SCOTLAND’S oldest working brewery has been raising a glass to toast a triple success.

Belhaven Brewery has received awards for both its visitor centre and its Scottish Oat Stout.

The visitor centre underwent a multi-million-pound refurbishment last year before being officially opened by Paralympic medal winner Maria Lyle.

At the World Beer Awards, it scooped the highly coveted Visitor Attraction of the Year title in the competition’s inaugural Icons of Beer sector.

The success came on the heels of Belhaven’s Scottish Oat Stout being crowned the World’s Best Oatmeal Stout after winning UK’s best Oat Stout last month.

Presented by the World Beer Awards, Icons of Beer was launched this year to celebrate every aspect of the global beer industry.

All entrants were assessed by a panel of industry experts, writers and competition judges.

East Lothian Courier: Paralympian Maria Lyle was on hand to open the Belhaven Brewery Visitor Experience. From left: Fiona Matheson (Belhaven), Eddie Harding (piper), Russell Stewart (Cubit3D who designed and project managed the renovation), Julie Lees (nominated by staff

Fiona Matheson, brand manager at Belhaven Brewery, said: “We are beyond thrilled to win not one, but two awards at such a key global competition.

“Creating our visitor centre was a huge team effort and the award really does pay testament to the passion and dedication that went in to creating the attraction.

“Our brewery has such a long, rich history and we hope that winning this award will really put it on the map internationally.

“There is nothing we enjoy more than welcoming beer enthusiasts and letting them discover the people, place and products that make up Belhaven for themselves.”

Established in 1719 and known today as ‘The Home of Scottish Brewing’, Belhaven has been producing beers for more than 300 years. Its award-winning range of premium beers and ales includes Belhaven Best and Belhaven Black.

Belhaven Brewery’s visitor experience opened last November to showcase the history of the brewery.

Visitors to the attraction can learn about the process of brewing, relax in a secret garden, enjoy tutored tastings and receive a personalised pint while there.

Steven Sturgeon, marketing controller at Belhaven Brewery, added: “We set out with an ambition to create a genuinely immersive experience that complements the beauty of our brewery and the classic Scottish beers brewed here.

“I am so proud of the team and their achievement in such a short space of time.”