Our call comes following the publication of stories on our and app (free to download from iTunes and Google Play) which reveal that a large number of pubs and bars have welcomed famous visitors. Indeed in some of Scotland’s licensed premises you may even bump into some A-Listers such as Gerard Butler, James McAvoy, David Tennant, Paolo Nutini, David Beckham or the cast from the hotly anticipated Outlander TV series.

Issuing the call Paul Waterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, the organisation delivering the initiative in partnership with VisitScotland, Diageo and Tennent Caledonian Breweries, said:

“We would like to discover which of our public houses welcomes the most famous visitors and would like to enlist the help of regular visitors and holiday makers in doing this. People can share their images and stories via our social media networks.

“When visiting one of the many pubs and bars involved with Scotland’s Pubs & Bars: A Story to Tell, you never know who you might bump into – from musicians and actors to sportsmen and politicians. Many of our country’s pubs and bars treat the stars just like any other customer, laying down the red carpet for all who cross their doors.

“Often we hear stories of famous visitors telling others about the refreshing experience they have in one of the country’s great licensed establishments – particularly praising the authentic Scottish hospitality and down to earth welcome they receive.”

As well as being a famous actor, Gerard Butler is renowned for being a friendly and approachable man, as many photos taken with him in pubs and bars where he has lunched with friends and family prove. Speaking of one of these experiences in interviews following the Hollywood star’s visit to the Drovers’ Inn near Loch Lomond, landlord Earnest Strang said: “The place was rocking but Gerry just sat back and enjoyed the company. He loved it and even joined in.”

Here’s what some other famous names have to say about their favourite pubs: and bars

• Paolo Nutini: Earlier this year, in the lead up to a gig for the Sunday Mail Centenary Fund at Scotland’s ultimate music pub, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, singer Paolo Nutini spoke of his excitement at playing at the venue which is most famous for discovering Oasis: “Over the years, we made a habit of going into Tut’s and doing our shows, showcasing new music in Scotland there…It’s a classic venue – it’s the classic venue…Everyone goes into the King Tut’s zone and expects a Tut’s performance and a Tut’s atmosphere.”
• Billy Boyd: As well as working on some new film projects, Lord of the Rings actor Billy Boyd now fronts the internationally acclaimed indie-rock band Beecake, whose latest album Blue Sky Paradise is out now. He said: “Touring with my band Beecake, we have performed in some of the top music pubs and bars across Scotland – they play an important role in discovering the latest music talent. One of our favourites is King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut – even when there’s not music on, it still has a great atmosphere and cracking food. An absolute must for any music fans.”
• GUN’s Dante Gizzi: Front man of one of Scotland’s most famous rock bands, Dante would also recommend King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut. The band play three nights at Tut’s for the Sunday Mail’s Centenary Fund on November 9, 10 and 11: “It’s a place where I’ve hung out over so many years and has given me so many cherished memories. It almost feels like a home from home and a lot of that is down to the staff who are so welcoming. Tut’s will always have a special place in my heart and I gladly recommend it to any visitors to Scotland.”
• Travis: Also in Glasgow, award-winning Glasgow band Travis honed their skills in The Horse Shoe bar in the mid 90s. The band went on to achieve global success, but never forgot the role the pub played in their careers. They presented the bar with a Gold disc for their album The Man Who; their 1999 Q Award for Best Song (Why Does It Always Rain On Me); and their 2000 Brit Award for Best Band – all of which are prominently placed behind the bar for visitors to see. In an interview with the NME, the band’s lead singer Fran Healy, said: “The Horseshoe is the only bar in Glasgow where everyone comes, from the rich to the poor.”
• Barbara Dickson: Singer Barbara Dickson talked of meeting the famous Gerry Rafferty in the Scotia Bar in Glasgow and singer-songwriter Rab Noakes in Sandy Bells, which both feature on the Story to Tell app. Some of her fondest memories are of her time in Edinburgh’s folk clubs and bars: “I remember being so excited by the exposure to lovely music on a regular basis. We lived for the music and would sing at the drop of a hat anywhere where we gathered. We were lucky to gather in these wonderful places.”
• Proclaimers’ Charlie Reid: A regular visitor to the Radical Road Pub in Edinburgh, Charlie said: “Pubs are a vital part of civilised life. They are a great meeting place for locals and visitors alike.”
• Actor Colin McCready: Elsewhere the Bull Inn in Paisley (an art nouveau pub designed by a student of Charles Rennie Mackintosh) has also welcomed many a famous face from David Tennant to Paolo Nutini. After filming Taggart there, actor Colin McCready said: “The Bull Inn is a great old pub with plenty of character.”
• Ross McNae, Twin Atlantic – Ross, who plays bass guitar with one of the UK’s current leading rock bands Twin Atlantic said: “I would say The Ubiquitous Chip for a traditional Scottish bar, or Drygate Brewery for the future of Scottish brewing! Ubiquitous Chip is on one of the most famous cobbled streets in Glasgow and always has an older gent with a dog in the corner. Drygate Brewery is co-owned by Williams Brothers and Tennent’s. Can you get more Scottish than that? Craft beer on a big scale.”
• Ally McErlaine, Texas/Red Sky July – a founding member of Texas, one of the most successful Scottish bands of all time fronted by Sharleen Spiteri, and now alternative country band Red Sky July, Ally said: “I would recommend Rab Ha’s in the Merchant City It’s a great place to go for food and for my friends who don’t know Glasgow very well it has an amazing whisky selection. It’s also one of the cooler places to watch football.”
• Greg Kane, Hue & Cry: One half of the 80s chart toppers Hue and Cry, Greg said: “My favourite local bar in Glasgow is The Scaramouche – Elderslie Street, Charing Cross. Friendly staff, great food and diverse range of punters make for an entertaining, often long lasting night out! Recommended.”

