A GROUP set up to raise a glass to pubs and breweries across Scotland is being chaired by a Haddington councillor.

Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, is acting as convenor of the cross-party group, which was officially set up last month.

The group aims to celebrate, recognise and promote the contribution the brewing and pub-related hospitality industry has made across the country.

The cross-party group also aims to develop constituency-level awareness of the contribution of the beer and pub sector, develop an awards programme and encourage the recognition of local breweries.

It will be supported by the Scottish Independent Brewers Association, CAMRA and the Scottish Beer and Pub Association.

Mr Hoy, who will stand down as a councillor in May to focus on his role as a regional MSP, submitted a motion for MSPs to recognise the 11 East Lothian pubs and breweries listed in CAMRA’s The Good Beer Guide 2022.

He said: “Beer and pubs play a huge role in East Lothian, both socially, as meeting places, and economically, as job and wealth creators.

“I hope the cross-party group will recognise the contribution of pubs and licensed bars to community life in East Lothian.”