BREWERS at Traquair are paying tribute to a few of the historical figures associated with Scotland's oldest inhabited house.

Based in the 300-year-old brew house, Traquair Brewery have released the first of its Vintage Ales range in time for the festive season.

But, with a ten-year shelf life, there's no rush to dig out the bottle opener.

This new limited edition will mark the first in a series of vintage ales to be released over the coming years based on recipes going back to some of the original ales brewed at Traquair.

Each year the recipe will differ but all will continue to be fermented in oak and matured well before bottling.

And each year there will be a different label featuring characters associated with the 900-year-old house.

A spokeswoman for Traquair House Brewery explained: "These are collectors items, perfect for gifting and can be stored in the cupboard or drunk when you buy them – the beers will taste amazing whenever you choose to try them.

"Each year the recipe will be slightly different but all will be in the tradition of a strong, old fashioned Scottish Ale fermented in oak and brewed exclusively in the 18th century brewery at Traquair.

"The design of the labels will reflect a different character intrinsically associated with the history of Traquair."

The 2019 Vintage Ales will feature Lord and Lady Nithsdale on the label.

The couple's daring escape from the Tower of London more than 300 years ago had a happy ending.

The spokeswoman added: "Lady Nithsdale was famous for rescuing her husband from the Tower of London after he was captured in the Jacobite Uprising of 1715.

"Planning an extraordinary escape she and her servant entered his cell the night before he was due to be executed and Lord Nithsdale slipped out disguised in her servant’s cloak.

"With the guards confused she managed to return a few hours later and rescued her as well.

"The three then escaped to France where they lived out their lives at the exiled Stuart court."

The Traquair House Brewery 2019 Vintage Ale is a dark ruby ale with an ABV of 8.5 percent, and resembles one of the first ales brewed by the Laird in the 1960s.