What Is a Quaich? The Scottish Friendship Cup Explained
If you've been invited to a Scottish wedding — or asked to buy a christening gift with a
difference — you may have come across the quaich. Pronounced 'quake', this shallow two handled cup is one of Scotland's oldest and most meaningful traditions.
A short history
The quaich (from the Gaelic 'cuach', meaning cup) dates back at least to the 16th century.
Originally carved from wood and later made in pewter and silver, it was offered to guests as a
cup of welcome — its two handles a gesture of trust, since both hands were occupied and
couldn't hold a weapon. Clan chiefs, and famously King James VI, gave quaich's as tokens of friendship.
The quaich at weddings
Today the quaich is best known as the 'loving cup' at weddings. During the ceremony the couple share a dram from the same quaich — a first act of trust and partnership. The quaich is then often engraved with the couple's names and wedding date and kept as an heirloom. It makes a superb wedding gift for exactly this reason: it's part of the day itself, not just a present.
Christenings, graduations and presentations
Quaich's are also given at christenings (engraved with the child's name and date), as graduation and retirement gifts, and as trophies — many Highland games and golf clubs present a quaich to winners.
Choosing a quaich
Pewter is the traditional choice: it has the look of silver without the tarnish, and it engraves
beautifully. Sizes run from miniature 38mm keepsakes to 8-inch presentation pieces. For
weddings, a 3–4 inch quaich sits nicely in both hands; for christenings, a smaller cup makes a charming keepsake. Browse our full collection of English pewter quaich's .