Belhaven brewery celebrates 300th birthday
East Lothian MP Martin Whitfield raised an early day motion (EDM) in the House of Commons to draw attention to what will be a landmark year for the Dunbar-based operation.
The motion has been supported by 17 of Whitfield’s fellow MPs and “congratulates all the staff at the brewery on its 300 years of continuous brewing innovation”.
Local market gardener John Johnstone founded the present brewery in 1719, though brewing has taken place on the site in the ancient port town since the 13th century.
Pubco and brewer Greene King bought the Scottish brewer in a £187m deal in 2005.
300 days of celebrations
A specially brewed 4.5% pale ale, named 1719, has been created for the event – it is aptly triple hopped with Centennial, Mandarina Bavaria and Galaxy hops. It is available on cask, keg and in 330ml bottles throughout 2019.
Tricentenary celebrations will also include “300 days of celebrations” across Belhaven and Greene King pubs, and a competition for customers to win tickets to New York Tartan Week 2020.
Brewery managing director Matt Starbuck said: “John Johnstone would no doubt be delighted to see his beloved brewery today, not only the oldest working brewery in Scotland and the home of Scottish brewing but a thriving innovative business and a great Scottish success story abroad.
“With 30% of all Belhaven beer now enjoyed overseas and a market-leading position at home, Belhaven has plenty to celebrate.
“We are continuing to invest in Belhaven with a new visitor centre opening this year bringing tourism to Dunbar and warmly welcome fans of Belhaven beer to join us in celebrating the brewery birthday this year.”