People can share their images and stories of stars in bars via:
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/scotlandspubsandbars; or
• Twitter: copying in @scotlandspubs and using #starsinbarsscotland.

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The Old Clubhouse Pub at the Machrihanish Dunes Golf Resort

• Their story: In the nineteenth century, the pub was the original Club House of the Machrihanish Golf Club. Today the pub is part of the prestigious Machrihanish Dunes seaside resort and its interior has been restored to recreate a look of one hundred years ago, but with all the modern comfort and amenities. Visitors can enjoy the pub’s highly acclaimed food and drink, while overlooking the historic first tee of the course.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration:
  • To celebrate The Ryder Cup The Old Clubhouse will:
    • offer a specially created menu from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September; and
    • hold a charity raffle over the duration of the weekend.
  • Meanwhile on the resort’s golf course, there will be a “stableford” competition where, for an extra £5 on the normal green fee, golfers can enter a competition to win a night’s stay in the Ugadale Hotel (all proceeds go to the Kintyre Club Charity).

The Golf Hotel, Crail, Fife

• Their Story: The Golf Hotel is a Coaching Inn which dates back to 1721, making it one of the oldest bars in Scotland. Crail Golfing Society was formed here in 1786 and is the seventh oldest Golfing Society in the world. Located close to St Andrews and with two golf courses in Crail itself, the hotel often offers specially tailored golf packages, while the bar screens most major golfing tournaments on Sky Sports.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: The Hotel will be showing The Ryder Cup at Gleneagles in its entirety in their public bar. Their Ryder Cup offers include free Stovies in the bar on 28 September.

Cheers Café, Bar and Tavern, Fraserburgh

• Their story: Widely recognised as one of Scotland’s most innovative bars and winner of the Sky Sports Preview Live Magazine’s Ultimate Venue Award for Scotland and Northern England, Cheers is an accessible and family friendly pub. Their award-winning beer garden (which is sheltered, covered and heated) is the perfect venue to watch sporting events with its several outside televisions and bar. They also have a special VIP 3D Sky Sports room.
• Their Ryder Cup showcase: Cheers will be dedicating their cosy snug bar to full time coverage of The Ryder Cup. And for golfing widows or widowers, music will be played in the main bar.

