HUNDREDS of beer lovers are expected at Glasgow's first real ale festival in 18 years.

The Glasgow Real Ale Festival begins today at the Briggait in the Merchant City and will offer more than 120 different brands of beer over three days.

Joint organiser Kenny Hannah said: "It's about savouring the taste of real ales and understanding how good they taste, especially as an accompaniment to food."

Picture: Colin Mearns