Top five historic Scottish pubs

While the days of there being five pubs to every street in Scotland may have gone, here we pay homage to the long-stading watering holes that have stood the test of time.

DEAN TAVERN, Newtongrange, Midlothian:A Gothenburg pub, founded on principles of moderation and community spirit, the Dean Tavern served the mining town of Newtongrange.

Its hall-like interior and island bar create a friendly, convivial atmosphere. One of a very few of this type surviving, they were once common in such communities, displaying a philosophy many would like to see proliferate.

PORTLAND ARMS, Shettleston Road, Glasgow: A perfect art deco interior takes you back in time, surrounds you with period finishes and leaves you with the sense of being in an ocean liner. It is rare because of this, distinctive and exceptional. One of the first to welcome female customers, it provided a tailored wash-room to boot.

LEITH’S CENTRAL BAR, Leith Walk, Edinburgh Splendid palatial interior, intended to draw custom from the station or the docks, to surround with finesse. A good example of development of the workman’s pub from the later 19th century and redolent with character.

THE BULL INN, Paisley By the local architect W D MacLennan, the Bull Inn continued the snug culture at a time when legislation and licensing requirements were encouraging a more open plan. Fine art nouveau interior schemes and its cosy design set this pub apart.

FIDDICHSIDE INN, Craigellachie, BanffshirePerfect rural watering-hole, built to serve bridge and railway workers. Modest and homely, but distinctive character. It is a fine example of the public houses to be enjoyed across Scotland’s more rural terrain.