A meetup group having drinks in Edinburgh
© VisitScotland / Rob McDougall
1. Stewart Brewing, Loanhead, Edinburgh
What better way to kickstart the weekend than with a brewery tour? Founded by Steve and Jo Stewart in 2004, Stewart Brewing offers lots of beer related fun. Tours run every Friday from 7pm where you’ll be greeted on arrival with a cold beer. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour around the brewery and finish off with a beer flight of your choice with 18 taps of good quality beer to choose from.
We think beer and pizza is the perfect combo. Why not extend your evening by booking a table at the beer and pizza kitchen? It has all your favourites on the menu including margherita and pepperoni pizza and of course, yummy desserts for afters. Before you go, make sure to pop into the shop and stock up on your favourite Scottish craft beers, from the classic Stewart’s Lager, the passionfruit and apricot flavoured Island Getaway, or tantalise your tastebuds with the fruity aromas of Juicy Mosaic.
Beer at Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery
© Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery
2. Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery, Inverness, Highlands
If you love beer and whisky, then this place will be right up your street! Nestled on the banks of the River Ness, Uile-bheist is big on sustainability with the base malt used in their beer and whiskies locally sourced and is powered by a sustainability centre that harnesses water and energy from the River Ness. Choose from a range of tours and experiences around Scottish beer and whisky. Discover the folklore and mythology behind Uile-bheist as well as the history and beer making process on the Discovery Tour. Or enjoy an in-depth conversation with an expert-led brewer and delve into the fascinating world of craft beer on the Head Brewer tour. Of course, all experiences include tasting sessions so you can get the full Uile-bheist experience. Accessibility tours are also available and provide the same magical experience as the Discovery Tour.
Make sure to peruse the gift shop for your favourite beers or find your new favourite tipple with the Uile-bheist Inverness lager and Dark Horse – Highland Stout just some of the beers in stock.
A pint of beer at Fyne Ales Brewery
© Fyne Ales
3. Fyne Ales, Cairndow, Argyll & The Isles
Get your Scottish beer fix at Fyne Ales. With brewery tours running every Saturday and Sunday, get an exclusive tour of the site where you’ll find out all the secrets when it comes to making their award-winning craft beer. Choose from the standard tour while sipping away on a half pint of Fyne Ales beer or enjoy an explosion of flavours with a flight of beer on the tasting tour.
The brewery takes great pride when it comes to its sustainability efforts. The beers are brewed in line with the seasons using as much foraged ingredients as possible to help bring a unique character and flavour to their beer products. Visiting a brewery is thirsty work after all, so make sure to sit back and while away the hours at the Brewery Tap. Beer highlights on the menu include the Highlander, Hurricane and Jarl with spirits and soft drinks also available.
A bartender pulling a pint at Tennent's Wellpark Brewery
4. Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery, Glasgow
When it comes to breweries in Scotland, Tennent’s deserves an honourable mention. Keeping Scotland’s love of beer alive since 1556, you’ll find Tennent’s lager is found in many bars and restaurants across the country, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. See Tennent’s brought to life on a brewery tour. Running for 90 minutes, you’ll find out more about the brewery’s humble beginnings to international success at the Tennent’s Story Heritage Centre before finishing off with a free pint of liquid gold. Accessible tours can also be arranged but must be booked in advance.
If that’s not enough, add on the beer masterclass experience. Hosted by resident beer experts, discover more about the different beer styles and the history behind the pint before refreshing your palette with more Scottish beers.
Bar area at BrewDog DogTap Ellon
© BrewDog
5. BrewDog DogTap, Ellon
BrewDog DogTap is what we like to describe as a craft beer heaven. Based in Aberdeenshire, brewery tours run from Friday to Sunday and are approximately 90 minutes long, where you’ll be given exclusive access to the brewhouse, beer museum and the HQ offices. The fun doesn’t stop once the tour ends though. Brush up on your beer knowledge at the beer school experience, where you’ll learn about the history of craft beer and how to pair them with delicious food dishes.
If your dog is celebrating a birthday, you’d be barking mad not to throw them a party. BrewDog Dog Pawties offer a range of special treats for your pampered pooch with party hats, a card and dog ice cream sundae included. For the humans, sit back and relax with your favourite BrewDog beer in hand.
A tour taking place at Orkney Brewery
© VisitOrkney / Colin Keldie
6. Orkney Brewery, Orkney
Our islands know how to brew up the good stuff. If you’re planning a brewery tour in Scotland, be sure to check out Orkney Brewery. With tours available to book from Monday to Saturday, the 20-minute experience lets you get up close to see the overall brewing process and how each ale gets their distinctive taste before being bottled up. The best part of the tour is of course the tasting session. Enjoy a fusion of flavours and try a selection of craft beers. After the tour, dig into a hearty meal with your favourite refreshment at the Tasting Hall. Beers featuring on the menu include Orkney Gold, Dark Island and Red MacGregor.
St Andrews Coast
7. St Andrews Brewing Company, St Andrews, Fife
Founded in 2012, St Andrews Brewing Company have since been delighting fans with their concoction of beer flavours, from the refreshing lager and pale ale to the full-bodied Scottish oatmeal stout. If you’re planning a trip to St Andrews, now is your chance to see where all the brewing magic happens. Available to book on weekends, the one-hour long tour is a great opportunity to sample some of the brewery’s core beer range with three 1/3 pints included within the tour. When the sun comes out to play, dine al fresco and keep those rumbling tummies at bay with mouth-watering pizzas and burgers and a beer to complement your meal.
A shelf fully stocked with Isle of Arran beers
© Isle of Arran Brewery
8. Isle of Arran Brewery, Arran
Isle of Arran Brewery has an impressive craft beer selection to choose from. Whether you enjoy the nutty aromas of the Red Squirrel or the powerful citrusy flavours of the Sunset, there is a beer to suit everyone’s tastebuds. Fancy a sneak peek of the brewery in action? You’re in luck! Isle of Arran Brewery run tours Monday to Friday from 2pm giving you a brief story behind the brewery itself and the production process before heading to the bar to taste some beers. You’ll even be given a complimentary Arran Brewery branded glass, the perfect keepsake to take home with you.
A selection of ales at Traquair House Brewery
9. Traquair House Brewery, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders
Traquair Scottish ales are recognised across the globe, although we think the best place to try them is where it all began. Located in the wing of Traquair House, directly underneath the chapel, learn more about the brewery’s fascinating history and get to grips with the overall brewing process. Craft beer lovers can even enjoy tasting three ales on the day. The ales that you’ll sample have won numerous awards over the years, so you’ll be guaranteed a top drinking experience. Will your tastebuds be delighted with the rich dark oakiness of the Traquair House ale or enjoy the fresh aftertaste of Traquair Jacobite ale?
Two pints of beer at Bellfield Brewery Taproom and Beer Garden
10. Bellfield Brewery, Edinburgh
Awarded Scottish Brewery of the Year at The Scottish Beer Awards 2023, it’s no surprise Bellfield Brewery has been impressing visitors with their wonderful selection of craft beers. You’ll soon see what all the fuss is about when booking a brewery tour and tasting session. Running on Saturdays and Sundays, discover the history of Bellfield before being shown around the brewhouse. You’ll learn more about how the equipment works and be given the opportunity to sample four of their beers as you listen to the tour experts talk through the ingredients used to create award-winning beers. Good news for our gluten-free and vegan friends – all Bellfield beers are certified by Coeliac UK and are registered with the Vegan Society, meaning you don’t have to skip out on the good stuff.
