The Top 15 Breweries in Scotland To Visit

There are more than 100 breweries in Scotland. A wide variety of ales and beers are on offer.

There is a wide selection from hoppy India Pale Ale and lagers to blonde, gold and amber ales. Also, the production of craft beer is on the rise and is becoming very popular.

Breweries are a great way to learn more about your favourite brands, speak to locals and see what is involved in the fermentation process. This post lists the top 15 breweries in Scotland to visit.

History of Beer Production in Scotland 

Beer is a big part of Scottish heritage. Scotland has been producing beer for over 5,000 years.

Beer has been brewed in Scotland from as early as 4500 BC in the Neolithic period. 

The first commercial brewery opened in the 16th century. At this point, beer was mainly for domestic consumption. 

During the 18th and 19th centuries, beer production began to expand. Breweries opened in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dunbar and were made for the domestic and international markets. 

As breweries began to appear in small towns, this increased the workforce and population in these areas in Scotland. In 1840, there was a peak of 280 breweries in Scotland. 

World War I imposed restrictions on the raw materials required for beer production. By 1970, the number of breweries in Scotland dropped to only 11 working breweries.

Now, more recently, the number of breweries has increased dramatically. In the decade of 2010s, the number of breweries increased by 230%. In Scotland, the tradition of using bittering herbs has stayed longer than in any other country.

Most of these breweries are microbreweries. The production of craft beer and real ales is increasing. So cheers to that!

Belhaven Brewery

Location: Belhaven Brewery

Belhaven Brewery is located in Dunbar, a small town which is 20 miles outside of Edinburgh. This brewery is one of the oldest breweries in Scotland, being established in 1719. 

Belhaven Brewery is the only historic brewery left in Scotland to have remained largely independent and continues to make its mark on the Scottish brewery sector. The beers are created using the same historic brewing tradition which dates back 300 years.

The beer is bursting with Scottish character, including Belhaven yeast, Scottish malted barley and fresh spring water. Belhaven Best is a popular ale and Belhaven Black is a popular stout. 

Tours and beer tasting are available. The tour is great if you are wanting to know more about the production process and history of Belhaven Brewery. Also, you can get a picture of your pint.

Nearby Accommodation: The Dolphin Inn Hostel

BrewDog

Location: BrewDog DogTap

BrewDog has been redefining the beer industry since 2007. The distillery is based in Ellon, a small town in Aberdeenshire which is 16 miles north of Aberdeen.

BrewDog is the world’s first-ever crowd-funded brewery. There are now 46 bars to visit across the country, and over 700 people are employed by BrewDog.

This is one of the most popular breweries in Scotland that are known worldwide for craft beers. 

There is a tour called ‘TheDogWalk’ where visitors can explore the original brewhouse and its new expansion. Also, there is a 90-minute interactive experience with four beer-tasting opportunities. 

Some of the best brews from this brewery are Punk IPA, Dead Pony Club, 5 AM Saint and Indie. Next door is the Mecca for beer and burgers – DogTap, you can try a range of freshly-brewed beers.

Nearby Accommodation: New Inn Hotel

Tennent’s Wellpark Brewery 

Location: Wellpark Brewery

Wellpark Brewery is located in Glasgow, it is home to the production of the famous Tennent’s lager. This brewery has produced award-winning beers for over 450 years.

Wellpark Brewery is one of the most accessible breweries in Scotland. On a tour, visitors can learn about the brewery process of well-loved brands that has occurred for centuries. 

Also, you can learn about the heritage, view old adverts and the vintage and retro packaging of Tennent’s lager. The tours are interesting interactive and enjoyable. 

It is a journey which takes you from the beginning of Wellpark and shows the love for Scottish football and music throughout the years. At the end of a tour, visitors can get a cheeky sample of Scotland’s favourite beer.

Nearby Accommodation: Seton Guest House

Edinburgh Beer Factory

Location: Edinburgh Beer Factory

Edinburgh Beer Factory is a family run independently owned brewery which was launched in 2015. This brewery combines old and new ideas and techniques to create stunning beers. 

