Rachael Hamilton MSP encourages Borders residents during this festive period to support their local pubs and breweries.
Ms Hamilton met with the Scottish Beer and Pub Association to discuss the challenges facing the industry.
In Ettrick, Roxburgh, and Berwickshire the brewing and pub sector is a dynamic part of the local economy: creating jobs, adding to the local economy, and being central to social life. Locally there are 86 pubs which support 665 jobs.
In Scotland as a whole, the brewing and pub industry supports over 66 thousand jobs creating a contribution to the GDP of £1.7 billion.
Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire MSP, Rachael Hamilton said:
“I very much enjoyed being able to meet with the Scottish Beer and Pub association and learn more about this industry.
“I encourage everyone, especially during this festive period to support their local pub. You could even raise a glass of some Borders-made beer or gin!
“Pubs play a key role in tackling rural social isolation, bringing people together.
“During these cold and dark winter months, if you do plan to have a night out make sure you plan ahead and have transport arranged to take you home.