Leading Scottish craft brewer Broughton Ales has been bought by drinks industry heavyweights John Hunt, Steve McCarney and David McGowan.
The trio, who between them have 50 years of experience in building beer brands with senior roles at Scottish & Newcastle, Heineken and Diageo, has purchased the company for an undisclosed sum, from majority shareholder Giles Litchfield.
Broughton Ales, whose brands include Greenmantle Ale and Old Jock Ale, was founded in 1979. The new owners plan to help the brand reach younger consumers.
Speaking to Herald Scotland, John Hunt said: 'We are delighted to be acquiring Broughton Ales which is a business rooted in the heritage and history of the Scottish Borders and with strong brands which have real flavour, quality and character.
'We plan to invest in the business to build a stronger presence in the growing craft beer market in Scotland to make our brands more accessible to a wider audience including younger consumers attracted to cask beers for the first time.
'Broughton Ales is a respected and established business. We want to use our industry experience to develop the brands based on both the quality of the beers and the opportunity presented by increased consumer and retailer interest in the craft beer sector.'
Photo: Graham Hamilton