Edinburgh was considered the brewing capital of Britain in the 19th century. The Edinburgh Beer Factory have the ambition to restore this title and make Edinburgh the centre of the brewing world. 

The beers are named after Eduardo Paolozzi’s artwork. There are several beers which have won many awards.

The best beers are Paolozzi Lager, Paolozzi Unfiltered, Untitled IPA and Futurism Modern Brown.  

Edinburgh Beer Factory is a great one to visit as it is one of the easiest craft beer breweries in Scotland to visit. A tour around the Edinburgh Beer Factory allows visitors to understand and experience the uniqueness of their beers.

Nearby Accommodation: Shepherds Cottage

Innis & Gunn Brewery

Next on the list is a brewery based in Edinburgh. Innis & Gunn Brewery is one of the country’s top exported beers.

In Canada, Innis & Gunn bottled beer is one of the most popular. 

Master Brewer Dougal Gunn Sharp discovered a beer by accident! The technique to create this beer involves allowing beer to mature with fewer barrels in a shorter time compared to the traditional method. 

One of the most popular drinks includes Rum Finish. Rum Finish is a full-bodied Scottish beer with soft fruit flavours combined with spiciness. 

There is not a tour offered at the brewery in Edinburgh yet. However, you can experience award-winning beers and some delicious food at one of the bars in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and St Andrews.

Fyne Ales

Location: Fyne Ales Brewery Tap & Shop

Fyne Ales is a hidden gem located in Achadunan in Argyll and it opened in 2001. This brewery is based on a family farm and 30 beers are produced here. 

As well as producing award-winning beer, in 2017, Fyne Ales won the ‘beer destination of the year’. Fyne Ales is surrounded by stunning Scottish landscapes and there are breath taking views.

Interestingly, they use the rain collected from a burn behind the brewery to produce the amazing beer. Jarl is a good beer to try from here and it is the first UK beer to use US-based citrus hop known as Citra.

The brewery tour gives you a detailed explanation of the brewing process. You are welcomed with a half pint of beer, what a great way to kick things off.

The selection of beers produced accommodates all tastes. There is a great bar on site where you can enjoy a tasting flight of a selection of beers or try a couple of pints.

Also, the menu features delicious options including venison nachos and beef pies. The beer garden is lovely to sit in when the weather is nice. 

Nearby Accommodation: Butlers Quarters Apartment

Drygate Brewing Co. 

Location: Drygate Brewing Co.

Drygate is the only active microbrewery in the heart of Glasgow. Brewers with a wide range of experience are allowed to create their beers in-house. 

The distilling process can be watched from the glass wall. Ax Man is one of the most popular beers, it has hints of coffee, rye, orange and grapefruit. 

Nearby Accommodation: Moxy Glasgow Merchant City

Black Isle Brewery

Location: Black Isle Brewery

Black Isle Brewery is located on the Black Isle peninsula, near the Highland Capital of Inverness. This brewery produces premium organic graft beer where no chemicals are involved in the process. 

Black Isle has been producing beer since 1998. Black Isle offers great tours where you can learn the process behind the Highland home-grown beers.

Nearby Accommodation: Kessnock Highland Lodges

Tempest Brewing Co.

Location: Tempest Brewing Co.

Tempest Brewing Co. began producing fresh beer in 2010, however, the story started back in the late 1990s. The distillery is located in Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, just over an hour’s drive from Edinburgh. 

This brewing company produces some famous brews including Brave New World IPA, Elemental Dark Ale, Long White Cloud and Red Eye Flight. Many of the IPA and lagers have won awards.

The most recommend brew at this brewery is the Unforgiven Red Eye which is spicy and smoky in flavour.

Brewery tours can be organised. The onsite brewery shop is open on weekdays.

Nearby Accommodation: Tweed Apartment

Cairngorm Brewery

Location: Cairngorm Brewery

Located in the stunning Highlands in Aviemore is the Cairngorm Brewery. The award-winning brewery is relatively new to the scene and was established in 2001. 

Tours are available and visitors will have the opportunity to taste award-winning traditional beers including Black Gold, WildCat and Stag. Newer contemporary beers include Trade Winds, White Lady and Autumn Nuts. 

