A FAMILY-RUN pub in the Hillfoots was last week rewarded for embracing real ale.

Enthusiasts from Forth Valley Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) last week handed over an award to the family behind The Volunteer Arms in Tillicoultry to recognise the pub for its efforts in bringing quality real ale to punters.

Proprietors Anne and John Black and their daughters were recognised with the New Real Ale Pub of the Year 2022 award, having worked together with enthusiasts and brewers in the past 12 months.

Tillicoultry man and CAMRA member Tony Lamb was among the some 16 members who went along to deliver the accolade on Wednesday, February 22.

He, along with a few enthusiasts, spoke to John and Anne over a period of time about the quality real ale can bring and the landlord and lady agreed to give it a go after CAMRA lent a hand-pump to the pub.

They gave it a go with a pin – a four-and-a-half gallon container – starting last spring.

Tony told the Advertiser: “From there on in, it's gone from strength to strength.

“That was April last year and by June or July, John had got a second hand-pump and was actually delivering two ales at times, usually weekends, instead of just the one.”

The family-run pub worked closely with Grangemouth's Hybrid Brewing with a good selection of fine ales supplemented by the likes of bigger names such as Abbot Ale or Morland Bitter.

“It's going very well,” Tony continued.

“I think the punters are enjoying it and he's enjoying it.”

And as for the atmosphere and a warm welcome at the pub, affectionately known as The Volley, Tony said that it's hard to step in without “feeling as if you were a friend straight away”.

He added: “The reception you get from the family, who owned it for 42 years – they are just absolutely lovely, do they make you feel so very welcome.

“Once you are through the door, you'll be coming through the door quite a few times. I must admit, it's such a friendly place.”

It has been a mutual beneficial partnership, real ale enthusiasts and the campaign enjoying fine drinks with the pub seeing an increased footfall.

And Tony reckons that with The Volley joining the list of real ale pubs, Tilly is fast becoming a Mecca for enthusiasts.

He said: “It's absolutely great, the more success we can get for pubs in the region the better, with the worrying sight of a number of pubs across the whole region closing.

“But Tillicoultry is an absolute Mecca for real ale drinkers because you've not only got now The Volunteer Arms spearheading real ale, but you've got The Royal Arms at the other end of the village and you've got The Woolpack [Inn] as well.

“So, we have three pubs serving real ale – for a village that size, that's quite amazing really.”