A MUSSELBURGH pub has come third in the Cider Pub of the Year Award presented by Edinburgh and South East Scotland CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale).

Staggs, also known as The Volunteer Arms, was beaten by The Jolly Judge in Edinburgh's Lawnmarket, which was the overall winner, and runner-up Blacksmith's Forge at Dalkeith.

Staggs on North High Street is no stranger to winning accolades.

Earlier this year it came first in the Lothian section of this year's CAMRA Pubs of the Year.

Last year it was named the best pub in Scotland and Ireland for the third time, having won the title in 1998 and 2016. It was also named Pub of the Year for the UK in 1998 and has scooped the Best in the Lothians award 25 times, and the Edinburgh and South East Scotland title eight times.

Last year was The Volunteer Arms' 160th anniversary of being in the same family after opening in 1858. Nigel Finlay and his brother Ian are the current owners.

Nigel runs the pub with the help of his wife Donna and daughter Katie McKenzie.

Katie said: "We were pleasantly surprised to receive third place in the Cider Pub of the Year competition. It’s a first for us.

"Our usual real cider, Black Rat, comes from Moles Brewery and it certainly deserves the recognition. Thanks to all the CAMRA member who voted for us."

CAMRA’s members monitored cider quality during 2018 when visiting the real cider pubs in the branch area.

The Edinburgh and South East Scotland branch, which has 1,200 members, covers Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, Scottish Borders and parts of West Lothian.