UK: Sinclair Breweries Ltd takes over Atlas Brewery and The Orkney Brewery

Two of Scotland's leading small breweries and the jobs of ten staff are to be saved by the creation of a new company, The Scotsman posted June 20.

Sinclair Breweries Ltd, formed by the hotelier and restaurateur Norman Sinclair and his wife, Christine, has taken over Atlas Brewery in Kinlochleven and The Orkney Brewery. Both were part of the former Highlands and Islands Breweries Ltd, which went into administration last month.

Mr Sinclair, who was born in Orkney and brought up in Fort William, already owns the Cawdor Tavern and the Classroom restaurant in Nairn. He said the new company marked the start of an "exciting new phase" for the breweries.

"We believe we can maintain and develop their deserved reputation for producing beers of exceptional quality and create a more secure future for all the staff at both locations," he said.

"We'll be looking to achieve that through investment in both breweries, enabling us to increase output, develop new beers and improve marketing."

Mr Sinclair said his strong ties with both areas were an important factor in his decision to take over the two breweries.

He added: "The future is looking exciting for these hand-crafted beers."