It's a hat-trick for a popular watering hole on Cumbrae after it was named CAMRA's 'real ale pub of the year' for North Ayrshire.

It's the third time that CAMRA - the Campaign for Real Ale - has given the accolade to Frasers Bar in Millport, which previously won the award in 2013 and 2018.

Frasers Bar was one of four area winners across Ayrshire chosen by the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire branch of CAMRA.

Delighted Frasers Bar owner Alasdair Miller said: "The competition now moves on to the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire pub of the year, so fingers crossed.

"It is a great boost as this time of year. It is always a pleasure to welcome the members of CAMRA and we are glad that they have had such a good time.

"The secret to our success is having a good pub ambience, with a warm and welcoming friendly atmosphere, and our staff, who play an important part in our success."

The Cardiff Street watering hole has been owned by the Miller family for the past 23 years, and Alistair says continuity is an important feature - with plenty of regulars keeping the pub busy after day-trippers have left on the last ferry back to the mainland.

Alistair added: "We see good footfall during the winter period. There are a lot of holiday homes and more staycations these days as people know they can get value for money by coming to stay in Millport."

Big sellers include Alchemy IPA and Kelburn Ales, and there are regular guest ales too, to further whet customers' palates.

Alistair also says the family's decision to keep the pub open every day is another secret to its success.

"Some places have to chop and change their opening times," he said, "but our door is always open. We are just getting ready for the busy Six Nations rugby period too which is always popular.

"It is fantastic to get recognised for this award."

The Ayrshire and Wigtownshire CAMRA branch covers an area of approximately 1,600 square miles and has almost 600 members who are passionate about pub-going and real ale while having fun at the same time.

The branch holds regular social activities and a successful festival which is held in early October each year. 

Members nominate pubs each autumn for the area prizes, basing their selections on the quality and choice of beer, the pub's general ambience, and its support for CAMRA's values.

The overall Ayrshire winner will be put forward for the UK-wide CAMRA awards.

Other island businesses have praised Frasers for the award, with Isle of Cumbrae Distillers stating: "Congratulations to Frasers Bar for being selected as North Ayrshire's Pub of the year. Well deserved!"

Ian Middleditch, vice-chairman of the Ayrshire and Wigtownshire Branch of CAMRA, said: "We applaud and supports the efforts of publicans who actively offer a real choice of beer to customers, not just the narrow range promoted by the big brewers.

"Not all drinkers appreciate, nor like, highly processed carbonated beer but prefer the more robust flavours and variety of naturally produced real ale.

"Real ale is a living product, still fermenting and conditioning in the cask, which is delivered to the pub. The final condition and quality of the ale is dependent on the cellarman and publican doing his job properly.

"Publicans prepared to devote the time and effort required are a dying breed in Ayrshire, but Alasdair Miller of Frasers bar is one of the few.

"CAMRA members recognise the gem in Millport and voted it their Pub of the Year."