Five people from the north and north-east are in the running to have their home bar branded the best in Britain.
Throughout lockdown, plenty of people have been trying to recreate the atmosphere of their favourite pub.
Some have opted for a simple carryout and changing the virtual background on their Zoom chat, while others have taken a more dedicated approach.
That dedication could be about to be rewarded with a year’s supply of beer by retailer Liberty Games, who have set up a contest to find the best bars installed in people’s homes, garages, gardens and sheds.
Alick Smith, a 52-year-old site manager from Portmahomack, is one of five from the north and north-east on the shortlist.
He told the Press and Journal lockdown has him and wife Jacqueline “going stir crazy”.
One small consolation is the motivation it’s given him to finish his home bar.
Adorned with a horseshoe on the door, his shed has become the Horse Shoe Tavern.
Alick said: “It had been in my head for a while but I never really had the chance to do anything about it.
“I’m delighted with the finished product. I’m still working from home but at least this is giving me somewhere to go every Saturday night.”
We daresay a few locals in Easter Ross might be chapping his door for a look-round later this summer once lockdown restrictions end.
It’s a fine looking space, but can he win the top prize?
“I hope so,” Alick said. “I’ve nearly run out of beer.”
Among the others in the running for Britain’s Best Home Bar is Shona Riddell.
Hers was built by her husband John as a Christmas present with a difference.
The retired photographer from Aberchirder said: “He asked what I wanted for Christmas and I thought ‘why not go for something a bit different?’
“I don’t really drink much so I haven’t used it that much yet.
“I did have a few strawberry daiquiris on one of the nice days recently though, it’s a lovely space.”
Check out the other three entrants from the north and north-east below.
