Scottish breweries

There are currently 166 active breweries and beer brands operating in Scotland. This number has increased from a low of just 11 operational breweries in 1970, with a resurgence of interest in beers and brewing in recent years, however there is still some way to go before matching the peak of 280 breweries in 1840.

Scotland has a long brewing tradition stretching back some 5000 years. The residue of a cereal-based substance has been found in archaeological investigations at Skara Brae (c.3000 BC), Balfarg (4th millennium BC), Kinloch on Rùm (c.1940 BC) and Strathallan (c.1540 BC) amongst others, and has been interpreted as the remains of mead or ale in some cases sweetened with meadowsweet.

Each maroon circle on the map below represents a brewery. Clicking on a circle will reveal the name of the brewery and links to their website and social media pages where applicable.