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Scotland’s top 15 pubs for 2024 to visit from cosy inns to delicious gastropubs

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5 months ago

June 18, 2024

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Scotland’s top 15 pubs for 2024 to visit from cosy inns to delicious gastropubs

If there is one thing that Scots love more than anything, it is heading to the pub.

Whether you are a fan of a pint or a dram, or just like some good old-fashioned no-frills grub, there is nothing quite like a Scottish pub. With thousands upon thousands of boozers all over the country, though, it is impossible to try out every single one.

Depending on what you are looking for, your next favourite pub is just waiting to be discovered. Perhaps you are after a scenic venue with a spacious beer garden to soak up the sun this summer, or maybe you are looking to take in some Scottish history at one of the country’s oldest watering holes.

To help you decide where to head for a drink or a meal, the Daily Record has rounded up some of the top pubs in Scotland. From small inns with cosy fires to curl up beside, to bars that serve up mouthwatering roasts and fish and chips, these are all well worth checking out.

Read on for the Daily Record’s top 15 pubs across Scotland for 2024.

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Starting off down in the idyllic Scottish Borders town of Melrose, we find The Ship Inn. With a wide array of beers, whiskies, and gins on offer — not to mention tasty dishes such as fish and chips and haggis bites — this traditional pub and its enclosed beer garden are the perfect place to spend an afternoon or an evening.

(Image: Roxburghshire Townscape : The Ship Inn, East Port, Melrose by Richard West, CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Sometimes, nothing can beat a Sunday roast at a cosy pub. In that case, you can’t go wrong with the Westerton Arms in Bridge of Allen. The homely traditional boozer also serves up freshly made sandwiches and even dishes such as seafood linguini, as well as of course some of Scotland’s finest ales.

(Image: Photo © Mike Pennington (cc-by-sa/2.0))

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Even if it weren’t one of the oldest pubs in the world, dating all the way back to 1360, The Sheep Heid Inn in the historic village of Duddingston in the east of Edinburgh would be well worth a visit. Back when it first opened, you might have actually expected to chow down on sheep head soup. Fortunately, today the menu is a lot more appetising. Meanwhile, you can also enjoy a game of skittles at its historic alley.

(Image: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0)

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This simple but charming community pub and restaurant based in The Arisaig Hotel delights locals and tourists alike with its no-frills menu and one-of-a-kind live music performances. If you’re staying for lunch or dinner, its beer battered haddock with chips is an absolute must-try. Why not make it an overnight trip, and spend the night in one of the hotel’s lovely guest rooms?

(Image: Google Maps)

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Located along the southwestern edge of Loch Ness, the charming village of Fort Augustus is the perfect getaway destination if you’re looking for a relaxing coastal retreat — and The Lock Inn should be your first port of call. Nestled in a scenic spot on the side of the iconic Caledonian Canal Locks, the pub specialises in locally sourced classic pub grub such as breaded scampi and fish and chips. If the weather turns chilly, you can even get cosy by its open fire — perhaps with a dram in hand.

(Image: Photo © Kenneth Allen (cc-by-sa/2.0))

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Tucked away in the cute little Fife village of Ceres, around just 15 minutes from St Andrews by car, this historic pub dates all the way back to 1721. That incredible heritage is evident as soon as you step inside the Ceres Inn, with its rustic atmosphere being one of its biggest strengths. The food and drink is also top-class, so there is no reason not to pop in if you find yourself in the area.

(Image: The Ceres Inn by M J Richardson, CC BY-SA 2.0 )

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The Old Forge has the unique honour of being the country’s ‘most remote’ pub, situated in the idyllic and isolated village of Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula in the Highlands. The trek to get there is more than worth it, though, as you are bound to receive a warm welcome and a hearty hot meal at this one-of-a-kind community-owned pub. If you’re lucky, you might even get to enjoy one of the interactive music sessions that the boozer is famous for.

(Image: © The Old Forge CBS Ltd / SWNS)

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The Old Aberlady Inn is one of those pubs that comes alive over the summer, thanks to its gorgeous garden and conservatory. Don’t let a bit of rain put you off a visit, though, as you will still be able to enjoy its mouthwatering Scottish-Italian dishes and extensive drinks list that includes dozens of wines, whiskies, beers, and more to choose from.

(Image: Victuallers, CC BY-SA 4.0)

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The breathtaking village of Plockton is known as the ‘jewel of the Highlands’, and it is hard to believe at least a little bit of that isn’t thanks to the lovely Plockton Inn. From the cosy fire you can curl up next to with a dram or pint to its tasty and varied seafood menu, the bar and restaurant has something for everyone. There is also regular quiz nights and live music on offer if you are keen to make your trip extra special.

(Image: Plockton Inn by Richard Dorrell, CC BY-SA 2.0 )

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If you journey to the fabulous little village of Balmaha on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, then The Oak Tree Inn will sort you out whether you are looking for a huge range of malt whiskies and local ales or traditional dishes cooked to perfection. The award-winning family-run inn is a haven that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, featuring a crackling log fire and picturesque outdoor space to enjoy a drink if the weather is sunny.

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It may not look grand from the outside, but The Welcome Inn in Shetland certainly lives up to its name. Known as a favourite amongst locals for its friendly atmosphere, the pub will make you feel right at home. Whether you are looking to have a go on its pool table, or are keen to try out its ever-changing cocktail menu, The Welcome Inn will sort you out.

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While most of the pubs on this roundup are dotted around Scotland’s more rural areas, Brewhemia is found right in the heart of its capital city. There is no shortage of stylish boozers all over Edinburgh, but this one stands apart thanks to its unparalleled Sunday roast and one-of-a-kind entertainment — with everything from choirs to drag performers routinely making appearances at the bustling venue.

(Image: Edinburgh Live)

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From Edinburgh straight to Glasgow, WEST Brewery in Scotland’s biggest city is without a doubt worth a mention. Situated inside the winding house of the awe-inspiring Templeton Building that overlooks Glasgow Green, this unique venue specialises in German-style lagers and wheat beers. If you have time to take a tour of the brewery, it is worth making a day of it.

(Image: Daily Record)

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Anyone journeying along the North Coast 500 scenic driving route would be doing themselves a disservice if they don’t stop over at the Tongue Hotel in northern Sutherland. Previously a hunting lodge, this idyllic venue that dates back to the mid-1800s offers views out across the Kyle of Tongue that are absolutely spellbinding no matter the weather. Meanwhile, inside you can enjoy a refreshing pint at its atmospheric Brass Tap bar — which stocks a wide variety of local lagers as well as gins and whiskies.

(Image: Tongue Hotel)

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If you find yourself on the wonderful Isle of Skye — as everyone should at least once — a trip to The Stein Inn is an absolute necessity. The homely family-run pub, which is tucked along the shore of Lochbay, has both a bar and a separate snug with comfy armchairs that are perfect for slinking into with a tasty drink. There is also a garden where you can enjoy a refreshing beer or gin as you take in the gorgeous views out across the water. That’s not even mentioning the food, which has earned rave reviews from even Nigella Lawson.

(Image: John Lord/CCbySA2.0)