THE Inn at Torbrex has been shortlisted for a prestigious prize at Scotland's longest running bar and pub awards.

The bar and restaurant set in the historic Stirling village has made the final four for a sought after Tennent's Quality gong at The Scottish Bar and Pub awards which take place on August 16 at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel.

Licensee Ross Henderson is particularly delighted after building the business up with his family, including sister Michelle, since 2012.

He said: "We bought the business in 2012, and spent five months refurbishing it. We actually won an award for refurb of the year at the time but we never expected to have reached the final of this year's Scottish Bar and Pub awards.

"We are obviously completely delighted and it's testament to the work we've put in and our customers.

"The venue is fabulous. It works for locals and visitors and people who come in for a pint and dinner. We cover the whole cross section from individuals to families and our staff really enjoy working here.

"The attention to detail in our beer offering is something we've been congratulated on and we have happy and productive staff."

The pub itself is in a residential area and Ross reckons it makes The Inn more welcoming.

He added: "We are surrounded by houses not businesses so really excel at being a family type venue and cater for guys who come in for a pint as well as mums and dads with kids and if people want to bring their dog, they are welcome too."

Judges from DRAM Magazine, who host the awards, and Tennent's are looking for a pub that shows a commitment to quality.

Excellent customer service, great beer, a good range of products behind the bar, fine food and a great ambience are all part of the quality experience.

DRAM Magazine instigated the first ever licensed trade awards 21 years ago, and today the entry has never been stronger.

Some of the biggest names in the drinks industry – including the BII, Caledonian Brewery, Diageo Disaronno, Gordon & Macphail, Inverarity Morton, Isle of Arran Distillers, Kopparberg, Maxxium / Mixxit, Molson Coors and Tennents, as well as Glencairn Crystal, Bright Signals, Flow Training and the Sunday Mail – back the awards.

This year's awards have a Brazilian theme to celebrate Rio hosting the Olympic Games.