Argyll and the Islands Enterprise (AIE) has awarded £7,000 to a unique tavern in Port Bannatyne towards upgrading costs, which is hoped will help attract more visitors to the Isle of Bute.

AIE's financial support package for The Russian Tavern at the Port Royal Hotel will help the owners, Dag and Olga Crawford - who bought the premises in 2001 - to upgrade the hotel kitchen and install boat moorings for visiting yachts and pleasure craft.

Built in the early 19th century the hotel commands a waterfront spot in the village of Port Bannatyne and has a growing reputation for excellent food and fine ale.  Since taking over the premises, the Crawfords' have turned the Hotel into a traditional Russian tavern with specialist food from the Tsarist times and traditional Russian entertainment.

As a result of the Crawfords' hard work, The Russian Tavern at the Port Royal Hotel has been named 2003 Scottish Real Ale Pub of the Year.  In addition, they have scooped the national title, 2003 UK Real Ale Pub of the Year.  Dag and Olga attended the prestigious awards ceremony at a hotel in London's Park Lane earlier this week (Tuesday 25th November), where they picked up their gold and silver winners plaques.

Commenting on the development of their business, Dag Crawford said: "There were few facilities for visitors when we bought the premises but that is changing with help from AIE.

"This winter a new French kitchen is being installed and five yacht moorings are being laid in the bay.  All guest rooms are being upgraded to resemble those you might find in a small Scandinavian hotel and outside seating will be available in the summer on a rebuilt pavement to the fore of the tavern."

Ken Abernethy, chief executive of AIE, said: "The Isle of Bute is a priority area for AIE and we see the development of tourism businesses as one way of helping to generate a healthy local economy.

"The upgrade of the Port Royal Hotel, along with the Crawfords' excellent marketing activities, is set to attract more tourists to the area and help raise the profile of Bute as an attractive visitor destination."