Hawthorn’s Edith Monfries appointed Scottish Beer and Pub Association president

Edith Monfries, chief operating officer of pub company Hawthorn, has been appointed as president of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association.

She replaces Brian Davidson, who steps down after four years in the role.

Monfries said: “I am proud of my Scottish roots, so it's an honour to become president of the SBPA, an organisation which plays such an important role in providing a voice for our sector. Pubs are a crucial part of Scotland's social fabric, and I'm looking forward to working alongside the many talented and hardworking members of the SBPA to protect and promote the beer and pub sectors in Scotland.

“We now have a re-opening plan to work towards and pubs and breweries across Scotland will be pleased that at last we are getting some clarity, but we still face huge challenges, not least with the Tied Pubs (Scotland) Bill currently progressing through parliament. If passed it will have a devastating impact on tied pubs across Scotland and at a time when pubs need parliament’s support more than ever.”

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “I am delighted that Edith is joining us as president. It has never been a more pivotal time for breweries and pubs in Scotland as they face the huge task of rebuilding their businesses following a devastating year.

"With Edith’s experience as an operator overseeing more than 100 pubs across Scotland, her guidance will be invaluable as we navigate going forward. I speak on behalf of all members when I say how grateful we are to Brian Davidson as his tenure as president comes to close, for championing pubs and breweries in Scotland on behalf of SBPA so passionately and effectively.”