Breweries and craft beer to try in Scotland

Stewart Brewing, Loanhead, Edinburgh – running every Friday, 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. 

Uile-bheist Distillery & Brewery, Inverness, Scottish Highlands – enjoy an in-depth conversation with an expert-led brewer or discover the folklore and mythology behind Uile-bheist as well as the history and beer making process. Accessibility tours are also available.

Isle of Arran Brewery – running Monday to Friday, learn the story behind the brewery itself and the production process before heading to the bar to taste some beers.

Traquair House Brewery, Innerleithen, Scottish Borders – the ales that you’ll sample have won numerous awards, so you’ll be guaranteed a top drinking experience.

Orkney Brewery – this island brewery offers tours 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.

Tennent's Wellpark Brewery, Glasgow – learn more about one of Scotland's most iconic beer brands Tennent's with tours running everyday.

Belhaven Brewery, Dunbar, East Lothian – founded in 1719, this is Scotland's oldest brewery and includes a highly informative tour with tastings.

Burnside Brewery, Aberdeenshire – brew your own beer on-site and sample a range of award-winning craft and alcohol-free beers too.

Discover more brewery tours across Scotland

How far does Scottish craft beer date back?

Scottish craft beer dates back to the Neolithic period, with evidence of early brewing on sites such as Skara Brae in Orkney and the Isle of Rum.

What ingredients were traditionally used in early Scottish brewing?

Early Scottish brewers used local botanicals like meadowsweet, heather, and bog myrtle to flavour their beer. These plants helped define the distinctive flavour of ancient Scottish ales.

When did brewing become widespread in Scotland?

By the 12th century, brewing was common in monasteries and religous houses, which took advantage of Scotland's high-quality spring water.

Why did Scotland become famous for beer?

Scotland became known worldwide for its beer production, thanks to its brewing centres in Edinburgh and Alloa, which exported Scottish ales across the British Empire.

What caused the rise of modern Scottish craft beer?

The early 21st-century was propelled by the introduction of the Progressive Beer Duty (now Small Brewers Relief), this lowered taxes for many small-scale breweries to get creative with their beer making.

Which areas of Scotland have the most breweries?

Our breweries are spread across the country but the most popular brewery regions include:

• Edinburgh & the Lothians (historical brewing centre)
• Glasgow (modern craft breweries and bars)
• Highlands & Islands (farm breweries and scenic microbreweries)
• Argyll & Bute (home to breweries like Fyne Ales)

Do Scottish breweries use local ingredients?

Yes, many rely on Scottish spring water, locally grown barley and malts and native botanicals including heather.

What is the difference between Scottish craft beer, ale and lager?

Craft beers – these must be brewed by independent breweries for it to be classed as a ‘craft beer’. It can also include any style of beer from ales, lagers, stouts, sours, IPAs and barrel-aged beers. 

Ales – made with top-fermenting yeast at warmer temperatures, ales often come in more fruity flavours. Common ales include IPA, red and brown ale, stout, porter and Scottish ale. 

Lagers – made with bottom-fermenting yeast at cool temperatures. These are lighter and more refreshing in terms of taste. Common lager styles include Helles, Pilsner, Vienna lager and Dunkel.

What are the opening hours of breweries in Scotland? 

There is no standard day of closure for breweries in Scotland. Some are open seven days a week while others operate Monday to Saturday and close on Sunday. We recommend visiting individual breweries websites to get the latest updates on opening hours.