The Glengoyne Unites the Auld Enemy for Charity

Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Whisky is to host a new sporting dinner in Edinburgh, bringing together players and supporters to celebrate the history of the Calcutta Cup on the eve of the world’s oldest international fixture.

Designed to become an annual charity event staged alternatively in Edinburgh and London the night before the game, the Glengoyne Auld Enemy Dinner has been brought to fruition by several Scottish and English internationalists from across the decades, joining forces to raise money for Help for Heroes and The Bill McLaren Foundation.

Open to supporters as well as rugby legends, the first event will take place on Friday 3 February 2012 at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. Scotland and England captains from the past 40 years are already confirmed to attend, including Jim Telfer, Finlay Calder, Brian Moore and Matt Dawson, and countless Calcutta Cup veterans.

As well as providing warming drams throughout the evening, Glengoyne is recognising the past exploits of the iconic game and is honouring the occasion by releasing a limited edition Glengoyne 1990 Single Cask bottling, proceeds from which will go to the two chosen charities.

The limited edition bottling will be available from the Glengoyne On Line Shop, and from Vino’s wine Merchants in Edinburgh from mid January.

” Vino have been involved with the Bill Mclaren foundation since it’s inception and inaugrual dinner last year and we are delighted to be working together on fundraising projects that aid the sport of Rugby at grassroots. ” Andrew Lundy MD Vino

Neil Boyd, Commercial Director at Ian Macleod Distillers, commented: “Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Whisky is both proud and delighted to sponsor the inaugural 2012 Auld Enemy Dinner. Established itself in 1833, Glengoyne recognises and celebrates the passion that is synonymous with this great rivalry, and the commitment and dedication of those that compete annually for the famous Calcutta Cup.”

“Glengoyne is equally proud to support both Help for Heroes and The Bill McLaren Foundation, excellent charities which are perfect partners for this great occasion. We at Glengoyne look forward to this the inaugural Auld Enemy Dinner and to a long association with the event.”

Stuart Reid, a veteran of Scotland’s 2000 Calcutta Cup win, explained: “In the past, nothing has been done on a regular basis to celebrate the uniqueness of the oldest and arguably the most famous rugby fixture in history. Thanks to the support of Glengoyne, the Auld Enemy Dinner gives us that occasion.

“We will now have the opportunity to bring former players together and invite guests to mix with them and hear their stories of a great sporting occasion. The fact that we are raising funds for two great charities will make the event extra special.”

With a vast array of renowned players and coaches attending, including John Rutherford, Gregor Townsend, Scott Hastings, Kenny Logan, Sean Lineen, Rob Wainwright, Mike Teague and Peter Winterbottom, it will be an evening to look back on great matches and forward to the 129th Calcutta Cup meeting the next day.

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