A SALTCOATS bar is in the running to be named the best Scotland has to offer.

The Albion Bar has made the shortlist in the 'Pub of the Year' category of the Scottish Pub and Bar Awards for 2024.

The town centre boozer is one of ten venues from across the nation which has been given the nod, and will be included in the next stage of the process.

The Albion was selected from hundreds of entries to reach this stage - with punters putting their local forward due to their outstanding service and atmosphere.

Customer comments hailed the "warm and friendly" staff at the Dockhead Street pub - as well as the great entertainment and free food offered to all.

The bar has been a mainstay in Saltcoats for a number of years, and is considered the 'oldest running pub' in the town - having first opened in 1867.

For the past 22 years, the venue has been run by the Local family. Current manager Laura celebrated 15 years at the helm earlier this year - with her papa Robert operating the venue for the seven years prior.

Current manager of the Albion Laura Local. (Image: Charlie Gilmour Photography)

Having reached this stage, judges and mystery shoppers will visit each of the shortlisted pubs over the next week.

Following this, the list will be narrowed down to a final four who will discover if they have earned the top prize at the awards final staged by the Dram magazine in Glasgow on August 27.

Susan Young, editor of Dram, commented: "The final 10 are all pubs with the Xfactor - be it great staff, superb service, top grub or the best beer.

"Picking a final four will be hard but our judges are up to the challenge in their quest to find the best bar none."