Belhaven has confirmed it invested nearly £5 million across 22 pubs in Scotland during 2025, representing a fourfold increase in refurbishment activity across its managed, tenanted and franchised estate.
The investment represents a milestone year for the business, particularly for its leased and tenanted division, Pub Partners, which introduced its Hive and Nest franchise models into Scotland for the first time.
Key projects included extensive refurbishments at Molly Malones in Aberdeen, The Merlin in Edinburgh and The Kittoch in East Kilbride. Across the managed estate, six major investments accounted for over £2.5 million, with an average spend of around £400,000 per site and three of the projects located in Edinburgh.
Pub Partners opened nine franchise pubs in Scotland during the year, backed by a £2.2 million investment. This included £500,000 spent at The Stables in Stenhousemuir, with two franchise openings in Edinburgh and four in Glasgow.
In addition, six-figure investments were made across seven leased and tenanted pubs, with standout refurbishments at The Mallard in Dingwall and The Steelworks in Motherwell.
Belhaven said the investment reflected its continued confidence in the Scottish pub sector and its potential to support local economies through job creation and increased footfall.
However, concerns have been raised about the impact of rising business rates on future investment. UKHospitality Scotland has warned that unless the Scottish Government takes action, the 2026 revaluation could see hospitality rateable values increase by an average of 23%, potentially undermining projects of this scale.
Commenting on the 2025 activity, Penelope Bruce, operations director at Pub Partners, said, “We have been thrilled to launch and successfully drive our franchise pub concepts across Scotland this year. We will continue to support our growing family of franchisees every step of the way as they build thriving pubs at the heart of their local communities.
“It’s been so good to see the appetite from experienced operators choosing our franchise models as they realise the potential and benefits. These nine pubs have been rejuvenated in 2025 and we hope to work with the Scottish Government to show how they can ease the regulatory burdens facing the pubs sector so that investments like this can thrive for years to come.”
Franchisees in Scotland can take on a site for as little as £3,000 in upfront costs, covering fees, induction and training. Earnings are tied to food and drink sales, with opportunities for performance-related bonuses and profit sharing.
David McBride, business unit director at Belhaven Pubs, added, “Scottish hospitality is renowned, and we have many historic and iconic pubs here full of stories and memories for so many people. These are not just bricks and mortar, they are much-loved hubs of local communities and cities.
“We need the Government to listen to the industry and address the need for meaningful reform of business rates. We can see how pubs in England are bracing for cost rises in April and we are hoping that the Scottish Government listens to the calls from the industry and steps in to prevent significant business rates rises at a time when a number of other costs are already due to rise in 2026.
“Despite the ongoing economic and legislative challenges and costs of doing business, we have a duty of care to our pubs, pub teams, customers and communities to make sure we offer the best possible service and experience in our pubs so investment remains vital.
“Our work highlights the social and economic value in protecting our pubs, maintaining the character of each site while adapting to changing consumer needs. We will continue to work with all parties to help our pubs thrive in Scotland.”