Windie Goat Brewery at the Failford Inn

Highland Lassie

The 2.5 barrel Windie Goat Brewery at the Failford Inn, South Ayrshire is approaching its 100th brew on 25th January 2009 and head brewer, Michelle Kelsall, is planning something a bit special for this milestone. The significance of the date will not be lost on anyone with an interest in Scottish history as it marks the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth, Scotland's national bard and Failford is at the heart of Burns' country.

Michelle said, "My ancestry actually lies in whisky rather than beer as my great-great-great grandfather, John Grant, bought the Glenfarclas distillery on Speyside in 1865. The distillery is still run by my family with uncle John and cousin George at the helm producing Single Highland Malt Scotch Whisky in the traditional Speyside style, with a heavy Sherry influence."

The ale will be aged in two Glenfarclas barrels before one cask is made available on the Windie Goat Brewery's third birthday on 16th May 2009 and the rest will be packaged as limited edition bottles which will be available from the Failford Inn and the visitor's centre at the Glenfarclas distillery.

The amber ale will be 6.5% and is to be named "Highland Lassie", a song Robert Burns wrote to 'Highland' Mary Campbell who he "plighted his troth" to in Failford.

Beer from the Heart of Burns Country