In a self-described ‘ridiculous stunt’ to shine a light on pub closures and the ever-rising cost of drinks, this Thursday will see Edinburgh’s newest bar selling the city’s cheapest pint.
This so-called ‘Thirsty Thursday’ is happening on 12th November, hosted by Cairngorm Coffee, in partnership with Mossgiel Organic Farm, and will involve the transformation of Cairngorm’s Barclay Place cafe into a nighttime venue for one night only, selling pints of milk for just £1.
Shots of soft serve ice cream will also be on offer.
Organisers claim that the stunt conceals a serious message about the rising cost of a night out and the growing pressures facing Scotland’s pubs, cafés and independent producers.
The Scottish Licensed Trade Association has warned that £10 pints could become a reality, while figures from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association reveal that 62 pubs closed across Scotland in the first nine months of 2026 alone with the loss of an estimated 585 jobs .
Cairngorm and Mossgiel hope their unconventional pub night will raise a smile while making the point that the places where people come together for a drink, a laugh and a sense of community are worth protecting.
Mossgiel founder Bryce Cunningham said: “We’re opening a pub where a pint costs a pound. The only catch is that it’s milk.
“It’s a bit of fun, but there’s a serious point behind it. Whether you’re running a farm, a café or a pub, it’s getting harder and harder to make the numbers work.
“We’re incredibly proud of the organic Scottish milk we produce in Ayrshire, and we want to show people just how good it is. It’s brewed in Scotland, nutritious, delicious and there’s no ultra-processed nonsense. I’ll drink to that.”
Robi Lambie, from Cairngorm Coffee, added: “We’re living in a world where going out for a couple of pints could soon cost you £20. That’s a lot of money, particularly for younger people.
“I truly believe we need to find ways to make it easier and not harder for people to go out. We risk losing not just pubs, but also the friendships and sense of community that come with them.
“The idea is a bit ridiculous but we’re here to make a serious point. As a cafe owner I see these rising costs first hand and I stand with the publicans and everyone else feeling the pinch at the moment,” said Lambie.
“We might be serving milk instead of beer, but what we’re really doing is bringing people together. Hopefully, they can all go and support their favourite pub too afterwards.”
