AN ACCLAIMED Borders musician has launched a new business, announcing his new store as “Scotland’s first cider shop”.

Grant Hutchison, from Selkirk, is known to many for being the drummer in popular Scottish indie band Frightened Rabbit.

But now Grant and his wife Jaye have opened Aeble in Anstruther, Fife.

Grant said: “Music has always been a big part of my life, but after the band ended I turned my hand to my other passion – cider.

“I set up my own company, re:stalk, sourcing, selling and distributing ciders, and really Aeble was born from this passion."

READ MORE: Glamping pods could be built near Borders village as way to attract visitors

The husband and wife team stock a range of local and international ciders, including some from upstate New York in America.

And the shop – named after the Danish word for 'apple' – will also act as a space for the community. It will offer bottle refilling, tasting experiences, and highlight the work of local artists and creators.

Jaye said: “Grant and I wanted to create a community driven space where locals to The East Neuk had craft cider on their doorstep, but also somewhere niche that would attract people from around the country.

"The shop has been newly designed and renovated with branding by Ilka, the help of local carpenter Ben Silk, hand painted signage by Home Slice and a permanent dried flower installation from Under The Pear Tree.

"We can’t wait to welcome our first customers this bank holiday weekend.”

READ MORE: Urgent appeal issued to save 4 ‘much-loved’ Borders shops after lockdown losses

One of Aeble's aims is to showcase cider in Scotland, particularly in line with the popularity of whisky, gin and beer.

Grant said: "I wanted to create a space where people can enjoy good cider in its own right, where it isn’t just considered an alternative to beer or presented in a multitude of sickly sweet flavours.

"Aeble is a space where people can learn about cider’s potential, its production process, and its multifaceted flavour profiles.

"My goal has always been to help put fine cider on the same playing field as fine wine or craft beer.”

Jaye added: “There’s nothing really like Aeble in Scotland, there’s no dedicated shop to cider.

"Scotland is known for its whisky, gin and beers but when it comes to cider, it tends to be neglected."

The shop opened on Thursday, April 29.