SCOTLAND'S largest independent regional brewer maintained its strong profits record after reporting sparkling performances at both its divisions.

Belhaven, Scotland's largest independent regional brewer, posted annual pre-tax profits of £14.2m, up 31.4 per cent on a year earlier and ahead of market expectations. It is also the 14th year of unbroken growth since the current management team took control in 1989.

The performance came after turnover in the year to March 28 rose 20.2 per cent to £95m, helped in part by an extra 42 pubs in a 226-strong estate.

Belhaven said turnover from its pubs rose 33.8 per cent to £44.3m, while profits were ahead by a similar figure to £14.2m.

The company was also buoyed by an 11 per cent rise in sales of flagship brand Belhaven Best, helping profits from its drinks division rise 15 per cent to £7.9m. Sales of Tennent's Lager grew by 11.5 per cent and sales of Stella Artois, which it distributes under a supply contract, were up 14.3 per cent.