BEDFORD-based brewery Wells and Young’s has agreed a deal to make the firm one of the top three premium ale breweries in the UK.

The 135-year-old firm has purchased two iconic Scottish beer brands – McEwan’s and Younger’s – from Heineken UK.

It also means that Wells and Young’s will become the largest ale supplier in Scotland.

Brewing will continue at the historic Caledonian brewery in Edinburgh, with McEwan’s and Younger’s brewed at other sites in England transferred to Bedford.

Nigel McNally, managing director of Wells and Young’s, said: “This is a significant and major acquisition, and secures the future for the much loved McEwan’s and Younger’s brands. We will invest and nurture these fantastic Scottish ale brands, and give them a new lease of life, whilst always putting their Scottish heritage first.

“Bedford is already on the map as the home of great brewing, so by extending into Scotland, we are helping to raise the profile of our great beer and our hometown.”

Earlier this year Charles Wells Ltd bought out Young and Co PLC’s 40 per cent stake in the joint venture Wells and Young’s Brewing Company.