From the Borders and Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands
Some of Scotland’s top craft beer breweries that offer tours have been named(Image: sutiporn somnam / Getty Images)
Scotland’s top craft beer breweries that offer tours to the public have been named, from the Borders to the Highlands. The country is home to many popular and renowned breweries that produce beer that is enjoyed across Scotland and beyond, but not all of them are open to the public.
VisitScotland has shared a roundup of five breweries in Scotland where visitors can head out on tours and learn more about the production of craft beer. Some of the breweries singled out even offer tastings as part of their tours, giving enthusiasts a chance to try the beers for themselves.
VisitScotland wrote: “Today, you’ll find a wide selection of craft beers available in shops and bars, and restaurants. There are now even specially dedicated festivals and brewery tours making it a thriving part of Scotland’s food and drink landscape.”
Read on for a roundup of five of the best craft breweries in Scotland that offer tours according to VisitScotland. More information about the top breweries and craft beers to try across the country can be found on the VisitScotland website.
Stewart Brewing, LoanheadContent cannot be displayed without consent
Stewart Brewing is an independent family-run brewery situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh in Loanhead that was established in 2004 by Steve and Jo Stewart. It produces beer in small batches that is available in pubs across the Scottish capital and beyond, and also sells mini casks and bottled beers from its brewery shop.
Stewart Brewing offers a behind-the-scenes experience, which starts with a beer that visitors can enjoy as they hear how the brewery grew from a small local operation into among Edinburgh’s biggest independent breweries. Visitors will then be guided through the brewery itself, and will learn about everything from recipe development and ingredient selection to brewing, fermentation, and packaging.
VisitScotland said: “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.”
More information can be found on the Stewart Brewing website.
Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery, Inverness
Nestled along the banks of the River Ness, the Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery brews local craft ales and lagers and is the first new whisky distillery to be built in Inverness in around 130 years. The term ‘Uile-bheist’ translates to ‘monster’ in Scottish Gaelic, with the distillery and brewery named after the Loch Ness Monster.
Uile-bheist offers guided tours, where visitors can learn all about its whisky and beer production. The tour will also detail the folklore and mythology behind Uile-bheist, and includes tasters of both a whisky and a beer.
VisitScotland said: “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.”
More information can be found on the Uile-bheist Distillery and Brewery website.
Traquair House Brewery, Innerleithen
Traquair House(Image: DeAgostini/Getty Images)
The Traquair House Brewery can be found in the wing beneath the chapel of Traquair House in the Scottish Borders, which is Scotland’s oldest inhabited house. The brewery has a history dating back to the early 18th century and was previously a domestic brewery that served Traquair House and the surrounding estate.
Traquair House offers tours of the brewery by request, with the tours lasting approximately 30 minutes and including a tasting of its three ales. However, the brewery tours at Traquair House are subject to availability.
VisitScotland said: “The ales that you’ll sample have won numerous awards, so you’ll be guaranteed a top drinking experience.”
More information can be found on the Traquair House Brewery website.
Isle of Arran Brewery
The Isle of Arran Brewery is a small independent brewery that has been producing award-winning real ales since 2000. Situated off the west coast of Scotland, the brewery is known for its wide selection of beer styles that range from Blondes and IPAs to Bitters and stouts.
As part of the guided tours offered by the Isle of Arran Brewery, enthusiasts can learn about the history of brewing on the island before being given a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process. A member of staff will take visitors through each step of the process, while the tour will conclude with a tasting session back in its brewery shop.
VisitScotland said: “Running Monday to Friday, learn the story behind the brewery itself and the production process before heading to the bar to taste some beers.”
More information can be found on the Isle of Arran Brewery website.
Orkney Brewery
Orkney Brewery(Image: Colston Crawford)
Found in a former schoolhouse in Quoyloo, around one mile from Skara Brae in the heart of Neolithic Orkney, the Orkney Brewery makes use of traditional methods developed and handed down through time. The brewery’s beer is famed for its high-quality malt, hops, yeast, and Orcadian water.
The Orkney Brewery tour begins with a look at the history of the building itself, before visitors are taken to the Brewhouse where they will be guided through the brewery’s process step-by-step. The guide will then walk you through the sights and smells of the brewing process, including a glimpse into fermentation vessels.
VisitScotland said: “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.”
More information can be found on the Orkney Brewery website.