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Historical evolution of the quaich

So the wooden stave quaichs of centuries past evolved into silver-mounted, and entirely silver, versions and Sir Walter Scott and Bonnie Prince Charlie have been amongst their illustrious owners.

In the 19th Century, Sir Walter Scott is said to have dispensed drams in silver quaichs. One of the quaichs he owned was known as the Waterloo Tree Quaich. It was made in part from wood Scott had taken from the Waterloo Elm – the Duke of Wellington’s command post – when Scott visited the battlefield, shortly after the Battle of Waterloo.

Sir Walter Scott’s quaichs

Scott is known to have also owned some other quaichs made from commemorative wood: one made from Falkland Oak, another made from Queen Mary’s yew and yet another from the Wallace Oak. One was particularly precious to him, as in 1745 that quaich had travelled from Edinburgh to Derby with Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Silver quaichs for Scottish ladies

Silver quaichs were first mentioned in the 1660s, and the making of quaichs was a highly regarded profession in 17th Century Scotland. Silver quaichs were thinner and more delicate, allowing fine Scottish ladies to drink from them more easily.

Quaichs at ceremonial occasions

More recently, quaichs have been used as favours at many Scottish weddings, being presented to everyone at the top table. The happy couple may also drink from a ceremonial quaich, to toast their vows.

Quaichs have also been used at births, to drink to the baby’s health and celebrate the new life, and at christenings. In Kilmuir in Scotland, there is a wooden quaich which was formerly used as a baptismal font – quaichs have now also become a traditional baptismal gift.

Commemorative quaichs

Commemorative quaichs awarded as prizes, or given as gifts, are more commonly made of pewter or silver – these prize cups are rarely used for actual drinking.

Present-day use of the quaich as a gift or trophy carries with it and preserves this link with Scotland’s proud and ancient heritage. Engraving can personalise, or record for posterity, virtually any special occasion or event.