So let’s raise our glasses to that fine tradition with these nostalgic pictures documenting the nation’s breweries and beers during the 1970s and 80s.
That may only be a small drop in the ocean of Scotland’s beer-making history, but it’s a refreshing one nonetheless.
This retro photo gallery takes us inside some of Scotland’s biggest and most celebrated breweries of their day.
Workers are seen raising their glasses as they toast some momentous news; carrying out quality control at the brewery; and unveiling a special tipple to mark Scotland’s grand slam rugby heroes.
And let’s not forget those loyal servants, the dray horses, who for many years pulled the barrels and kegs to the pubs where thirsty punters waited.
Famous visitors are pictured, too, from Morecambe and Wise to then-PM Margaret Thatcher and her husband Denis, plus a beer-swilling bear.
Some of the breweries pictured are still going strong, but others have sadly shut their doors for good, like Scottish and Newcastle’s Fountain Brewery, which closed in 2005.
Do these photos bring back any memories for you of the 70s and 80s, and what do you think is the best beer ever brewed in Scotland?
25. Coming down
The chimney at the Aitken Brewery in Falkirk is demolished in June 1970 | TSPL
26. Unicorn hitch
Three horses from the Tennent's brewery, in a formation known as the 'unicorn hitch', take part in the heavy horse competition at the Royal Highland Show, held at Ingliston showground in Edinburgh, in June 1989 | TSPL
27. All aboard
Scottish entertainer Una Maclean pictured in January 1988, dressed as a 'clippie' on a 1919 tram sponsored by Tennent Caledonian Breweries to run during the Glasgow Garden Festival | TSPL
28. Relief
The Australian company Elders IXL was planning a merger with Scottish & Newcastle Breweries in 1988. S&N employees at Fountainbridge in Edinburgh are pictured here celebrating the news that the bid had failed in March 1989. | TSPL