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“It’s fluctuating, and it’s been hard the last couple of years,” says Vinny Rosario, founder of Moonwake Beer Co. in Leith.

He is part of one of the roughly 150 small, independent breweries in Scotland.

They’re all included in new rules that can see independent breweries have their products sold at “tenant pubs”, those owned by breweries but run by external people.

So how are the “guest beer” rules working for breweries like his?

Since July 2025 when they were introduced, it has been a mixed bag.

“There are a lot of breweries in Scotland, but there are also a lot of beer drinkers,” says Vinny.

“On an average week, we make 7,000 to 10,000 litres of beer.”

He believes there is a place for the smaller players, but admits it is hard to compete with the biggest brands.

“They have more market access; they own pubs or lines.”

For Vinny, the new rules haven’t made too much difference.

“There was a lot of hope and hype, but pubs can be disincentivised by their landlords.

“There’s a lot of red tape, so they don’t want any more added to their bottom line,” he says.