| The word Quaich comes from the Gaelic word | | | | wood and strands of copper to create intricate |
| "cuach" which means cup. Throughout Scotland's | | | | patterns from this time the skills needed to make |
| history it has been used to symbolise love and | | | | quaichs were highly regarded. Other materials such as |
| friendship. | | | | a range of materials were employed to make quaichs |
| It is thought that the first quaichs developed from | | | | from stone and brass to horn and silver. The centre |
| scallop shells which were used ascups for drinking | | | | of the quaich was sometimes decorated with a silver |
| whiskey by people in the Highlands.. Similar to scallop | | | | coin or disc featuring a coat of arms or family motto |
| shells quaichs were wide and shallow in design. | | | | - as well as adding a decorative aspect it serverd to |
| handles were added to make them easier to hold. | | | | hide any joins. The lugs (handles) were frequently |
| The shape of the quaich has been fixed for more | | | | covered with silver or pewter where the owners |
| than four hundred years. | | | | initials could be displayed. During the 17th century in |
| Initially quaichs were made from a single piece of | | | | Scotland there was a craze for adding ones initials to |
| wood, from the late 17th century as craftsmen | | | | property. |
| became more proficient they used light and dark | | | | |