Kingdom of Fife CAMRA Branch recently enjoyed a day of celebration as members presented awards to two outstanding local businesses, recognising excellence in both the pub and brewing sectors.

The day began at The Albert Tavern in Freuchie, which was recently named Scotland CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year 2026. Local MSP Willie Rennie joined CAMRA members, customers and the pub team to celebrate the award and the Scottish Parliament Early Day Motion recognising the pub's achievement.

The award reflects the dedication and hard work of the licensees and staff, who have established The Albert Tavern as one of Scotland's leading destinations for cider enthusiasts. The presentation also provided an opportunity to discuss the contribution community pubs make to local economies, tourism, social connection and wellbeing.

Following the presentation in Freuchie, branch members travelled to Howe Beer Project in Balmalcom to present the branch's Rising Star Award.

The award recognises the impressive impact Howe Beer Project has made since opening its brewery and taproom. In a short space of time, the business has become a positive force within the local beer scene, building a strong reputation not only for its own beers but also for supporting and showcasing the products of other local breweries.

While Howe Beer Project is not currently producing cask ale, branch members felt its contribution to the wider beer community embodied the spirit of what CAMRA seeks to encourage and celebrate. The brewery's commitment to collaboration, supporting local producers and helping develop the Fife beer scene made it a worthy recipient of the award.

The presentation was attended by local MP Wendy Chamberlain, who met CAMRA members and brewery representatives and learned more about the opportunities and challenges facing independent breweries and community pubs.

Both presentations also provided an opportunity to discuss CAMRA's campaigning priorities, including support for community pubs, independent breweries and cider producers. Conversations highlighted CAMRA's Pubs and Wellbeing campaign, which promotes the positive role pubs can play in reducing loneliness, strengthening communities and supporting social wellbeing.

Kingdom of Fife Branch Chair Sarah Crawford said:

"It was a pleasure to celebrate two very different but equally deserving businesses on the same day. The Albert Tavern and Howe Beer Project both demonstrate the innovation, quality and community spirit that make Fife's beer and cider scene so special.

We are grateful to Willie Rennie MSP and Wendy Chamberlain MP for taking the time to join us and for their interest in the issues facing pubs and breweries. Their support helps raise awareness of the important contribution these businesses make to communities across Fife."

The branch looks forward to continuing its work to champion Fife's pubs, clubs, breweries and cider producers, while recognising the people and businesses that help make the local beer and cider scene such a success.