Veteran drinks industry trio buy Broughton Ales

John Hunt, Steve McCarney and David McGowan purchased the business for an undisclosed sum from majority shareholder Giles Litchfield.

They now plan to invest in the company’s brands and increase production at the brewery in Broughton.

Broughton Ales was founded in 1979.

Its portfolio includes Greenmantle Ale and Old Jock Ale.

Investment plans include creating a visitor and tourist attraction at the brewery.

The new owners have all held senior posts with international drinks groups.

Mr 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.”

Broughton Ales currently has six employees working in brewing, distribution, sales and administration.