MUSSELBURGH & District Veterans have raised a glass to an enjoyable visit to Glenkinchie Distillery in Pencaitland, thanks to an anonymous donation.

A dozen members of the group, which meets at the Hollies Community Hub, were well received at the distillery and given a complimentary upgraded tour of the local business.

Glenkinchie proudly serves as one of the Four Corners distilleries of Johnnie Walker. It distils the Edinburgh malt that is enjoyed around the world on its own and as a vital component of Johnnie Walker whiskies.

Royal Navy veteran Karl Cleghorn said: “We are grateful for the anonymous donation that allowed the group to enjoy such a fine day out.

“We try to get out into our communities and be seen on a regular basis, with bi-monthly visits made in the local and surrounding towns.

“We are keen to be seen and support the areas we reside in and take away some of the mystery of military service.

“We welcome any member of the retired armed forces family along to our meetings – there is no formality and no costs. Come along for a coffee, bacon roll and a convivial chat.”

He paid tribute to Musselburgh Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets, who provided their new minibus to take the group to Pencaitland for the tour of the distillery.

“Their commanding officer, Warrant Officer Christopher Gay, is extremely good at intergenerational work,” he said.

The group is next assisting at a horseracing fundraiser event at the Hollies Hub next Friday (October 18), from 7pm, to which all veterans and members of the community are invited.

A trip to the Military Museum Scotland at Wilkieston, West Lothian, is planned for November 6.