City Walls, Stirling

• Their story: The only way into this large and lively bar is through the city wall itself. An archway through Stirling’s sixteenth century defences leads you into a fascinating conversion of what was once an ironmonger’s warehouse. Screening all major sporting events, it was recently revealed as the local of Commonwealth Games Gold Medal winning swimmer Ross Murdoch.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

No 2 Baker Street, Stirling

• Their story: No. 2 Baker Street has a real history within Stirling having operated over many decades. It has an olde worlde feel to it with wooden beams and a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.  The pub’s live music sessions have seen them included in VisitScotland’s television campaigns and music programmes on Gaelic television station BBC Alba.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

The Borestone, Stirling

• Their story: In June 1314 King Robert the Bruce of Scotland defeated King Edward II of England at Bannockburn in the decisive battle of the Wars of Scottish Independence. Borestone is believed to be where Robert the Bruce set up camp and raised his banner before the battle and the borestone is where the King is said to have placed his standard pole.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

The Blue Stane, St Andrews

• Their story: The pub takes its name from The Blue Stane – a glacial rock made of dolomite which now stands in the pub’s garden. The stone has been standing in St Andrews since at least the sixteenth century and is treated as a good-luck talisman with the St Andrew’s pikemen touching it before departing for the Battle of Bannockburn. The Blue Stane is a stylish, friendly bar that appeals to everyone from golf-playing tourists to local families, students and pensioners. Sports fans are kept occupied with six televisions and two Sky boxes showing all the major fixtures.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

Molly Malone’s, Glasgow

• Their story: Molly Malone’s is a well-known traditional Irish bar in Glasgow. Its name is taken from the popular song In Dublin’s Fair City, which has become Dublin’s unofficial anthem. The building began life as a postal sorting office and you will find saving certificates, stamps, books and envelopes around the walls which are a reminder of its history.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

Old School House, Glasgow

• Their story: The former Woodside School is no longer the responsibility of the School Board of Glasgow, but as The Old School House, it has kept a touch of the same flavour. A sign tells you that ‘weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character’, there are big sinks and old-fashioned tiles in the ‘little boys’ room’ and, on the walls, there are framed photographs of the end-of-term play. But now the playground, with its great glass canopy, is a popular beer garden, the tottering piles of schoolbooks are part of the bar and the spacious interior attracts a lively crowd at all times – even after the bell has gone.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

The Scotia Bar, Glasgow

• Their story: The Scotia Bar is reputed to be the oldest pub in Glasgow. Built in 1792 it played host to the merchant sailors bringing goods to Glasgow. Latterly it has become the local haunt for Glasgow’s musicians, actors, poets and political groups. Back in the day, Billy Connolly and Gerry Rafferty would perform here.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

The Maltman, Glasgow

• Their story: The Maltman is a traditional bar set in the heart of Glasgow. The pub has a long established reputation as one of Glasgow’s finest venues and is housed on the ground floor of Castle Chambers, a magnificent red sandstone building which is a symbol of Victorian prosperity. The pub offers large-screen Sky Sports.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

The Rhoderick Dhu, Glasgow

• Their story: There are two stories regarding the naming of The Rhoderick Dhu…One is that the pub is named after a former Glasgow whisky distillery and the other is that it is named after Rhoderick Dhu, a character from Walter Scott’s famous poem The Lady of The Lake which was published in 1810. The Rhoderick Dhu is a lively city-centre bar that takes its sport seriously, with three Sky boxes and 12 large screen televisions (including one 3D television).
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

Drouthy Neebors, Edinburgh

• Their story: Drouthy Neebors takes its name from the opening lines of Rabbie Burns’ famous poem Tam O’Shanter. Drouthy neebors translates as thirsty neighbours, with the thirst referring to a thirst for alcohol or liquor rather than water! It has four televisions showing Sky Sports HD.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

