SWA member JW Gray & Co has launched a new ale specially crafted by the Orkney Brewery.

Norseman Pale Ale has been created by the Orkney Brewery for the leading Shetland wholesaler and will be widely available throughout the islands.

The ale's official launch has been timed to coincide with Up Helly Aa - Europe's largest fire festival - which takes place in the Shetland capital of Lerwick tomorrow (Tuesday, 29 January).

Crisp and golden, the 4.4% bottled Norseman is light on the palate and will particularly appeal to lager drinkers, as well as lovers of traditional, high-quality real ales.

Norman Sinclair, managing director of the Orkney Brewery's parent company, Sinclair Breweries Ltd, said: "We were delighted when JW Gray & Co approached us with the idea of producing an ale specially for the Shetland market.

"We wanted to craft an ale that was refreshing and drinkable, with a distinctive Shetland identity, and we're very proud of the result."

While Norseman has been made primarily for distribution in Shetland, limited quantities of the ale will also be available at Orkney Brewery's visitor centre.

JW Gray is a member of Landmark Wholesale.