A craft brewery on the banks of Loch Ness launched its new branding in an Edinburgh pub ahead of a glamorous engagement with the royal family in Monaco.

Loch Ness Brewery, run by Stephen Crossland, unveiled its new look labels at the Bow Bar in Victoria Street, the only pub in Edinburgh currently stocking its beer.

Mr Crossland, who launched the brewery with a number of fellow investors in 2011, is now making preparations to present his beers at the annual La Maison D’Ecosse, an event showcasing Scottish luxury products in Monaco.

It runs this year from 3-5 December and Prince Albert is expected to attend. Loch Ness Brewery is also exhibiting a beer flavoured whisky with the Tomatin distillery.

Tonight’s launch featured new labelling designed by Glasgow marketing agency Thirst which has done work for a number of international beer brands.

Loch Ness Brewery is based in a former pub in Drumnadrochit and was launched initially to serve the Benleva Hotel which real ale fan Mr Crossland also runs.

Its beers are now sold in supermarket chains and in Italy, Russia and the US.

“I just received a big order from America today which was a nice way to kick off this launch tonight,” he said.

Photos at the Bow Bar launch: top, Stephen Crossland (by Terry Murden)