with SPARN (Scottish Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology Network). We also work closely with other similar charities throughout the UK and Ireland and represent children with Arthritis on various clinical and government committees.”

Jennie Norrish, Head of Communications at Chivas Brothers, added: “I’m delighted our employees in Speyside and Orkney have decided to support SNAC in 2015. The charity raises awareness of a condition that affects one in every thousand children under 16, yet many people are not even aware children can develop arthritis. I hope our donation helps them continue their important work, and we look forward to working with them throughout the year.”

There are four regional Chivas Brothers charities of the year in total. The others are: Dunbartonshire Disability Sports Club (Paisley, Glasgow and Ayrshire region), The Kiltwalk (Dunbartonshire region) and The Jake McCarthy Foundation (London and Plymouth region).

Picture caption:

(l-r) Fiona Donaldson of SNAC and Chivas Brothers employee Willie Templeton

About Chivas Brothers

Chivas Brothers is the Scotch whisky and premium gin business of Pernod Ricard, the world’s co-leader in wines and spirits. Chivas Brothers’ award-winning portfolio features some of the world’s most revered Scotch whisky brands including Chivas Regal, the world’s first luxury whisky and the No.1 Scotch whisky in China; Ballantine’s, Europe’s No.1 Scotch whisky; The Glenlivet, the world’s No.1 single malt whisky; and Royal Salute, the world’s only exclusively prestige Scotch whisky range. The portfolio also includes two of the world’s leading English gins – Beefeater, the world’s most awarded premium gin, and Plymouth gin – plus a selection of highly acclaimed single malt whiskies, including Aberlour, Longmorn, Scapa, Strathisla and Tormore. The range is completed by a collection of blended Scotch whiskies operating in many of the world’s key whisky markets which includes 100 Pipers, Clan Campbell, Something Special and Passport Scotch.

http://www.chivasbrothers.com/

@ChivasNewsRoom

About SNAC:

SNAC was formed in 2009 when a group of parents attending a family event held by the clinical team realised the huge difference that support for parents and families affected by JIA could make. SNAC remains a volunteer parent-led charity supporting children with arthritis and their families throughout Scotland.

With help from the paediatric rheumatology health care professionals, who provide the educational content, SNAC runs educational days, family weekends as well as smaller local events. Their main event is their annual family weekend in Crieff Hydro where children with JIA and their families get the opportunity to meet other children and hospital professionals in a relaxed environment. The weekend consists of educational workshops for children, their siblings and parents as well as fun activities. So far SNAC has enabled 120 families in Scotland to attend this weekend.

Website: http://www.snac.uk.com/

Twitter: @SNAC_JIA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SNACPage