A picturesque coastal village in Dumfries and Galloway is home to Scotland’s Pub of the Year - and its landlord couldn’t be prouder of the recognition.
The family-run Steam Packet Inn on the Isle of Whithorn has been named CAMRA’s Scottish Pub of the Year 202
Established in 1984, this remote, traditional and historic hotel overlooks the scenic harbour and surrounding area offering great food, good ale and quality accommodation, all at a reasonable price.
Landlord Alastair Scounar, 53, said a unique draw for punters is their in-house brewery, Five Kingdoms, which has eleven of its own beers.
Commenting on the accolade, Alastair, who runs the business with wife Melissa, told Scottish News: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s nice recognition for all of our staff’s hard work over the years and everyone who has supported us.
“We’ve been in the Good Beer Guide for 30 years and won the national title once before - about 20 years ago - so I’m really happy to have done that.
“We have 11 of our own beers between cask and keg which is a real draw for people. Five Kingdoms have won a lot of CAMRA awards, our two businesses work well together.”
Families and pets are welcome at the homely hotel which caters for boating visitors, especially in the summer months. Pictures of the village and maritime traditions and events are displayed throughout the local watering hole and the extensive food menu features great local produce, served in the main bar, dining room and the rear conservatory which overlooks a natural rock garden. They also offer a 1/3 pint tasting platter at no extra cost.
Born and bred in the village, Alastair grew up in the pub which was bought by his parents John and Sarah, before he took the reins. He believes the inn’s remote location makes this award all the more special.
“We’re really remote here”, he added. “If you look on a map we’re basically at the end of the world.
“There isn’t a big body of population near us so our fantastic range of beer is the first attraction, and the pub brewery is a real showcase for visitors to the Isle. We also serve great meals, offer campervan parking and accommodation.
“The Isle of Whithorn is a stunning village and, truly, an undiscovered part of Scotland. I strongly urge people, if you’ve not been to Dumfries and Galloway, come and try this incredible area.”
Sixteen pubs across the UK now advance to the ‘super-regional’ stage of the competition, with a ‘final four’ announced in October, ahead of the reveal of the overall National Pub of the Year in January 2027.
Andrea Briers, Pub of the Year competition Coordinator, said: “We have a formidable top 16 this year, with both familiar faces and some first-time winners in the mix. Behind each one is a deserving and hard-working team, running an amazing pub for their local community, and serving brilliant cask beer.
“Please make the most of this bank holiday weekend by showing your support for the UK’s amazing pubs. You never know, you might pick one that ends up a winner next year.”