The special Greyfriars Kirk Christmas Ale, ordered by The Clydesdale Inn, will be available to buy from 8pm tomorrow (Thursday) at Greyfriars' Christmas Eve celebrations in the Lanark pub.

Bryan said: "Stocks of the Christmas Ale are limited, so people will have to get there on time to sample it.

"Many people might be a bit dubious about the church going into a pub and having its own ale brewed.

"However, if Jesus was here in Lanark today, I am certain that we would meet him in the most unlikely of places, possibly even in the pubs around the town, meeting and speaking to those he came across.

"The church is not saying that people need to drink to have a good time but we recognise that, at this time of year, many people enjoy a drink with friends. We want people to hear the Good News of Christmas when they are there!"

Clydesdale Inn pub manager Ian Gregory said: "We have recently been awarded the Charity and Community Pub of the Year award for JD Wetherspoons pubs across Scotland.

"Our ale event demonstrates our commitment to working with groups in Lanark."

From 8pm, carol singers and Greyfriars congregation members will lead the pub in song at the Christmas Eve spectacular.

Greyfriars Parish Church will hold a carol service at 11pm on Christmas Eve and its annual watchnight service at 11.30pm. All welcome. The church will be open for mulled wine and mince pies from 10.30pm.

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.