The Old School House, Aberdeen

• Their story: They still get the odd customer who remembers being at school in this imposing granite building in one of the liveliest quarters of town. Popular with a broad cross-section from mothers with children to students, football fans and people drawn to the beer garden at the front, it is a large bar full of intimate spaces. Their big screens are regarded as the best in the city centre.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

The Abercrombie, Aberdeen

• Their story: Charles Abercrombie was the engineer who proposed the construction of the highway that became the road we now know as Union Street. The Abercrombie is the last remaining property in Aberdeen with a ‘sunk’ – or external basement – and is the only place on Union Street with stairs. It has one big screen, five plasma TVs and two Sky boxes.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

The Tappit Hen, Dunblane

• Their story: The name Tappit Hen translates as ˜topped hen’ and comes from a seventeenth century Scottish pewter drinking jug with a lid topped with a topknot, like a crested hen. Facing the picturesque Dunblane Cathedral, this is a bar steeped in tradition which evokes the atmosphere of the early seventeenth century.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

Auctioneers, Inverness

• Their story: They keep ‘em busy all day at this roomy city-centre pub built as the name suggests, on the site of an auctioneers (and before that, a church). You can watch live sport on one of the 12 television screens. The pub was tecently voted Best Bar Scotland Gold for 2013.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

The Carrick, Irvine

• Their story: Established in 1719, the pub takes its name from the world’s oldest surviving clipper ship which was built in 1864 to carry people who were emigrating to southern Australia. The clipper was converted in 1924 into a training ship at Irvine and renamed the HMS Carrick. The clipper has recently returned to the Port of Adelaide in Australia where it will undergo an historic restoration. The pub is full of cosy corners on either side of the long bar in the centre.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

Rabbie’s Bar, Ayr

• Their story: As you’re looking at Ayr’s statue of Robert Burns, with its scenes from Tam o’ Shanter and key moments in the poet’s life, you’ll have a clear view of Rabbie’s Bar just across the road. With its leather couches and cosy corners, it’s popular with a mixed crowd of regulars, commuters using the nearby train station and some tourists, plus fans of racing, golf, football and big sporting fixtures, thanks to the eight televisions and two Sky boxes.
• Their Ryder Cup celebration: From 5 September, they will be celebrating with one of the Ryder Cup sponsors, Johnnie Walker. Customers who buy Johnnie Walker Red or Black Label can enter an exclusive draw (taking place on 28 September) for the chance to win official Ryder Cup merchandise. Johnnie Walker Black label will also be the pub’s whisky of the moment.

Share your experiences of celebrating The Ryder Cup in Scotland’s pubs and bars via our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @ScotlandsPubs.

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The new not-for-profit Scotland’s Pubs & Bars: A Story to Tell initiative showcases a number of specially selected public houses which serve some of the top ingredients produced in Scotland through delicious dishes and specially selected drinks. Whether it’s about their locally sourced food, a whisky/gin tasting or a beer pairing they all have some great stories to tell this Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight.

For the latest information about participating pubs and bars keep visiting this page or like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/scotlandspubsandbars. Licensed premises specialising in serving the best of Scotland’s food and drink year-round can also be found using the Scotland’s Pubs & Bars: A Story to Tell app, which is free to download from iTunes and Google Play.

Pubs and bars where you can celebrate the Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight include:

The Cock and Bull, Balmedie

Scottish Gastropub of the Year Winner 2012, 2013 and 2014, situated in an agricultural heartland on one side of Scotland’s premier fishing community, The Cock & Bull represents all the very best from their unique location. They are passionate about sustainability: They use Marine Stewardship Council approved fresh white fish and shellfish landed in Peterhead, Beef and Pork from the stock farms of Buchan and Kincardineshire, Game from the Highlands, seasonal vegetables harvested when ready and even the malted barley which goes into the Whiskies behind their bar.

What to expect during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight: Their menu will offer the best local produce from the pub’s award-winning Chefs, with an abundance of home-grown produce to select from.

