Ewan McGregor, the celebrated actor known for his role in Trainspotting, has successfully raised an impressive sum of £135,000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) through a unique whisky auction. The generous donation was made possible by auctioning off 150 bottles of a special 26-year-old “Ewan’s Cut” Arran Single Malt Whisky, sourced from McGregor’s personal cask at the Lochranza Distillery.
The auction, facilitated by the leading online whisky auction platform, Whisky Auctioneer, attracted 543 bidders from 28 countries who placed over 7000 bids on the exclusive bottles. The hammer price for the auction reached £119,893, and with Whisky Auctioneer waiving the seller’s commission and donating its buyer’s commission, the total amount raised for CHAS was boosted to £135,000.
Expressing his gratitude for the successful fundraiser, McGregor thanked all the partners involved in the initiative. CHAS holds a special place in McGregor’s heart, and he expressed pride in the collective effort that led to such a significant contribution. The actor highlighted the invaluable support that CHAS provides to children and their families, emphasizing the positive impact of the funds raised.
Notably, the first bottle of “Ewan’s Cut” fetched a remarkable hammer price of £4,350, setting a new record for the highest price ever paid for a bottle of Arran single malt at an auction. The rare 26-year-old whisky, aged in an ex-Sherry Hogshead cask, represents one of the oldest creations from the Lochranza Distillery.
The design and concept of “Ewan’s Cut” were meticulously crafted in collaboration with McGregor’s brother, Colin McGregor, and the marketing firm The Leith Agency, who offered their services pro-bono. Each of the 150 bottle labels tells a unique story inspired by Ewan McGregor’s distinguished career in films like Trainspotting and Star Wars, as well as his adventurous pursuits like Long Way Round.
CHAS CEO Rami Okasha expressed deep gratitude towards McGregor for his longstanding support and generosity. The significant contribution from the auction will enable CHAS to continue providing vital care and support to children with life-shortening conditions and their families. Okasha emphasised the importance of such donations in fulfilling CHAS’s mission of reaching every child and family in need of assistance.
The successful auction not only raised substantial funds for CHAS but also set a record in the whisky auction world with the exceptional bids received for “Ewan’s Cut.” With the unwavering dedication of partners and supporters, McGregor’s initiative has made a tangible difference in the lives of those supported by CHAS, embodying the spirit of giving back to the community.