What is a Quaich?

                                   Quaich is a Scots rendering of the Gaelic word

                         “cuach”; meaning a shallow cup.  Centuries ago they were                        

built of wooden staves, and by the 17th century were often mounted in

silver or entirely made from metal.

 

                               Quaichs were used for whisky or brandy, and in the

                              19th century Sir Walter Scott dispensed drams in

                             silver-inlaid Quaichs, but the one he kept for himself was particularly precious to him.

          

           The simple but pleasingly distinctive design of the Quaich has

remained unchanged over the centuries - a shallow bowl with two handles

colloquially known as "lugs".

 

 

...... in 1745 it had travelled from Edinburgh to Derby with the Scottish Army in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s canteen.

           

Its bottom was made of glass so that the drinker could keep watch

on his companions.

 

                               A more romantic Quaich had a double glass bottom in

                              which was kept a lock of hair, so that the owner could         

                              drink to his lady love; and in 1589 King James VI of

                              Scotland gave Anne of Norway a Quaich or “loving cup”

                               as a wedding gift.

 

Traditionally, the Quaich is used when offering a guest the cup of welcome” and again when offering the farewell or parting drink.

 

     We hope you visit and have a memorable and pleasant stay with us..…

Edinburgh City Accommodation - Bed and Breakfast

Quaich Guest House