Around 20 members and guests travelled through tough conditions to our first social/visit of 2010. The intrepid travellers also had to 'suffer' the hospitality of Steve Stewart - somebody had to do it!! Seriously though those who did attend were very appreciative of the hospitality on the night.

Steve said at the start that he was only going to speak for around 10 minutes - around an hour and a half later he realised he hadn't put the sausage rolls on. The passion Steve has for brewing surely cannot be surpassed by any one. We were told of his humble beginnings as an independant brewer in England right through to the present with Stewart Brewing employing eight full time staff.

We were also told of future plans for expansion. At the present time shifts have been brought in to cope with the business being extremely busy.

At around 9.30 Dave Rickard said a word of thanks to Steve for being out on such a wild night to show us around. Shortly after we weeried our way out into the snow and our buses for the journey home.

Steve begins his '10 minute' talk.

Steve is realy getting into the swing. And there was not one bored visitor in sight.

We were told to help ourselves to some refreshment as the night went on. Treasurer Ian Young leads the way with the Cauld Reekie in hand.

A short socialising break for some while one of our drivers concentrates on Steve's talk. Steve is out of picture to the right as seen in the next picture.

We've moved and we are now learning about the ingredients used in the making of Stewart's beers. Graham Fraser settling in for the night!

The Mash Tun

Still going.

Pointing out the pins.

Finishing off the food prior to the journey home.

When 13 members and friends set off on the 13th of March to Inveralmond Brewery in Perth, we hoped that 13 was not to be unlucky for us - and it wasn't.

We arrived about ten minutes behind schedule, a delay caused early in the journey with a diversion taking the minibus north on the M9, after crossing the Kincardine Bridge before having to turn back to reach our next pick-up point at the Four Marys.

On arriving we were welcomed with a pint from Managing Director Fergus Clark. After going through the required evacuation procedures we were told that we should not now be seen with an empty glass and just help ourselves to either the Ossian or Lia Fail which the brewery had provided for our supping.

Fergus was accompanied by head brewer Ken Duncan and between them we were given a short history and tour of the new brewery which had only been open for around one month. We were in fact the first CAMRA branch to visit the new premises.

Fergus Clark, Managing Director, and Ken Duncan, Head Brewer.

The audience listen intently to Ken - beer in hand

Ken speaks of the history of the area and its association with the Inveralmond Beer names.

Ken begins to explain the brewing process with the new plant behind.

Ken continues explaining 'in dance' as well as word.

A view of the new plant.