To build interest in, and add value and prestige to, Scotch Whisky both at home and internationally.

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1 UESTIONS & NSWERS

2 What is the definition of The Keepers of the uaich? The Keepers of the uaich is an exclusive, international community of people recognised for outstanding commitment to Scotch Whisky. The mission of the Keepers is to promote the values and image of Scotch Whisky as the world s finest and most prestigious distilled spirit. Why was it set up? It was felt that the time had come for the industry to unite and effectively market their unique product and that a carefully projected and exclusive PR vehicle built around the aura, mystique and heritage of Scotch Whisky would play a significant and positive part in helping to re-establish the image of Scotch Whisky. With what objectives? To build interest in, and add value and prestige to, Scotch Whisky both at home and internationally. To engage and convince leaders, decision-makers and influencers in the world s spirits companies of the importance and values of both Scotch Whisky and the Keepers of the uaich. To reward individuals for their services to the Scotch Whisky industry. To motivate and stimulate the press to project Scotch Whisky in a more favourable and positive light. To bring together and unite all areas of the Scotch Whisky business and engender a greater sense of belonging. How many companies within the industry are involved? There are 5 Founding Partners and 15 Corporate Member companies. How many Keepers are there? 2413 have been inducted as Keepers. Of these approximately 45% are from overseas. From how many countries do they come? Keepers are currently based in 94 countries. How does one become a member? Membership is by invitation only with existing Keepers putting up nominees for approval by the management committee. ll nominees must have made an exceptional contribution to the industry over a minimum period of five years. This can either be through direct involvement, or by publicising or writing about the industry. 2

3 Who are members? The members represent the interests of Scotch Whisky throughout the world. They are leading figures in the companies who market Scotch or writers who help to publicise the brands of those companies who are members of The Keepers of the uaich. re there different categories of membership? Yes. Members in the first instance become Keepers. The position of Master is possible after ten years as a Keeper but granted only to those who have made an exceptional contribution to the Keepers of the uaich and the industry. This position is at the invitation of the Management Committee. There are only 172 Keepers who have been inducted as Masters of the uaich. There are also Honorary Keepers, this status may be awarded to someone who has contributed significantly to Scotland although not necessarily involved in the industry and also to those who have been guest speakers at the Keeper s banquet. nd finally, the position of Grand Master. This is an honour which is accorded to one who is deemed by the management committee to have made an outstanding contribution to Scotland and Scotch Whisky. Who is currently Grand Master of the Society? The Rt Hon The Earl of Dalhousie. Who has previously held the role? J R Macphail CBE Former Chairman, The Highland Distilleries Co nthony J Tennant Former Chairman & Group Chief Executive, Guinness The Rt Hon The Earl of Elgin & Kincardine KT Sir Iain Tennant KT LLD The late 10th Duke of tholl Sir George J Bull Formerly Joint Chairman, Diageo Plc The Rt Hon The Earl of Mansfield DL JP Michael C J Jackaman Former Chairman, llied Domecq PLC The late 12th Duke of rgyll 3

4 The Rt Hon The Lord Macfarlane of Bearsden KT Sir nthony Greener Chairman, Diageo plc John B McGrath Chief Executive, Diageo, Chairman, Boots plc The Right Honourable The Earl of Erroll Mr James Bruxner CBE Mr Ian Good CBE Her Grace, Iona, Duchess of rgyll Patrick Ricard Chairman and CEO of the Pernod Ricard Group of Companies The Viscount Thurso Paul Walsh, CEO Diageo Who are the Society Patrons? The Rt Hon The Earl of Erroll, The Rt Hon The Earl of Elgin and Kincardine KT, The Rt Hon The Earl of Mansfield, The Rt Hon The Lord Macfarlane of Bearsden KT, Mrs James Troughton, Viscount Thurso, The Rt Hon The Earl of Dalhousie DL OStJ., His Grace The Duke of rgyll, His Grace The Duke of tholl and The Earl of Hopetoun. Where are the Society headquarters? t Blair Castle in Perthshire, Scotland. It is here that the bi-annual induction ceremonies and banquets take place. re ceremonies and banquets ever held anywhere else? Dinners and receptions have been held in several countries, particularly those where there is an International Chapter of the Keepers. However, ceremonies of Induction are only held at Blair Castle. re there any International Chapters of the Society? Yes. Five have been inaugurated so far: the first in Frankfurt, Germany in November 1997, the second in Sao Paulo, Brazil on the 31 ugust 1998, the third in Sydney, ustralia in November 1999, the fourth in Cape Town, South frica on 2 June 2000 and the fifth in The Hague, The Netherlands on 20 th November

5 re any further International Chapters planned? When the numbers of Keepers in a country warrant it and those Keepers are keen to set up a Chapter the Management Committee will consider and support this. Does the Society have any other aims in addition to the objectives mentioned earlier? The Society does from time to time make donations to Scottish charities. Does the Society have its own coat-of-arms and motto? Yes. Both were granted by the Lord Lyon, King of rms who is responsible for the granting of such arms in Scotland. The Motto `Uisgebeatha gu Brath' means `The Water of Life Forever'. `Uisge' is the Gaelic for `water' and the origin of the word `whisky'. nd its own tartan? The tartan was specially designed for The Keepers of the uaich and is registered with the Tartan Society of Scotland. s the official Society tartan members worldwide have the right to wear it - and do! What colour is it? The colours are symbolic of the main constituents used in the distillation of Scotch Whisky; blue representing water; gold for barley and brown for peat. Why `The Keepers of the uaich'? uaich comes from the Gaelic `cuach' which is a small two-handled drinking bowl long associated with the traditions of drinking Scotch Whisky. The Society have their own specially commissioned Grand uaich of solid silver which measures 24 inches across and carries the Edinburgh Hallmark. This is the centrepiece of the induction ceremony. 13/05/2015 5