Old Pulteney Prohibition Ball raises over £4,600 for Charity

30th May 2011

Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch whisky is delighted to announce that its annual charity event, The Old Pulteney Prohibition Ball, raised over £4,600 for the local RNLI Station in Wick, Caithness. The ball, which took place on Friday, 27th May 2011, commemorates the repeal of Prohibition in Wick and was held for the fifth time after its inauguration in 2007. Hosted in a marquee which was especially erected for the occasion in the distillery's courtyard - the event is the only one of its kind in Scotland. Over 110 people attended and contributed greatly to the chosen charity through ticket sales and a prize draw.

As well as a three course dinner and delicious drams of Old Pulteney, guests enjoyed a hilarious performance by Len Murray, Scotland's leading after dinner speaker. Fine dining, dancing, superb prizes and a live performance by local band Doon Major ensured that a great evening was had by all.

A further highlight of the evening was the Old Pulteney Maritime Achievement Award winner announcement for 2011 Judged by Old Pulteney, the RNLI and Wick Harbour, the recognition is given annually to a local resident who has contributed greatly towards the community and the maritime industry.

This year the honour was awarded to Thurso resident Billy Farquhar, who has dedicated over 38 years of service to the local maritime industry, and saved 81 lives. Billy's
career began when he joined the Merchant Navy after he left school, and spent eight years sailing with Shell tankers, the Ben Line and finally with the Christian Salvesen Co. Leith. After leaving the Merchant Navy he worked on boats fishing out of Scrabster and joined the Thurso Lifeboat Crew in 1969, and took over the job of coxswain in 1974. His numerous acts of bravery and dedication to this post lead to numerous lives being saved, he also avoided an ecological disaster in March 1999, when he towed a burning chemical tanker clear of the rocks below Dunnett Head. The RNLI awarded him numerous awards over the years and the Shipwrecked Mariners Society awarded him the Emile Robin Award. There was also a civic reception in Thurso for the lifeboat crew and himself. Billy retired from RNLI service in 2002 and was a Deputy Launching Authority until last October when he became the Lifeboat Operations Manager. Billy's dedication and bravery to the Thurso Lifeboat Crew were honoured at this year's Prohibition Ball.

Malcolm Waring, Pulteney Distillery Manager: 'This year's Ball was a great success, and we were delighted to be able honour Billy Farquar with the Old Pulteney Maritime Achievement Award. Len Murray was an excellent after dinner speaker and the band had everyone dancing throughout the night. We are thrilled to have raised over £4,600 for
the RNLI and would like to thank all the guests for their generosity."