AD – GIFTED | Despite having a Scottish surname, courtesy of my lovely husband, we don’t celebrate many of the traditions from the Land of the Brave. I mean we eat haggis, neeps and tatties on Burns Night but that’s about it. So I thought it would be fun to take a closer look at one of the Scots’ most famous phrases, Slàinte Mhath. And what better way to do this than with a personalised bottle of whisky*, courtesy of The Personalised Gift Shop, and just in time for Alan’s birthday.
What’s the Slàinte Mhath meaning?
Whisky and the Scots go together like, well, whisky and the Scots, don’t they? There never seems to be an occasion when a wee dram is not appropriate. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, celebrations, commiserations, parties, and just because it’s Friday night. Or maybe I associate too much with a certain type of Scot… Anyway, just what is Slàinte Mhath and how do you actually say it?
How to pronounce Slàinte Mhath
Well, it’s the traditional Scottish Gaelic toast when raising a glass. The literal translation is “Good Health”, a more lyrical version of our rather bland, “Cheers.” And it’s pronounced “Slan-ge-var.” So when someone says cheers in Scottish, or Slàinte Mhath, you usually respond with “Do Dheagh Slàinte” meaning “To Your Good Health,” before downing your drams in one go.
Bonnie Prince Charlie
There are a few variations on Slàinte Mhath though, and one in particular has an entirely different and coded meaning: Slàinte Mhòr. Apparently, this is in fact a Jacobite toast to Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Following his defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie fled north to the Hebrides. There he attained a number of ‘code names’ to avoid identification, one of which was “Marion”. Slàinte Mhòr means to Marion’s Health, or, in other words, to Charlie’s Health!
Burns Night
Burns Night is a Scots tradition you may be more familiar with. On or around 25th January each year Scotland commemorates the life of the poet, Robert Burns, born in 1759. The day also celebrates Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture, including what’s probably his best known work, Auld Lang Syne. Although this poem is more usually sung at New Year’s Eve and accompanied by, of course, several drams of whisky to say cheers in Gaelic Scots.
A personalised bottle of whisky
Last year Alan had a letterbox cake, but this year I wanted to give him something a little more indulgent and exclusive. So I was delighted to find The Personalised Gift Shop and their range of products. The company is a family-run business that offers all kinds of fabulous gifts and experience days.
Finding your perfect gift is easy, you can browse by Recipient, Occasion, or Theme. So whether you’re after a christening present, a treat for your partner, something for a teacher’s end of year thank you, or just a birthday surprise, you’re sure to find something lovely before adding your own personal touch.
As you’ve probably twigged from the title of this post, I chose a personalised bottle of whisky for him. The ordering experience was so straightforward, and delivery was within a couple of days. Very impressive considering it was a personalised design. So, what did he think?
Design and taste
The 75cl personalised bottle of whisky arrived in a lovely silk-lined gift box for that luxurious touch. And just look at that fabulous label, his own McLachlan whisky especially for his birthday and a true Scots toast. He’s a little camera shy, so sadly I can’t share his wowed reaction.
As regards the taste, he prefers a smoky, peaty flavour so this blend of malt and grain whiskies, matured in oak casks, certainly hit the spot. He pronounced it very smooth, and one that slips down very easily. I don’t know much about whisky but that gorgeous amber colour looks very inviting. Of course, drinking in the right kind of glass makes all the difference. And here are some more wonderful whisky gifts you could treat your discerning whisky lover to.
Final thoughts
As personalised gifts go, I do think this is one of the more unusual and lovely ideas I’ve come across. There’s something very special about a personalised bottle of whisky, don’t you think? And very fitting for my husband, whose clan claims descent from Lachlan Mor, a powerful chieftain who lived on the shores of Loch Fyne in the 13th century. While I’m not a whisky drinker myself, I think I could almost be tempted to raise a small glass for a toast in Scottish too – Slàinte Mhath!
Here’s tae us
Wha’s like us
Damn few,
And they’re a’ deid
Mair’s the pity!
Did you know the Gaelic for cheers in Scottish? Have you ever given a personalised gift before? What sort of gift do you think you’d like to receive?
* This post features a gifted item but all opinions and photos are my own.
