The man who claims to have brought the "English country pub" to Scotland has gained control of Challenger Inns' portfolio in a £5m deal that has delivered a 15% annual return to wealthy fellow-shareholders led by Brian Souter and Ann Gloag.

The man who claims to have brought the "English country pub" to Scotland has gained control of Challenger Inns' portfolio in a £5m deal that has delivered a 15% annual return to wealthy fellow-shareholders led by Brian Souter and Ann Gloag.

Martin Sutherland, a former licensed trade specialist with surveyor Montagu Evans, has bought out Paradigm, the investment group one-third owned by Souter and Gloag, and two-thirds by Montagu Evans and its Glasgow partners. Sutherland left the surveyor four years ago to launch the project, which targeted sites with a restaurant and five to 10 rooms, in locations away from the central belt.

A spokesman for Glasgow-based Paradigm said: "Challenger Inns was originally promoted by Paradigm Real Estate Managers who represented the interests of a number of high net worth individuals prepared to invest in the licensed trade sector.

"The exit from Challenger at this stage is in line with the business plan providing investors with an internal return of 15% per annum."

Sutherland, 43, who was backed by Allied Irish Bank, said: "Having played a major role in building up the portfolio I am delighted to have secured a controlling interest.

"Happily, we were able to agree a price which was acceptable to myself and ensured a healthy return for my former fellow shareholders."

Challenger's pubs are spread across Scotland from Fraserburgh to Arran and Kyle of Lochalsh to Castle Douglas.

Sutherland said: "These establishments were picked especially for their potential to successfully adjust to the post-smoking ban era in Scotland, with as much emphasis placed on food and accommodation as on wet sales.

"I also wanted to bring to Scotland the concept of the English country pub, something which offered the same relaxed and informal ambience but was well managed at the same time. All the establishments are independently operated with each tenant effectively running his or her own business."

He added: "It is my intention to try and improve the quality of the estate over the next few years working closely with the tenants and helping them to increase profits with better buying power."