There is a shop where you can purchase their mix of traditional beers and contemporary brews. Also, there are brewery merchandise and a selection of locally produced whisky and gins.

Nearby Accommodation: The Shambles

Arran Brewery

Location: Isle of Arran, Brewery

The Arran Brewery is one of the breweries in Scotland located on an island. This distillery is located between the mountains on the Isle of Arran. 

Arran is a lovely island to visit on the west coast of Scotland where you take part in other activities and climb the island’s highest mountain – Goat Fell. 

There are brewery tours available where visitors can watch the brewers working and learn about the brewing process.

There are observation windows in the visitor centre which allow you to view the distilling process as part of the guided tour. A tasting session at the end tops the whole experience. 

Nearby Accommodation: Ardgowan Cottage

Moulin Brewery

Moulin Brewery is a smaller, lesser-known brewery at the foot of Ben Vrackie. This brewery is located just outside the town of Pitlochry. 

Moulin was one of Scotland’s first microbreweries and opened in 1995. There is a small pub called Moulin Inn where there are tastings available. In addition, there are free brewery tours. 

Nearby Accommodation: Moulin Hotel

Lerwick Brewery

Location: Lerwick Brewery

The Lerwick Brewery is located on the Shetland Islands in the north of Scotland. This family fun business is located on the heathery hillside on the edge of Lerwick. 

The cool atmosphere in Shetland along with the fresh crisp Shetland water helps produce refreshing beers such as 60 degrees.

Another popular beer produced at Lerwick Brewery is the Skippers Ticket which refers to the qualified skippers of a vessel.

Brewery tours are available where you can learn about the distilling process. After the tour head to the brewery bar and try some of the beers right at the source.

Also, there is a gift shop on site which sells Shetland souvenirs and some beers. 

Nearby Accommodation: Deeca

Orkney Brewery

Location: Orkney Brewery

Orkney Brewery is located in a former schoolhouse in Quoyloo, one mile from Scara Brae in the heart of Neolithic Orkney. Visitors can learn about how hand-crafted beer is made on a brewery tour. 

The visitor centre is great for all the family. There is a children’s tour where children can dress up in Victorian school uniforms. 

There is a lovely restaurant which is great to get some food and relax with a pint. Also, there is a gift shop on site.

Nearby Accommodation: Runa Guest House

Isle of Skye Brewing Co.

Location: Isle of Skye Brewing Company

Two people set out to build the first brewery on the Isle of Skye back in the 1990s. In the early 90s, there were only six small independent breweries in Scotland and none of them was on the Isle of Skye. 

The Isle of Skye Brewery Co. is located in the Trotternish Peninsula, northwest of the Isle of Skye. Set in the lovely dramatic landscapes with the pier at Uig right next door. 

There is no tasting bar or room, however, there is a nice gift shop where you can buy souvenirs and their own brews.

Nearby Accommodation: The Beach House B&B

How many breweries are in Scotland?

There are over 100 breweries across the country.

How many beer breweries are there in Scotland?

More than 100 breweries are operating across the country. The breweries produce a wide variety and quality of beer. 

What is the most famous beer in Scotland?

The most famous beer in Scotland is Tennents. The popular lager is often branded ‘Scotland’s Best Selling Pint’ and has been brewed since 1885. There is a Tennent factory in the centre of Glasgow. 

What are the oldest breweries in Scotland?

Belhaven Brewery is located in Dunbar, twenty miles east of Edinburgh. It is recorded that Belhaven Brewery is the oldest working brewery in Scotland and it was established in 1719. 

Final Note

Scotland is home to over 100 breweries. In the 19th century, there were over 280 breweries and Edinburgh and the Lothians were known as the world’s hub for beer.  

However, during the 20th century, breweries in Scotland began to decrease. Now, in the 21st century craft beer and microbreweries in Scotland are getting more popular and are on the rise. 

There are breweries located all over Scotland. From Shetland and the Isle of Harris to the main cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. There is something for everyone to experience. 

It is really interesting to learn more about Scotland’s culture and how beer is processed and made. At the end of a tour, reward yourself with locally served food and a pint.