List of breweries in Scotland
This article provides a catalogue of breweries located in Scotland. The history of beer brewing in Scotland extends back approximately 5,000 years. Brewing activity, predominantly concentrated in the Central Lowlands, reached its zenith with 280 breweries operating in 1840. Over time, industry consolidation and enhancements in beer quality—especially increased hop usage—boosted export opportunities, notably from Edinburgh and Alloa. By 1920, the number of breweries had diminished to 62, and further decreased to just 11 by 1970.
The latter part of the 20th century witnessed a resurgence driven by the emergence of smaller craft breweries. According to the CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2015, Scotland was home to 80 breweries at that time, a figure which has since grown to surpass 100.
Breweries no longer operating
- Alice Brewery, located in Inverness, active from 1983 to 1988
- Atlas Brewery in Kinlochleven, operational between 2002 and 2004
- Caledonian Brewery, based in Edinburgh, closed in 2023 after operating since 1996
- Coul Brewing Company, situated in Glenrothes, ceased operations in 2022
- Devanha Brewery of Aberdeen, active from 1982 until 1984
- Fallen Brewing from Stirling, closed in 2022
- The Ferry Brewery at South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, ended operations in 2023
- Glaschu Brewery in Glasgow, active between 1994 and 1996
- Holyrood Brewery of Edinburgh, with origins dating back to the 11th century, ceased brewing in 1986
- Maclays Brewery located in Alloa, functioned from 1830 to 2001
- McEwan's brewery based in Edinburgh, operated from 1856 until closure in 2008
- Scottish & Newcastle, an Edinburgh brewery established in 1749, closed in 2004
- Strathalbyn Brewers from Clydebank, active from 1982 to 1987
- Strathaven Ales of Strathaven, closed in 2023
- StrathBraan Brewery situated in Dunkeld, ceased operations in 2022
- Top Out Brewery located in Loanhead, closed in 2023
- Tryst Brewery of Falkirk, ended brewing activities in 2023
- Younger's brewery based in Edinburgh, operational between 1778 and 1931
Champion Beer of Scotland
The Champion Beer of Scotland (CBOS) is an annual accolade awarded by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) during the Scottish Traditional Beer Festival held in Edinburgh.
See also
- Beer in the United Kingdom
- Beer and breweries by region
- Beer in England
- List of breweries in England
- Beer in Northern Ireland
- Beer in Wales