long-syne

Updated: June 13, 2025

Only the fact remains that, like the heather ale of old, Donald's whisky was held in high esteem, its effects on the visitors who began in numbers to seek the seclusion of his bothy, as "blessed" as were ever those of that earlier mysterious beverage beloved of our Pictish ancestors: "From the bonny bells of heather They brewed a drink long-syne, Was sweeter far than honey, Was stronger far than wine.

Jeanie Lang - Stories of the Border Marches