Scottish pub operator Maclay Inns has announced it is embarking on a £16m expansion strategy.

Currently operating 21 community pubs and inns throughout Scotland, Maclay intends to purchase new properties at a rate of six venues per year over the next three years.

Recent acquisitions include Slipstream in Blairgowrie, The Landsdowne in Glasgow and Moloko in Bearsden, which will now undergo major refurbishment.

The business focus of the group has gradually shifted over the past five years in order to concentrate its portfolio of inns and bars.

In 2001, Maclay sold 15 tenanted pubs in central Scotland to Belhaven for £4.5m and a five year deal is currently being signed whereby Belhaven would supply beers, ciders and soft drinks to all Maclay sites.

Managing director Steve Mallon will be spearheading the expansion drive. He said: “Following our restructuring in 2001, Maclay has never been in such a solid and exciting position. We are actively looking to acquire a large number of exciting inns and bars around our current roadmap of venues which are widespread throughout Scotland.

“New acquisitions will reflect the ethos of our current portfolio of venues – we are not interested in start-up ventures and are strictly looking for established venues to take over, refurbish if need be and run to the exacting standards of all Maclay venues.”

Turnover is predicted to rise to more than £11m for the year. The group will be concentrating on purchasing established venues which concentrate on community-based, bars and inns that serve food and have beer gardens and possibly accommodation. Details: www.maclay.com