Celebrating 80 Years of the Vegan Society: A Legacy of Compassion, Health, and Change

In 1944, a small group of visionaries came together in the UK with a radical idea: to live entirely without animal products – not just in diet, but in all aspects of life. 

From that seed of compassion and conviction, The Vegan Society was born. This year marks 80 years since that historic moment, and it’s a milestone well worth celebrating.

The Birth of a Movement

Founded by Donald Watson and his peers, The Vegan Society coined the term “vegan” by taking the first and last letters of “vegetarian” – symbolising the beginning and end of the vegetarian journey. What started as a fringe lifestyle embraced by a few passionate individuals has since blossomed into a global movement.

Back then, veganism was misunderstood and often mocked. Today, it's mainstream, and the UK is one of the leading nations in the world for vegan innovation, products, and advocacy.

80 Years of Advocacy and Progress

Over the past eight decades, The Vegan Society has:

Campaigned tirelessly for animal welfare and ethical treatment.

Promoted plant-based living as a sustainable, health-conscious lifestyle.

Supported the development of vegan food standards and the now-familiar Vegan Trademark, helping consumers identify genuine vegan products.

Pushed for institutional change, working with schools, hospitals, and businesses to increase plant-based options and raise awareness.

Their legacy includes ground-breaking resources, educational campaigns, and a strong sense of community for vegans and the vegan-curious alike.

A Time for Reflection and Celebration

As we mark this 80-year milestone, it’s worth reflecting on just how much has changed. Veganism is no longer niche – it’s now a lifestyle embraced by millions, with supermarkets, restaurants, and even fast-food chains offering vegan options as standard.

Events across the UK and beyond are celebrating the Society’s anniversary, from plant-based food festivals to panel discussions on the future of ethical living. It's also a time to look ahead: towards a world where plant-based choices are not just available, but normalised and celebrated.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

In the face of climate change, global food insecurity, and continued exploitation of animals, the principles the Vegan Society was founded on are more relevant than ever. Choosing plant-based living is a personal act of kindness, but it's also a powerful tool for systemic change.

Join the Celebration

Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, a flexitarian, or just curious about reducing your impact, this anniversary is a chance to:

Try a new vegan dish

Support a vegan charity or business

Read about the history of veganism

Share your own journey or thoughts online using #VeganSociety80

Let’s raise a (plant-based) toast to The Vegan Society: 80 years of standing up for animals, people, and the planet.

Global Celebration of Scotch Whisky

The global success of Scotch Whisky was marked with 45 new members of the Keepers of the Quaich being inducted into the international society at special private ceremony held at Blair Castle in Blair Atholl on Monday 2nd October 2023. This is the 66th Ceremony and Banquet to take place there.

Mountaineer Kenton Cool was the Guest of Honour and was awarded the title of Honorary Keeper.

Only 63 guests have ever been awarded the title of Honorary Keeper of the Quaich.

Keepers of the Quaich was established by the Scotch Whisky industry to recognise the outstanding commitment of those involved in the production, promotion or protection of the world’s finest spirit.

To qualify, new Keepers must have worked in the industry for a minimum of seven years and the accolade is in recognition of their personal contribution to Scotch Whisky.

Since the foundation of the Society, around 3,500 men and women from over 100 countries have received the honour. 

A select few have subsequently been distinguished as Master of the Quaich having served for a further 10 years and been recognised by their peers for their ongoing support of the aims of the Society. Collectively, the Society represents many thousands of years of experience and knowledge.

“Scotch Whisky was, and remains, the first global spirit and Keepers of the Quaich exists to recognise and celebrate the exceptional contribution of people working in all aspects of the industry, all over the world," explained Ian Smith, Society Chairman. 

He added: “At the ceremony we inducted new Keepers from no less than 15 different countries which demonstrates the continued popularity of Scotch Whisky.”

While the induction of new Keepers of the Quaich happens only in Scotland, the Society is supported by international chapters in key export markets such as Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Germany, India, the Netherlands, the Nordics, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.

keepersofthequaich.co.uk

(Image courtesy of neil@connectmedia.cc)