The trip to the Port Royal Hotel on The Isle of Bute is an easy journey of two hours at most from Glasgow and provides a great day out combining real ale, scenic, historic and rail/transport enthusiast interests.
 
The Port Royal Hotel is currently CAMRA's Scottish Pub of the Year and has won too many other awards to mention. Otherwise known as The Russian Tavern, this unique pub lies at Port Bannatyne, two miles north of the ferry port at Rothesay and overlooks an attractive yachting harbour. It is run by Dag Crawford and his Russian wife Olga. The range of local microbrewery ales is served by gravity from casks on and behind the bar; the only pub in our vast area - from Glencoe to south Lanarkshire including Kintyre and many islands - to do so. There are authentic Russian and continental bottled and draught beers, including Imperial Russian Stout (now brewed by Harveys of Lewes, East Sussex), cider and often perry (rare in Scotland) and traditional real fruit soft drinks, e.g. dandelion and burdock.
 
The food is also first class. A perfectionist, Dag  prepares dishes from scratch, using fresh local ingredients. None of your freezer to microwave stuff here. Just order an extra pint before he disappears into the kitchen! His local meats, fish, spicy sausages and special Russian dishes are moreish. He also makes amazing salads. Prices are reasonable, so aim to arrive in time for lunch.
NB: Before departure, we advise ringing ahead on 01700 505073 to let Dag know you are coming.

The two 2006 GBG selection meetings are important events and it would be helpful if as many members as possible could attend. This is especially so for the November meeting where those of you who do not live in Glasgow can give your thoughts on the beer quality in pubs that the Glaswegians rarely visit. Branch meetings and socials are quite informal but as the subject matter of the two GBG meetings is sensitive these meetings will be strictly for members only. You will need your membership card to enter the private rooms we have booked.

Seven worthies arose early on Saturday 16^th October and drove to Kinlochleven via the Bridge of Orchy Hotel and The Clachaig Inn to present the Glasgow Branch Beer of the Year Trophy to Atlas Brewery for their fine brew Latitude Cask Pilsner. We were well entertained in this remote outpost in the West Highlands.

Over more than 20 years of presenting the trophy it should be noted that this is only the third time that a West Coast beer has won the accolade
Our return trip took in the Wide Mouthed Frog at Dunstaffnage, The Oban Inn, Lorne Tavern and Markie Dan's in Oban and The Taynuilt Hotel.

The Glasgow branch was very kindly hosted by four Wetherspoon's pubs locally during their Oktoberfest. Nearly 20 members were picked up by minibus from The Counting House, George Square and taken to the Kirky Puffer, The Esquire House and finally the Edward Wylie. A good range of mostly Scottish brewed ales were available. I (Ed.) enjoyed the diverse styles that each pub has created, whilst still providing good beer at reasonable prices.