Evening meeting - Kecia McDougall, Gin tasting experience and talk

Thu, Apr 25th 2019 at 6:15 pm - 9:00 pm

On Thursday 18th April 2019 President Anne Sampson, welcomed 19 Cub Rotarians and guests to this our evening meeting held in the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes.

On reception was Geoff Sampson.

Shirley Paterson became our fourth new member in the past 3 months as President Anne Sampson inducted her at this evenings meeting.

What a fun evening this turned out to be with a very interesting talk followed by some sampling followed by a lot of questions and good humour.

Kecia and Mary McDougall from Tayport Distillery were our speakers tonight as they spoke about their adventure in to starting up the Distillery. The story of Tayport Distillery begins in the apple orchards of Ohio, and continues here in the berry fields of Fife.

Inspired as much by tales of old Ohian moonshiners, as by the podcasts and books about today’s renaissance micro-distillers, Kecia plunged herself headfirst into this new life.

The distillery is nestled on the outskirts of the Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve on the east side of Tayport. The distillery is part of a growing group of folk, who are proud to be taking part in the regeneration of this area.

To quote Kecia.

What's in a name?
The bluebird has always been a symbol of happiness and hope. The Bluebird features in the story and has special significance for Kecia. In her words...

In 1989, I left my home in the U.S. to be with my now husband, Duncan. At the time, I was not sure if Duncan and I would marry and leaving meant I would have to quit my job, sell my few possessions, and take a gamble. A bit scary at 24 years old . . .

A few things happened and then I just thought, “Why not? You only live once!”. I bought a plane ticket, said goodbye to friends and family but somehow knew I probably would not be coming back.

After saying goodbye to everyone in the airport, I was very upset on the plane and an African American lady sat down next to me and was so kind. She listened to me on the flight from Columbus to Newark. She asked me where I was going, what were my plans and what my address was going to be in U.K., "I’m going to send you something". I thought it was kind but probably nothing would happen.

Anyway about 3 weeks after I arrived, a package was delivered to Duncan’s home in Wales with a note “Wishing you happiness”, a small glass bluebird ornament was enclosed. I have kept that ornament on my kitchen window ledge for 28 years. I still don’t know that lady’s name or where she was from but I think about her often.

The Bluebird has special significance and was the name I wanted for the business but I was advised not to use Bluebird due to trademark and legal considerations. I was very upset by this, so much so, I completely forgot my 25th wedding anniversary trying to think of a new name. When I realised this, I could not believe Duncan and I had been married 25 years . . . It's Never 25. . . how time has flown.

And now a year on, we have commemorated a further year of marriage and launched a new liqueur range simply called "1992" - the year we were married!.

This coming week Thursday 2nd May 2019 is a lunch time meeting to be held at the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes meeting at 12.45pm for commencing at 12.55pm start. Our speaker this week is our own Rotarian Malcolm Robertson who was the official GDC Glenrothes Town Artist for almost two decades. Malcolm succeeded David Harding as Town Artist in the late 70's. His award-winning works from 'The Hands' (modelled on his own hands), the 'Birds' sculpture at Fife House to the inspirational Giant Irises, created specifically for the Glenrothes stand at the Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988.

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes Facebook page. You will be made most welcome.

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