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Archaeologists unearth evidence of illicit centuries-old whisky still in Scotland
Archaeologists found part of a secret still and a small bothy, adding to evidence of hidden whisky production that was once common in the hills.
- Archaeologists with the National Trust for Scotland discovered a hidden illicit whisky still site at Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve, unearthing a rare copper collar alongside foundations of a small stone bothy.
- Illicit whisky production surged following the 1788 Excise Act, which banned small-scale distillation, prompting distillers to establish hidden bothies in upland areas during what Derek Alexander, NTS Head of Archaeology, called a "battle of wits."
- Excavations revealed a copper collar likely used to connect still components, alongside a stone-capped drain and timber roof-support post along Lawers Burn, where the site remains concealed by the gully's natural topography.
- The discovery suggests smugglers dismantled the still in a hurry, leaving the copper piece behind, offering a rare glimpse into historic community resistance against tax enforcement viewed by experts as "especially rare and exciting."
- This site is one of 30 illicit distilling locations identified by The Pioneering Spirit project across Scotland, helping researchers understand how historic communities shaped the landscape while evading the 1788 Excise Act.
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Researchers Discovered the Remnants of a Secret, Illegal Whisky Distillery in a Stunning Scottish Park
The copper still, likely used to make whisky, would have been hidden away from the oversight of tax collectors after Scotland outlawed unlicensed distilling centuries ago
·United States
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Archaeologists discover evidence of centries-old illegal whisky still
Archaeologists have discovered evidence suggesting a stone bothy in the Highlands was secretly used to illicitly distil whisky around two centuries ago.The copper piece alongside, a carefully built hearth and clear signs of burning at the stone structure were uncovered at Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve.The discovery points to the bothy's use as a secret distillation site, likely operating sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century.Resea…
·London, United Kingdom
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Evening Standard+3 Reposted by 3 other sources
Archaeologists find evidence of illicit centuries-old whisky still
The team made the discovery in Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve.
·London, United Kingdom
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Total News Sources15
Leaning Left4Leaning Right2Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Left, 40% Center
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center
L 40%
C 40%
R 20%
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