Personalised gifts always give that extra special touch and this one looks perfect for Alan! I don’t know much about whiskey but this definitely looks very luxurious and high quality. The silky box is so gorgeous! I never knew anything about Slàinte Mhath, so it’s really interesting to learn about what it means and where the phrase it came from. I’m defo going to check out the website and keep it in mind for future birthdays! Thanks for sharing Lisa, fab post and I hope Alan has a fantastic birthday too! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
It actually couldn’t have been a better birthday gift, could it? I had fun researching Slàinte Mhath too, especially as it’s spelt nothing like how it’s pronounced! I’m so glad to have come across The Personalised Gift Shop though, I’ll definitely be using them for future gift ideas, there’s such huge choice 🙂 Thank you for the birthday wishes, I will be sure to pass them on! xxx
I don’t actually know much about this or burns night (other than it’s usually on my calendar) so it’s nice to read about that saying and learn where it comes from. I like to buy personalised gifts where I can, I always think it makes a lovely gift. Plus it’s always awesome to have your name on something you wouldn’t usually see. The gift box is beautiful and what a lovely gift! Thank you for sharing Lisa xxx
Oh I’m glad you enjoyed that, I did too. And yes, personalised gifts are so wonderful, aren’t they? Something just that little bit special and out of the ordinary. Alan loved it! Thank you for your lovely comment xxx
Oh a personalised bottle of whiskey is such an amazing gift idea! Both Jamie and my Dad would both definitely appreciate one! I’ve never heard of Slàinte Mhath so it’s interesting to learn more about Scottish tradition!
Soph x
It really is, isn’t it? Alan’s a lucky chap 🙂 And I loved finding out more about the toast too, fascinating stuff! X
Love this! Drawn to Bonnie Prince Charlie!
Thank you, I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
It didn’t occur to me that you had a Scottish surname haha! Like I mentioned on Instagram, this would make an amazing gift!
Oh really? Haha, I must be more discreet than I thought 🙂 x
I love personalised gifts, and your name really does sound like it could be a whisky anyway 😂. But one thing that got me here, “Slan-ge-var” REALLY?! That’s a million miles from how that would have probably sounded in my head…oops.. I like the translation though, that was a nice little snippet of information x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
It’s so close to so many Scottish blends, haha. And yes, I know, I was amazed, but that’s why I’m never learning Gaelic! X
Love this item. Would be perfect for my dad as he is so hard to buy for. Looks lovely with the gift box. My dad is Irish and they to say slainte! Thanks for the review it’s always good to see what something is really like before ordering x
Oh, that’s great, I’m so pleased this post was helpful. And yes, I knew about the Irish Slainte but (weirdly) not the Scottish version until I started researching it. Sounds like this would be perfect for your dad! x
I actually love this, I didn’t even know or think about getting personalised whiskey and actually would make the perfect gift for my grandad!
I’m so glad this was helpful, that’s great – I hope he loves his whisky if you do decide to get him some!
What a great gift! I think personalised gifts are brilliant; and show your thought into the present. How professional does it look too, definitely wouldn’t have known it wasn’t an actualy brand if you hadn’t said! 😂 I may have to head to this website for future gifts.
Love the bit of history and language lesson too!
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
https://www.aimsysantics.co.uk
I know, it looks so professional, if you didn’t know, you wouldn’t know, would you? I’m so impressed with this company, they make everything so easy and it’s really quick too. And glad you enjoyed your mini-history lesson too, haha! x
I love giving personalized gifts and this seems like a really great one for someone who loves to drink a little bit!
I do too, and yes, couldn’t agree more!
I love personalised gifts and this would be great for my dad or Grampy as they both enjoy whiskey. Especially Scottish brands.
Yay, this sounds perfect, I hope they love them if you do decide to treat them 😘
I’m not much of a fan when it comes to drinking, but I will keep this in mind for Christmas gifts! I have a lot of people in mind who this will be great for..
Ooh, they will be very lucky, it’s a lovely gift and has been very well received here!
Personalized gift are so special and you chose a lovely one for your hubby Lisa. We are not much into drinks but the bottle looks luxurious. Reading your post reminded me of the Outlander books and series. 🙂
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
They are, aren’t they? And thank you, he was very happy, haha. I haven’t watched the Outlander series but I did have the Highlander films in mind when I wrote this post!
Learnt something about Scotts. To your good health.
Thank you 🙂 And the same to you!
Looks fantastic
I would like to make a whisky sour with this fantastic scotch,
That sounds delicious!