The Ancrum Cross Keys (see also featured image at the top of the page)
The Ancrum Cross Keys believes food should “feed the body, inspire the mind and lift the soul.” And this is reflected in their menu. They use locally sourced, picked and foraged ingredients from around the Scottish Borders, and create dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. They constantly search for new flavours and aim to put the very best that nature has to offer on a plate in a way that most naturally suits it.

What to expect during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight: A new dinner menu with locally sourced ingredients in season during the fortnight.

The George Hotel at the Best of the West Festival, Inveraray Castle
The hotel’s menu focuses on using the very best of local quality eg well hung West Highland beef and lamb; and seafood and fish bought from the local fishing port of Tarbert and the famous Loch Fyne salmon. The Hotel sits just outside the walls of Inveraray Castle, so also a great place to wind down after the festival.

What to expect during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight: Aptly, given the George Hotel’s historical ties to the Duke of Argyll, some of the catering staff will be found in the grounds of the Duke’s nearby Inveraray Castle for the Best of the West Festival on 13 and 14 September. www.bowfest.co.uk

The George Bar, Hamilton
A frequent winner of CAMRA awards, the George is renowned for its friendly atmosphere, warm welcome, real ale and hospitality. They have a particularly excellent reputation for real ale and our unique themed beer festivals.

What to expect during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight: From 12 to 14 September, to celebrate Scottish Food Fortnight and the independence referendum, the George Bar in Hamilton will be hosting a Scottish Beer Festival with a range of specially selected ales including “Aye”, “Naw” and “Maybe” from Strathaven Brewery; Deuchars Caledonian and Fraoch from the Williams Brewery. Their annual beer festival will include lots of fun activities.

The County Hotel, Selkirk
Enjoy a freshly cooked lunch or supper in the County Hotel’s relaxing Lounge or stylish Brasserie. Always on the menu are traditional favourites Eyemouth Fish & Chips, home-made County Lasagne, Steak Burgers and Scottish breaded Scampi. You can also dine in their Italian inspired ristorante, La Contea Pizzeria, serving freshly stone-baked pizzas, pastas and salads.

What to expect during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight: delicious food with focus on local Scottish ingredients and suppliers.

Maggie Mays, Glasgow
They say music is the food of love, well Maggie Mays offers the best of both worlds. This well known music venue offers a wide variety of dishes with a twist of Scottish influence from 11am to 2am each day. Every dish is prepared with local produce and homemade by the team of chefs in Maggie’s Kitchen.

What to expect during Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight: there will be nightly specials showcasing some of the finest Scottish cuisine.

In addition to the pubs themselves, Scotland’s Pubs & Bars: A Story to Tell is celebrating the week by encouraging people to share their images and stories of their best food and drink experiences in Scotland’s pubs and bars via:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/scotlandspubsandbars; or
• Twitter: copying in @scotlandspubs and using #eatscottish

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With the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup on home turf in Scotland this summer, financial giants PriceWaterhouse Coopers* and Barclays** have both predicted this will be a bumper year for the Scottish tourism sector and Scotland’s pubs and bars.

Showcasing the great ways pubs & bars are making sure that they are at the heart of the Glasgow 2014 community and giving visitors fantastic real value for money,  Scotland’s Pubs & Bars: A Story to Tell (a not-for-profit digital initiative which is part funded by VisitScotland’s Growth Fund) will feature highlights on this website.

Paul Waterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association explains:
“From beer festivals and special Commonwealth themed menus; to cheering on local athletes and even turning their bar into a village to make sure visiting athletes have a home from home – Scotland’s pubs and bars are the ideal place for visitors to experience the authentic warmth of welcome for which the country is renowned.”

“Our phone app, which is free to download via iTunes and Google Play, will also help visitors to find some of the premises close to them and learn about the fantastic Scottish stories they have to tell.”

