A PEEBLES pub has been crowned the best in Scotland, as well as Northern Ireland, by real ale experts.

The Bridge Inn was named the winner of the Campaign for Real Ale's Scotland and Northern Ireland Pub of the Year competition for 2017. Judged by CAMRA members, the competition recognises the exceptional standard of pubs selling real ale across both countries.

Nikki Cassidy, premises manager at the Bridge Inn, told us: "We're proud to be named CAMRA’s Scottish Pub of the Year in 2017.

"Peebles is a vibrant town surrounded by award-winning breweries, which we take full advantage of - giving us a local edge.

"With our knowledgeable bar staff and friendly clientele we really feel that the Bridge is an important part of the community.

"It is great to recognised as such."

Locally known as The Trust, the Bridge Inn is a welcoming town-centre local with a bright and comfortable bar offering a choice of four real ales.

The pub boasts a mosaic entrance floor and is decorated with bottles, memorabilia of outdoor pursuits and photographs of old Peebles.

There is also s cosy corner with a log burner and an outdoor, heated patio overlooking the river Tweed.

The award closely follows the Bridge Inn being named Edinburgh and South East Scotland's 2017 Pub of the Year by the area's CAMRA branch members.

Sarah Bellis, CAMRA's director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “It's a fantastic achievement to win the Scotland and Northern Ireland Pub of the Year award.

"The Bridge Inn has been a much-visited pub by CAMRA members for many years and the title is well deserved.”

The Bridge Inn will be presented with the award on Saturday at noon at an event open to the public.

The pub now goes forward with 16 other pubs from around the country in CAMRA's UK Pub of the Year competition to determine the top four pubs nationwide.