Pledge to make beer in memory of brewer

IT IS perhaps the most fitting tribute to a man famous for his skills in brewing.

Friends and colleagues of award-winning master brewer Roddy Beveridge have pledged to craft a beer in his memory, after he died suddenly at the age of 37.

Mr Beveridge, who had diabetes, passed away at his home in Magdalene. He was found by his mother Irene after collapsing a fortnight ago and it is believed he had slipped into a coma.

His death shocked workmates at The Gothenburg Pub in Prestonpans.

Last year he took over the Fowler's microbrewery, based at the historic pub, and earned a reputation among locals and enthusiasts nationally for his skill in brewing.

To pay tribute to Mr Beveridge, who previously worked in IT, friends at the Gothenburg and at Scottish Craft Brewers have now said they will create a Wee Heavy Brew, which he himself revived after many years, in his honour.

Carol Black, a co-worker at the Gothenburg, said: "It's very sad and such a shock for everyone. I wasn't even aware he had any health problems.

"He was quite a fit man and we all can't quite believe that he's not here any more.

"He took over the in-house microbrewery and produced Prestonpans 70/- and Prestonpans 80/- beers. He also created Gothenburg Porter, which was his favourite, and recreated a popular old beer called Wee Heavy Brew.

"Roddy was very well known and very well respected. People really enjoyed his company and his beer. He won awards for them and was well respected in the Campaign for Real Ale."

She added: "There's going to be a Wee Heavy Brew created in his memory and we'll be having an event in February for all his friends, family and customers to enjoy it."

Mr Beveridge's funeral took place at Our Lady of Loretto Church in Musselburgh and Mount Vernon cemetery in Edinburgh on Monday.

Despite heavy snow more than 120 guests attended. Among them was Davey Martin, who had been a friend for ten years and owns Edina Home Brew near Easter Road.

He said: "It was a lovely service and there was a lovely photo of him in his brewer's apron on the hymn sheet. Even in the bad weather, we had people from Glasgow, Perth, Fife, up north, all over really. He was very popular.

"We're all members of the Scottish Craft Brewers, and we met through that. I think the brewing was probably before the IT but his hobby obviously took over from business and he got the chance to run the lovely brewery at the Gothenburg.

"His beer when it went into pubs really did sell quite well, it was good beer."

Mr Beveridge is survived by his mother Irene, father Billy and step-father George, and partner Lorna.