Bottoms up! Charles forced to take cover under a brolly after a downpour threatens to derail al-fresco whisky sampling session

  • Prince Charles visited the Isle of Islay and toured two distilleries
  • Enjoyed an al-fresco dram - but was forced to take cover under a brolly
  • Visited the 200-year-old Ardbeg and Laphroaig distilleries on the island
  • The Prince was dapper in a kilt made from green Lord of the Isles tartan
  • He is the holder of the ancient title, which originated in Viking period

It's one of Scotland's best-loved exports and now single malt whisky has the royal seal of approval after Prince Charles sampled a dram during a visit to Islay today.

But he almost got more liquid refreshment than he bargained for, after the heavens opened and forced him to take cover beneath an umbrella. 

Charles, who is known as the Duke of Rothesay north of the border, took in two distilleries during his tour of the island - and also tried his hand at shovelling peat at one.

Liquid refreshment: Charles nearly got more than he bargained for during a whisky tasting session

Liquid refreshment: Charles nearly got more than he bargained for during a whisky tasting session

Convivial: The royal was visiting the 200-year-old Ardbeg distillery on the Isle of Islay at the time

Convivial: The royal was visiting the 200-year-old Ardbeg distillery on the Isle of Islay at the time

The royal, who was wearing a kilt made from green Lord of the Isles tartan, certainly appeared to enjoy the experience and joked with Laphroaig distillery staff as he wielded the spade.

Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall are coming to the end of their annual Holyrood week in Scotland, which has seen them travel the length and breadth of the country.

After spending yesterday at the Dumfries House Textiles Festival, today was all about whisky with Charles starting his day at Ardbeg, one of eight on Islay and which, along with Laphroaig, celebrates its 200th birthday this year.

Marc Hoellinger, president and chief executive of The Glenmorangie Company who accompanied him on the visit, presented him with a bottle of Ardbeg Kildalton whisky.

All smiles: Later, he continued on to a different distillery, Laphroaig, for another tour and more whisky

All smiles: Later, he continued on to a different distillery, Laphroaig, for another tour and more whisky

Royal approval: Laphroaig is the only distillery to have a Royal Warrant presented by Prince Charles

Royal approval: Laphroaig is the only distillery to have a Royal Warrant presented by Prince Charles

Getting stuck in: Charles tries his hand at banking one of the fires with a shovel-full of peat

Was that OK? The Prince glances back at his hosts to check everything went as planned

Was that OK? The Prince glances back at his hosts to check everything went as planned

The special edition spirit was launched to support an initiative the Prince is involved in to promote and strengthen the people, places and products of rural areas of Scotland.

'This is a very exciting time for Ardbeg,' said Mr Hoellinger afterwards. 'Since the renaissance of the distillery in 1997 Ardbeg has acquired a hugely passionate following amongst malt whisky aficionados across the world.

'This success and the hard work of all involved in Ardbeg means that today there are 38 full and part-time posts at the distillery, making a valuable contribution to the community and economy of south Islay.'

He said the visit gave 'great encouragement' to staff, their families and the wider community.

Charles then went to the Laphroaig distillery, which was established by members of Clan Donald and now owned by Beam Suntory.

It is the only whisky to carry the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales, which was awarded by him during a visit to the distillery in 1994.

On his way in: Charles, who was wearing a kilt made from Lord of the Isles tartan, arrives at Laphroaig

On his way in: Charles, who was wearing a kilt made from Lord of the Isles tartan, arrives at Laphroaig

Tucking in: Having already sampled Ardbeg's output, he was delighted to be offered more from Laphroaig

Tucking in: Having already sampled Ardbeg's output, he was delighted to be offered more from Laphroaig

Charles is given wellies for himself and Camilla
The Prince relaxes with a cup of tea

Something a little lighter? Charles is given wellies for himself and Camilla (left) and enjoys a cup of tea (right)

Islay, which sits just off the west coast of Scotland, is renowned for producing a smoky, peaty style of whisky.

Along with Laphroaig and Ardbeg, the 25-mile island is home to six other distilleries: Bowmore, Bruichladdich, Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Kilchoman and Lagavulin.

Charles, who also holds the title Lord of the Isles, also visited Loch Finlaggan on Islay, the ancestral seat associated with the ancient title.

Centuries ago, the Lord of the Isles ruled the islands and part of the west coast of Scotland, from the Mull of Kintyre to the butt of Lewis, and Loch Finlaggan was an important administrative centre.

Fiercely independent, the Lords were nominal vassals of the Viking kings of Norway and Denmark before later transferring their allegiance to the Scottish rulers.

Celebration: Like Ardbeg, Laphroaig is celebrating its 200th birthday this year

Celebration: Like Ardbeg, Laphroaig is celebrating its 200th birthday this year

Royal scribble: Charles autographs a commemorative barrel of single malt whisky

Royal scribble: Charles autographs a commemorative barrel of single malt whisky

Striking: The Sound of Islay, a narrow strait between Islay and Jura, can be seen behind the distillery

Striking: The Sound of Islay, a narrow strait between Islay and Jura, can be seen behind the distillery

Stunning: When the sun shines, few places are lovelier than Islay - Port Askaig is pictured

Stunning: When the sun shines, few places are lovelier than Islay - Port Askaig is pictured

The title passed to the King in 1489 when John of Islay, Earl of Ross helped Angus Óg, the illegitimate son of James III, rebel against his rule and was defeated.

Although the heyday of the Lords of the Isles is long over, a small number of buildings on the islands dotting the loch can still be seen.

Charles, who is the current holder of the title, received a warm welcome from locals at the Finlaggan Information Centre and met representatives of the Finlaggan Trust.

Committee chairman Donald Bell, who enjoyed a Laphroaig whisky with the Prince, said: 'There was a very big turnout of people to see him - the crowds welcomed him and there was lovely sunshine for the visit.

'He said to me personally that it was a very special day. He was so interested in the site and we spoke about improving things we have here.'

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