A leading Scottish convenience retailer is extending it’s offering of alcohol-free beers in time for Hogmanay celebrations and Dry January.
From 28 December 2024, Scotmid will stock Aberdeenshire based Burnside Brewery’s alcohol-free “Right to Roam IPA” and “Wayfinder Lager” in all its stores, providing award-winning craft beer options to those who like to enjoy a celebration without the moderation.
The alcohol-free beers were selected as winners in Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites competition. The beers stood out to Scotmid’s Taste Panel, securing the family-run brewery a listing across all Scotmid stores.
The competition, run in partnership with Scotland Food & Drink, aims to support the growth of local producers and provide customers with access to some of the finest regional products.
Steven Addison, Local Sourcing Manager at Scotmid, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Burnside Brewery’s alcohol-free beers to our shelves. Supporting Scottish businesses is at the heart of what we do, and Burnside’s focus on quality and sustainability perfectly aligns with our mission. With growing demand for alcohol-free options, especially during festive celebrations and Dry January, these beers will be a terrific addition for our customers.”
Run by husband-and-wife team Steve Lewis and Margo Macnab, Burnside Brewery has been delighting beer enthusiasts since 2010. With their commitment to local ingredients, sustainable practices, and lashings of family spirit, the pair have transformed Burnside Brewery into a true Scottish success story. They are currently raising funds to expand their operations in 2025.
Steve and Margo were inspired to create their alcohol-free range as they embarked on parenthood.
They said: “We wanted to enjoy authentic-tasting beers that fit with our lifestyle and family life. We spent months developing the recipe using our brewing expertise and launched our first alcohol-free beer just before our son was born. The beers have become not just our favourites but also our bestsellers!”
Margo added: “Winning Scotmid’s Scottish Favourites competition is a huge milestone for us. We are so proud that our beers will be available in Scotmid stores around the country, and we hope they become a staple for those looking for quality alcohol-free options.”
Burnside’s “Right to Roam IPA” has already gained significant acclaim, including a Gold Award at the Independent Beer Awards Scotland and a Great Taste Award in 2023, with notes of caramel, orange marmalade, and earthy pine, complementing the rich Scottish malt.
Scotmid continues to prioritise local suppliers as part of its broader strategy to provide customers with more sustainable and locally sourced products.
This partnership with Burnside Brewery represents a natural fit, as both businesses share a commitment to quality, sustainability, and supporting local communities.