Highlights of some of the pubs selected for Scotland’s Pubs and Bars: A Story to Tell where you can get in the Glasgow 2014 spirit include:
• A mecca for real ale and over 280 malt whiskies, the Bon Accord in Glasgow will be adding a fourth beer festival to their calendar of events for the duration of the Games. The festival will celebrate all things Scottish, from the beers themselves to the delicious food they serve.
• The City Walls located in the historic heart of Stirling will be cheering on local Ross Murdoch, one of Team Scotland’s top swimming medal hopefuls and a regular visitor to the bar. Expect to see some of the great Scottish sporting passion when he’s competing. The City Walls is a big sports pub with 11 HD TVs.
• They say music is the food of love, and you will certainly get that on some days in the Angels Hotel in Uddingston (near Glasgow). A renowned meeting spot for couples meeting and falling in love, food itself will play a key role during this Commonwealth Games, as they put on a menu showcasing foods of the Commonwealth.
• The Cheers Bar in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, one of the country’s most innovative pubs, frequently wins awards including Sky Sports’ Ultimate Venue for Scotland and the North of England. A family friendly pub welcoming children, their sheltered and heated beer garden is the perfect venue to watch the Commonwealth Games with its several outside televisions and bar. It also has a dedicated 3D lounge bar which offers VIP treatment. Famous for going all out for their celebrations, landlord Dennis Forsyth says: “We’ll be making a lot of effort for the Commonwealth Games – like the World Cup, but on a bigger scale. Our activities are top secret right now, but we will be revealing them soon.”
• One of Glasgow’s finest music venues, Maggie Mays in the city’s Merchant City, will be turning their nightclub into a restaurant for the duration of the Commonwealth Games. And if the adrenalin of the Games keeps you awake, they will be offering a full menu until 2am.
• To celebrate Glasgow 2014, Jinty McGuinty’s in Glasgow’s West End will be serving different beers from around the Commonwealth. And to make sure there is still something to eat after their full menu finishes at 3pm, there will be an outside barbecue provided by the Smoak Food Truck Co, including burgers made with 100% Scottish beef. Aptly for the Commonwealth Games, Jinty’s father Vincent O’Kine, was a well-known boxer from the Maryhill area of Glasgow.

In addition to those featured in Scotland’s Pubs and Bars a Story to Tell, a number of licensed premises have strong ties to the Games in Glasgow, eg:

• Glasgow’s 29 Private Members Club, in partnership with Barrhead Travel, will transform into ‘Jamaica House 2014’ for eleven jam-packed days (23 July – 3 August 2014). Their programme will include exclusive opening and closing parties that will attract the crème de la crème of the Jamaican sporting scene and bring a taste of the island’s world famous party atmosphere to Glasgow city-centre.
• Elgin’s Cottar Hoose Pub is owned by President of Scottish Cycling Alasdair MacLennan. Alistair managed six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy at two Commonwealth Games and spearheaded the project to build a Glasgow velodrome. Sir Chris said of his friend: “I’ve known Alasdair since he was Scotland team manager at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in 2002, where I won my first Commonwealth gold medal…Alasdair led Team Scotland with high expectations, determined that we all reach our full potential.”

For the latest information on pubs and bars celebrating the Commonwealth Games in Scotland like our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/scotlandspubsandbars) or follow us on @ScotlandsPubs.

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Angels Hotel in Lanarkshire, affectionately called “The Love Pub, was picked to be part of our Story to Tell initiative because it is famous not just as a meeting place but for staff falling in love and subsequently marrying! It seems apt that one of these stories relates to the World Cup – the current bar manager, Claire Farr, met her husband when he was the manager of the bar at a previous World Cup. In their case, love really does equal football.

Naturally the bar will be hosting an exciting celebration for the duration of the World Cup, launching with a Carnival Kick Off on Saturday 12 June from 12 noon to late including:

• Brazilian style World Cup Dancers
• Sampling on the hour every hour.
• Body painted model sampling
• The Rumba Bumba Steel Band
• BBQ
• Street food
• Bonus goodie bags
• And much more

The celebrations at Angels, and its sister venue The Parkville, will continue throughout the tournament and into the Commonwealth Games. Highlights include:

• Nacho
• Special tapas meal deals including The Tapas 6 – Any  3 Tapas from their Tapptizer menu
• World Cup Cocktails
• Prizes including t-shirts and free Brazilian waxing
• A La Botella menu
• Round the World cocktails – The Coctel 8
• The Brazilian – the ultimate party night for women only on 5 July including live music, Butlers in the Buff, a 2 course meal for £20 and more prizes.
• The Final Party on Sunday 13 July – a ticketed party including a 5 course meal and sombreros.

