SBPA chief Patrick Browne steps down

As part of the changes, SBPA president Steve Mallon, who is also managing director of Maclay Inns, said there will be no new CEO appointment.

Mallon said: “Since I became President at the end of last year, two vice-presidents have also been appointed; David Paterson of Heineken, and Mark Baird of Diageo, which has added weight to the organisation’s leadership in recent months.

“I want to thank Patrick for nine years of tremendous service with the SBPA, both within Scotland, and working so effectively with the entire BBPA team throughout the UK.

He added: “The BBPA is fully committed to maintaining the SBPA as a Scottish institution with a Scottish membership. It will remain a strong voice for a Scottish brewing and pub industry which supports over 5,000 pubs and 69 breweries, employing 41,600 and contributing £1.7 billion each year, to the Scottish economy.

“The BBPA will be enhancing its operational support to the SBPA, with arrangements put in place to ensure the SBPA continues to receive the resources and support needed, including support for our own cycle of meetings and our unique relationships with the Scottish Government, Parliament and the wider community.”