This Crazy Scottish Whiskymovie Actually Happened

Saturday, 29 November 2025 at 15:03

You may have heard of the classic comedy film Whisky Galore! It’s a 1949 title that tells the remarkable tale of more than 20,000 crates of whisky washing ashore. But did you know the story is actually true?

Anyone who’s seen the list of the 100 greatest British films of the twentieth century may have noticed Whisky Galore! sitting comfortably in the top list of movies.

To be precise, it takes the 25th spot. That's a pretty good accomplishment for a movie about whisky, but did you know this actually happened?

What exactly is Whisky Galore! about?

Set during the Second World War on a fictional Scottish island, the story follows locals living on rations as wartime hardship bites and things really take a turn when the whisky runs out.

But then comes a twist: just off the island’s coast, a cargo ship has run aground carrying thousands of cases of whisky. The exact number varies depending on which source you trust, but it was certainly over 20,000. The islanders quickly agree on one thing: that ship is getting raided, and the water of life is getting smuggled ashore.

Despite the hefty production costs, the film was a roaring success and was even nominated for a BAFTA Award in 1950. A remake was released in 2016. So yes: this is a film inspired by a true story.

Just goes to show what whisky can do…