PUB operator Maclay Group has struck an investment and beer supply deal with Tennent Caledonian.

The move will see the Tennent's lager, Magners and Caledonian Best brands being brought into pubs such as the Lansdowne in Glasgow and Bert's bar in Edinburgh.

The brewery has also agreed to provide an unspecified amount of financial support to help Maclay overhaul its 26-strong portfolio and look for acquisitions.

Managing director Steve Mallon stated last year he wanted to double the size of its estate by 2016.

He said: "Tennent are putting a material amount of cash to help us capitalise on current opportunities to refurbish and renovate our properties and perhaps be active in the acquisition market.

"Our previously stated ambitions for significant growth are very much on the radar and this is going to be a key part of that.

"Coupled with our existing relationship with Lloyds Banking Group we will look to take the business forward even more rapidly than we have done in recent years when the acquisition market has been relatively quiet."

John Gilligan, sales director at Tennent Caledonian, said: "Tennent Caledonian is committed to the Scottish on-trade and a key part of that is investing in high quality operators who can build successful retail operations to showcase our brands."

It is understood Belhaven previously held the beer supply contract. No-one at the East Lothian brewer was available for comment.

Maclay, which had £10.7 million turnover in its most recent financial year, serves more than 55,000 pints every week. The new beer supply contract starts on April 1.