And so they have someone to cheer on, the pub has selected three teams of their own to support through the tournament: Brazil, Uruguay and Honduras.

Speaking about the celebration, Siobhan Edwards, Marketing Director for the hotels said:

“Our Angels Hotel bar is affectionately known as the love pub, not least for the number of people who have met and subsequently married in our pub, but also because of the passion all our staff have for what we do. While Scotland may not be in the World Cup, we know that much of our football loving population will still want to celebrate the tournament and what better place to truly get the adrenalin pumping than surrounded by other football fans in your local pub or bar. We have created a very exciting celebration at all our bars so that our locals and visitors have a very special story to tell about World Cup 2014.”

For more information or to book your place at one of their ticketed events visit lisini.co.uk

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We will share some of their Commonwealth Games stories in our news pages to give you a taste of just some of the ways Scotland’s pubs and bars can make your Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games experience one to remember. Our first story is that of 29 Private Members Club, aka ‘Jamaica House 2014′.

In partnership with Barrhead Travel, the club won the race to be the cultural and hospitality home of the fastest and most chilled nation of Glasgow 2014.

Over eleven jam-packed days (23 July – 3 August 2014), the venue will transform into ‘Jamaica House 2014′ with exclusive opening and closing parties that will attract the crème de la crème of the Jamaican sporting scene and bring a taste of the island’s world famous party atmosphere to Glasgow city-centre.

Staff will be kitted out in specially designed Jamaica House 2014 T-Shirts and visitors will enjoy the gentle sounds of reggae, the flavours of Jamaican cuisine, and of course, the country’s carnival atmosphere.

The extraordinary links that Jamaica holds with Scotland – such as the connection between both nations’ flags – will be explored and a special Jamaican Sporting Museum will also be created featuring iconic Jamaican kits and memorabilia from when the island hosted the Commonwealth Games in 1966.

Open to both members and non-members of 29 to enjoy, no Jamaica experience would be complete without paying homage to its extraordinary food and drink. Authentic recipes will be added to the menu, including jerk chicken and spiced beef patties. And to wash it all down, Red Stripe beer will be served alongside an exclusive Appleton rum cocktail list.
Another key highlight will be a pop-up travel agency, in partnership with Barrhead Travel, Scotland’s largest independent travel group and the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Michelle Mooney, 29 Events Manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to have been selected as the venue for ‘Jamaica House 2014′ during the Games. Bringing to life one of the world’s biggest partying nations in Glasgow – a place that’s also renowned for its love of a good night out – is tremendously exciting. It’s going to be a huge amount of fun and there will be lots for visitors to enjoy.

“Moreover, we’re also looking forward to looking after Jamaican delegates, athletes and guests, helping them to relax and enjoy the very best of Glasgow hospitality.

“29 Members will of course be welcome throughout the celebrations and will be invited to their own exclusive Glasgow 2014 Party, while non-members can still enjoy a little taste of the fun in the restaurant or by visiting the museum.”

Sharon Munro, chief executive of Barrhead Travel, said: “Glasgow, as a city, expresses its style, culture and vibrancy on a daily basis but come July, with the Games and the influx of visitors, this will be elevated to new heights. Our partnership with Jamaica Tourist Board to bring Jamaica House 2014 to the city is the perfect fit that will no doubt be met with open arms by residents and visitors alike.

“Like Jamaica, Scotland loves a celebration and knows how to put on a show. We will be giving Glaswegians a taster of the carnival atmosphere and fanfare that goes hand in hand with a trip to the country.”

