AN Edinburgh craft brewery is celebrating after securing funding which will allow it to double its output.

The £840,000 funding boost from Royal Bank of Scotland will allow Stewart Brewing – Edinburgh’s original craft brewery – to create 18 new jobs.

Support from Royal Bank of Scotland, the family business’s financial partner since 2004, has allowed for a new warehouse and packaging site to be built, which will see the craft brewery increase its canned selection, and extend its core beer range.

Despite 80% of Stewart Brewing’s stockists being forced to shut during to the pandemic, the small business was quick to adapt and, with support from customers and retail partners, moved into canned beers which now accounts for 70% of the brewery’s turnover.

The new warehouse will further fortify the brewery’s position in the canned beer sector, while providing the family business with space to continue to create innovative and alternative beer flavours.

Steve Stewart, managing director at Stewart Brewing, said: “Edinburgh was founded on brewing, banking and business, so it’s important to us that we are able to play a part in continuing this legacy.

“We are incredibly proud that we have been able to continue with our plans for expansion.”