Heineken to create 150 jobs in Scotland with £4.5m pub investment
It said more than 600 of its 2,400 UK venues will receive investment funds to make improvements over the next year.
The company has spent £1.28m reopening four long-term closed Scottish pubs in the last six months: The Howard Arms in Kilmarnock;The New Rhindsdale Tavern in Baillieston, The Scoonie Tavern in Leven and The Station Inn in Braidwood.
Heineken said it has earmarked a further £4.5m for pubs in Scotland, which will result in an estimated 150 new jobs.
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28 pubs have been identified for improvements, with 20 in line for "transformational works" costing on average £212,000, the brewing giant said.
One such pub is Van Winkle in Glasgow, where a £275,000 revamp is underway to turn it into Gael & Grain, a pub celebrating Scottish food, drink and music.
Lawson Mountstevens, Star Pubs' managing director said: 'We've invested over £1.28m in reopening four long-term closed pubs in Scotland in the last six months alone and they've all had a terrific response from local residents. Even with pressures on disposable income, people are still prioritising a trip to their local, valuing it as an everyday treat and as a way of connecting with their community. But they want to be guaranteed a quality experience: relaxing in an attractive setting is an important factor when pubgoers choose where to spend their money.
'The vast majority of our pubs are leased by independent operators who run them as their own. Investing in them keeps alive the tradition of individual locals, each with its own unique feel and serving the particular needs of its community.
'Star Pubs' licensees in Scotland employ some 2,500 people, support many Scottish suppliers and raise thousands of pounds for local charities and good causes every year. Pubs are the lifeblood of their communities and growth engines for the UK economy however they are being penalised by a disproportionate tax burden, which we hope will be addressed.'
Heineken's announcement regarding investment in Scottish pubs comes on the same day First Minister John Swinney opens its new headquarters at 6 St Andrew Square in Edinburgh ahead of the expiry of the lease on its previous premises in South Gyle. Heineken, which employs over 500 people in Scotland, has invested £2m in remodelling the St Andrew Square offices.
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