Jamaica Tourist Board’s Regional Director for UK and Northern Europe, Elizabeth Fox said: “Jamaica has a long history of involvement in the Commonwealth Games and was host nation in 1966. The Jamaica House 2014 event will be a thank you to the clients who have supported Jamaica over the years and helped to make our island one of the most popular holiday destinations for Brits to jet off to and Get All Right.”

Jamaica House 2014 will be open every day from 23 July – 3 August 2014 from 10am -3am

29 have both their Supper Club and Apartment available for Glasgow 2014 Corporate Parties during this time.

For more information visit www.29glasgow.com

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After launching their new album live at 37,000 feet aboard a flight from Johannesburg, the band and members of leading breakfast radio programme, Breakfast Xpress, visited both Edinburgh and Glasgow for a whirlwind tour of the sights, smells and sounds of Scotland.

VisitScotland arranged for the group to meet bar owner Paul Drummond and Paul Waterson, Chief Executive of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association for a whisky and beer tasting and an introduction to Scotland’s Pubs & Bars: A Story to Tell. The band then went on to another of the initiative’s venues, King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, to find out first hand why many bands say it is one of the best places in the world to perform.

Adding their own chapters to the stories that both the Bon Accord and King Tuts Wah Wah Hut have to tell, the band left Scotland hugely enamoured with the project, the venues, the people and of course their stories.

By Sarah Drummond, VisitScotland

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The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has teamed up with VisitScotland and drinks companies Diageo and Tennent’s to launch Scotland’s Pubs and Bars – A Story to Tell, a campaign that will see around 100 of the country’s most fascinating pubs secure a spot on a dedicated website, an accompanying app, as well as daily updates on social media.

The £120,000 campaign has been match-funded with £60,000 from the VisitScotland Growth Fund, with the aim of encouraging visitors to Scotland to discover the stories behind public houses in all corners of the country.

These tales can be anything from mythical hauntings in the beer cellar to famous historical patrons that used to sit at the bar. A pub may boast a famous literary connection, such as a pub well known as a famous detective’s favourite haunt, or a pub that may have enjoyed a starring role on the silver screen. Or it may be a bar which helped launch the career of a band and unearthed a rock n’ roll phenomenon. Or perhaps the distinction is geographic, such as the most remote pub in mainland Britain.

Bars, and customers, will be able to make their nominations online, with the aim of compiling a list of around 100 Scottish pubs with the most fascinating stories to tell. Furthermore, each of these pubs will put forward a member of staff as their resident ‘storyteller’, who can regale customers with tales of the establishment’s background.

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said: “For many, a visit to a Scottish pub is an integral part of the holiday experience. But this campaign isn’t about who pulls the

best pints or serves the finest ales, it’s about telling stories and enriching the overall visitor experience.

“This is a hugely exciting project and we are delighted to be working with the SLTA, Diageo and Tennent’s to uncover those Scottish pubs and bars with the most fascinating stories. Scots are renowned throughout the world for their warm welcome and we hope that, during Homecoming 2014, visitors will gather for a tipple of their choice and enjoy Scotland’s finest tales.”

Paul Waterson, Chief Executive of the SLTA, said: “One of the great assets of The Scottish Licensed Trade is the range of premises we have. We have everything from style bars to traditional pubs, from music venues and community hubs to late-night venues. Our pubs and bars, of which we are very proud, offer great food, wines, spirits and beers, places where a cappuccino and a croissant are just as likely to be offered as the traditional pie and a pint. But there’s more – the vast majority of Scottish pubs and bars have an individuality and character all of their own and many have a unique, interesting, entertaining story to tell. The SLTA, together with Diageo, Tennent’s and VisitScotland, are going to make use of these great stories, to publicise the fact that our Licensed Trade premises continue to be the heart and soul of the Scottish social scene and a real selling point for tourism.”

Pubs and bars can nominate themselves by visiting http://www.theslta.co.uk/Scotlands-Pubs-and-Bars

Consumers can also email their nominations to entry@scotslandspubsandbars.co.uk or by tweeting @ScotlandsPubs. The nominated pub will then be contacted and encouraged to enter.

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