Special ale to mark service in the pub
Brewery creates tipple for occasion
Published:
A BREWERY has produced a special ale to celebrate a church’s unprecedented decision to hold its annual Christmas watchnight service in the pub next door.
Inveralmond Brewery created a tipple named after St Matthew’s Church in Perth at the behest of minister Scott Burton so carol singers gathering at the Capital Asset will be able to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with a pint of the golden ale in hand.
The 39-year-old approached the brewery after discovering a pub on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh sold an ale named after nearby St Giles Cathedral.
He said last night he was pleased that the Perth-based business, which opened in 1997, agreed to create a special ale to mark the occasion.
“I am not an expert on ales but it is golden in colour and tastes very nice,” added Mr Burton, who has been the minister at St Matthew’s for around two years.
“It is on sale now at the Capital Asset and is not just a one-off for the watchnight service – it will be available consistently as long as there is demand.”
Mr Burton revealed that fun-loving staff at the Tay Street pub are going to dress up as shepherds and wise men on Christmas Eve to commemorate the service.
It is highly unusual for a Church of Scotland congregation to hold a Christmas service in such a location.
Around 200 people are expected to attend.
Perth SNP MSP Roseanna Cunningham said: “One might argue that this is the church going to where people are and in the run-up to Christmas I think this will get an enthusiastic response.”
Mr Burton said last night: “I am absolutely delighted that we have had no adverse reaction to holding the service whatsoever.
“Locally, people have been very supportive.”
The Kirk operates a Church without Walls programme across Scotland which sees events being held outside the traditional confines of buildings in places like parks and streets.
The carol service starts at 11.30pm and finishes just after midnight. A family carol service will be held in the church at 7pm.
