In the long-distant mists of time the Highlands and Western Islands of Scotland were home to an inventive and industrious people.They produced an amber liquid called, uisge beatha. Translated from the Gaelic it means “water of life.” This reflects the medicinal importance it had to these peoples of an older time.
“it seems Monks were the first distillers, and they primarily saw the spirit as a medicinal tonic to treat ailments like congestion and palsy. It was believed to have a wide range of health-giving properties and was used to treat everything from grief to aching bones.” (From the Google)
The amber liquid is still produced in those misty Isles and glens, but no longer just for its medicinal qualities. Its production has become local to specific geographic regions. The product is known today as Single Malt whisky, coming from specific regions; some famous for their local ingredients that defining the liquid’s color, taste and aroma. It’s not to be confused with what some might call whiskey with an “e” distilled in other parts of the world.
At some time in the past, visitors to the Highlands discovered benefits of the “water of life” outside of local medicinal needs and they could see other applications for the finely distilled amber liquid. It soon became a highly prized.commercial product. Whisky in fact has become a large part of Scotland’s economy.
Over time, Single Malt whisky has woven its way into the traditions of military units, families and law enforcement units.
Recently, I traveled (vicariously) aboard HMS Surprise, aiding the Greek Navy fighting for its nation’s independence in what became known as the Greek Wars of Independence. This in the early 1820s
Surprise, commanded by Capt Patrick O’Connor, finds itself in several major sea battles has taken many casualties. Among them are men who have fought with Capt O’Connor on other ships, men well known to the Captain and the rest of the crew. This loss of these men and serious injuries to others weighs heavily on Capt O’Connor heart.
The Captain’s long-time friend Simon Ferguson, is the ship’s surgeon. The Captain and Simon have served together on several ships, fought in many battles and are very close friends.
Simon hated to see his friend in such gloomy spirits. He says to Capt. O’Connor as he prepares for the burial at sea of 11 of his men lost in a recent battle; “My dear, if you are to preside over this… this event… this sad circumstance, then your thoughts must be clear, your words plain… else you will surely discomfit the men. It is your duty to be at least purposeful, and it would do no harm were you to affect at least the appearance of being indurate of mind. Pray take a goodly draught of the residue of my precious Ledaig; you look as if you could do with it. Let us send Murphy to fetch it; it will relax the fibres.”
(From: Freedom or Death The Continuing Voyages of HMS Surprise by Alan Lawrence)
Simon hails from the Western Isles of Scotland, the Isle of Mull and the city of Tobermory, to be specific, a place famous for a certain brand of the aforementioned amber liquid.
That’s how he was aware of the product called Ledaig. Ledaig was a product of a Tobermory distillery which was founded in 1798. As Simon went to sea, among his personal items was a bottle of “my precious Ledaig,” I would imagine it was helpful for his personal comfort, something probably needed by a ship’s surgeon in those days of cannon warfare ar sea.
Well it just so happens one can Google Ledaig and discover the distillery that opened in 1798 and provided Simon and Capt O’Connor an aid in times of sorrow, is still in operation. (pun intended}
In fact, I have been able to obtain my own personal bottle of Ledaig in case I should need to bury any casualties at sea.
Thank you to Alan Lawrence for his exciting and historical writing.
don3518@gmail.com.
I lost a box of flies on the Blue River when I fell in two weeks ago. Does that count?
No, it has to be at least a burial at sea.😊