Independent Highland brewery founded in 2020 by Fergus and Lizzy Stokes in the remote village of Ardgour. Operating a self-built five-barrel brewhouse in the grounds of a restored former manse, it produces traditional cask and bottled ales inspired by the local landscape. Its award-winning beers include Gobhar Reamhar Stout and Bainne nan Gobhar Milk Stout. The brewery also operates a licensed outdoor beer tent and an onsite bakery.
Brewery story
Ardgour Ales began with an ambitious plan to bring locally brewed beer to one of Scotland's most remote coastal communities. In 2012, Fergus and Lizzy Stokes purchased the deteriorating former manse in the village of Ardgour, on the edge of the Morvern and Ardnamurchan peninsulas. Their vision was to restore the historic property and establish a brewery that celebrated the landscape, culture and character of Scotland's west coast. What followed was an eight-year journey of renovation, construction and determination.
The couple built their brewery themselves in the grounds of the old manse, undertaking everything from excavation and drainage to plumbing, electrical installation and insulation. In 2019, a five-barrel brewing system arrived, and test brewing began the following autumn. Ardgour Ales officially emerged in 2020 with a range of cask and bottled beers inspired by the area's Gaelic heritage. Ardgour, or Àird Ghobhar, translates as 'the height of the goat', and the brewery's beer names draw on the goats associated with the surrounding landscape.
Recognition arrived remarkably quickly. In October 2021, Gobhar Reamhar Stout won gold in its category and silver for Overall Champion Beer at the SIBA Scotland cask awards, followed by national category gold at BeerX in Liverpool in 2022. Further medals followed in 2023 and 2024, including major recognition for Bainne nan Gobhar Milk Stout. At the September 2025 SIBA awards, the brewery collected another series of medals, with Gobhar Reamhar earning gold and runner-up Overall Champion honours, demonstrating the quality of beer emerging from this small Highland operation.
Beyond brewing, Ardgour Ales has become a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors exploring Scotland's wild west coast. Its licensed outdoor beer tent offers real ale, malt whisky and refreshments in a dog-friendly shelter with a fire pit and views of the surrounding countryside. An onsite bakery adds another dimension to the business. From restoring a crumbling manse to winning national brewing awards, Fergus and Lizzy have created a brewery deeply connected to its remote Highland home.
Sources
Taproom
Licensed, dog-friendly outdoor drinking shelter in the grounds of Ardgour Ales, serving the brewery's own real ales alongside malt whisky and other drinks. Features a fire pit, snacks and views of the surrounding Highland landscape. Open Tuesday to Sunday, with later evening opening at weekends.
The Manse, Ardgour, Fort William, PH33 7AH
Licensed, dog-friendly outdoor drinking shelter in the grounds of Ardgour Ales, serving the brewery's own real ales alongside malt whisky and other drinks. Features a fire pit, snacks and views of the surrounding Highland landscape. Open Tuesday to Sunday, with later evening opening at weekends.
