MARK THIS LEAP YEAR WITH THE FAMOUS GROUSE

Press release issued 29th February 2008

The Famous Grouse is making the most of the extra day this leap year with the introduction of the 'Famous Proposal' and 'Famous Leapling' limited edition personalised bottles ahead of Friday (29^th February).

'Leap days' are traditionally cause for celebration for women wanting to propose to their partners as well as 'leaplings' whose birthdays fall on 29^th February.

To help mark the occasion Scotland?s favourite whisky brand is providing inspiration in the form of customised bottles of The Famous Grouse Finest. The labels allow for thirteen characters on the front and a personalised message on the back making an impromptu proposal or a birthday gift that extra bit special.

Sure to tempt even the most reluctant of suitors, a personalised bottle of the 'Famous Proposal' is a novel alternative to the customary engagement ring.

The tradition of women romantically pursuing men in leap years began in 5th century Ireland, when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about the fair sex having to wait for men to propose. Patrick finally relented and set 29th February aside as the day allowing women the right to ask for a man's hand in marriage.

Queen Margaret of Scotland declared in 1288 that on 29^th February a woman had the right to pop the question to any man she wished and any who refused were faced with a fine in the form of a kiss, a silk dress, or a pair of gloves for the spurned maiden.

For those who are born on a leap day, birthdays are only officially recognised every four years and can be somewhat confusing with many choosing to celebrate on 28^th February or 1^st March on non-leap years. So this year leaplings, will be able to push the boat out and realise how special they are with a bottle of The 'Famous Leapling'.

Katy Stollery, PR Manager for The Famous Grouse, said: "Leap days are about so much more than just an extra day at work and we felt that it was only right that The Famous Grouse did something special to mark the occasion."