Hunt is on for Scotland’s most star-studded pub

Customers are being asked to reveal where they have spotted celebrity A-listers and sporting stars enjoying a quiet dram or a pint.

The Drovers Inn near Loch Lomond is favoured by actor Gerard Butler. Picture: Robert Perry

The locations of the most sought after pubs will be available on a free app leading people to destinations such a the Drovers’ Inn near Loch Lomond favoured by Scots actor Gerard Butler or The Bull Inn in Paisley which has welcomed many famous faces including former Dr Who David Tennant, singer Paolo Nutini and Taggart star Colin McCready.

The initiative was launched today by the Scottish Licenced Trade Association (SLTA) and VisitScotland, Diageo and Tennent Caledonian Breweries as part of the “Scotland’s Pubs & Bars: A Story to Tell” campaign, the app which already tells the story of many of Scotland’s pubs.

Paul Waterson, chief Executive of the SLTA, calling on the public to keep a watchful eye on celebrities propping up the bar, said: “We would like to discover which of our public houses welcomes the most famous visitors and would like to enlist the help of regular visitors and holiday makers in doing this. People can share their images and stories via our social media networks.

“When visiting one of the many pubs and bars involved with Scotland’s Pubs & Bars: A Story to Tell, you never know who you might bump into - from musicians and actors to sportsmen and politicians. Many of our country’s pubs and bars treat the stars just like any other customer, laying down the red carpet for all who cross their doors.

“Often we hear stories of famous visitors telling others about the refreshing experience they have in one of the country’s great licensed establishments - particularly praising the authentic Scottish hospitality and down to earth welcome they receive.”

Ernest Lang, landlord of the Drovers’ Inn said Butler had always been friendly and approachable and willing to pose for photos with fans.

“The place was rocking but Gerry just sat back and enjoyed the company. He loved it and even joined in,” Mr Lang said.

Fran Healy, lead singer of award-winning Scots band Travis said that The Horseshoe bar in Glasgow held fond memories for the band as the place they honed their skills in the ‘90s and was a favourite hangout of his.

In an interview with NME,Healy said: “The Horsehoe is the only bar in Glasgow where everyone comes, from the rich to the poor.”

The band presendted the bar with the gold disc for their album “The Man Who”; their 1999 Q award for Best Song (Why Does It Always Rain On Me) and their 2000 Brit Award for Best Band, all of which are prominently displayed behind the bar.

Fans of crime writer Ian Rankin’s Rebus novels know that Rankin is a familiar face in the Oxford Bar in Edinburgh.

The Proclaimers’ Charlie Reid is a regular visitor to anpther pub in the city, the Radical Road Pub in Willobrae Road.

“Pubs are a vital part of civilised life. They are a great meeting place for locals and visitors alike,” Reid said.

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said the initiative would boost the number of visitors seeking out pubs in Scotland.

“A visit to a Scottish pub or bar is a great way to experience our country’s famous hospitality. Figures show that Scotland’s pubs and bars are a major tourist attraction for visitors from here and overseas. This campaign, which has been supported by the VisitScotland Growth Fund, is all about raising a glass to our pubs and bars and encouraging people to get out and experience them first-hand. I’m sure this new initiative will help shed light on a diverse range of fascinating stories and ensure premises welcome even more visitors through their doors.”