News

If you have any news relating to real ale, pubs, clubs etc. please share it with us. contact@ayr.camra.org.uk

Scottish Pubs Code Implemented (March 2025)

Commenting on the introduction of the new statutory Scottish Pubs Code today (31 March), Director of CAMRA Scotland Stuart McMahon said:

“Pubgoers are welcoming the news that the Scottish Pubs Code is finally coming into force today, after long delays and tedious failed legal challenges by pub companies and global brewers.

“Under the Code, tied pub tenants will be able to sell guest beer free-of-tie, increasing choice at the bar for customers of tasty and distinctive products from small, local and independent breweries across the country – particularly for cask beer.

“The protections offered by the new Pubs Code for tied tenants running pubs make sure big pub companies treat them fairly and that they can earn a decent living. It should also help to make their businesses more sustainable, as well as supporting more pubs to thrive at the heart of their communities.

“We would like to thank Neil Bibby MSP who introduced the legislation to create a Scottish Pubs Code, and to the Scottish Government for giving the idea their backing.”

Branch Pub of the Year 2026

A panel of independent judges visited the four Area Pubs of the Year during January and February. Each pub was assessed using the same criteria. The scores were counted, and the overall winner and Ayrshire & Wigtownshire Pub of the Year is The Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn. Congratulations to the pub, and well done to the other three contenders. The award presentation will take place in the near future.

Branch Beer of the Year 2026

At the Branch AGM on Saturday, 28 March, the members present voted Silkie Stout, brewed by Loch Lomond Brewery, as the Branch Beer of the Year. 

Branch Brewery of the Year 2026

At the Branch AGM on Saturday, 22 March, the members present voted Swannay Brewery as the Branch Brewery of the Year. 

Recognition at Holyrood

The following motion was lodged by Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, on 16 May,
 
“That the Parliament congratulates Fairlie’s Village Inn on being named the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Pub of the Year by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA); notes that the award recognises the pub’s outstanding selection of real ales, welcoming atmosphere, and high-quality home-cooked meals; understands that the Village Inn was selected following a rigorous judging process involving nominations from local CAMRA members and assessments by anonymous judges across North, South, and East Ayrshire, as well as Wigtownshire; recognises CAMRA’s ongoing efforts to promote real ale and community pubs through regular social events and campaigns; notes that the Village Inn will now represent the region in the Scottish finals, competing against nine other top pubs from across the country for the title of Scottish CAMRA Pub of the Year, with the winner to be announced at the end of July; acknowledges the contribution of owner Brian Flanagan and his team in achieving this recognition, and wishes them the very best as they go forward to the national stage.”

Outlets

Wee Windaes – Ayr (May 2026)
The pub has installed a hand pull which is serving Fyne Ales Jarl.

Savoy 5 -Ayr (February 2026)
The Pub, formerly The Glen Park Hotel, is serving beer produced by Loch Lomond Brewery.

Wellingtons Bar – Ayr (August 2025)
The pub has been given a significant makeover and now boasts a “speakeasy vibe”. Two cask ales are generally on offer.

Wigtown Ploughman – Wigtown (August 2025)
The Wigtown Ploughman is planning to host a beer festival in October.

Portland – Troon (2024)
The Portland, formerly Bruce’s Well, has installed two hand pulls and serves ale from Fyne.

Harbour Bar – Troon (2024)
A second hand pull has been installed. Timothy Taylor’s Landlord plus one guest are available.

Brewery News

Arran
Their old boiler has been rendered permanently out of action. A new one is being sourced, but at present brewing has stopped until a new boiler is installed. A new 5.3% light amber ale called Brew Coo beer is planned, as is Bjorn to Brew, a new beer to celebrate the arrival of Bjorn, another brewery dug that’s keeping Freya company. The brewery had recent success at SIBA’s Indie Beer Scotland 2026.

Blackshaw Brewery
There is nothing to report.

Five Kingdoms
The brewery is currently trialling a series of beers using hops sourced mainly from Australia and New Zealand. 

Five Kingdoms continues to attend local markets, including Kirkcudbright, Portpatrick and Dumfries and to supply Ayrshire customers with delivery runs.

Seagate
Now has a handpump installed at Glenisle Hotel, Lamlash. Dockyard Porter and Saorsa have been available on it. Has had cask ale at Cambusdoon beer festival and is supplying G-RAF with some as well.

Wigtown
There is nothing to report.