City’s Ballingall’s beer relaunched after 50 years

DUNDONIANS will get the chance to sample the first batch of Ballingall’s beer to be brewed in the city since 1968 when it goes on sale at WestFest on Sunday.

The last pint of Ballingall’s was served half a century ago but the brand has been recreated for a new generation by photographer Oliver Pilcher, 41.

Although he was raised in Dundee, Mr Pilcher was unaware of Ballingall’s beer until he saw a mirror bearing its logo in Edinburgh.

Mr Pilcher said: “Basically, I saw a mirror in a pub in Edinburgh and was absolutely blown away by it on a graphic level.

“I thought it was a beautiful piece of graphic design for a brand from Dundee but I had never heard of it.

“When I found the trademark had lapsed and thought it would be great to bring it back.”

Ballingall’s dates back to t he opening of t he Pleasance Brewery in the mid-18th Century.

William Ballingall bought it and renamed it in 1844. His descendants ran the brewery until 1960 when it was sold. Four years later its new owners were bought out by Drybrough, who closed it down four years later.

Chris Ballingall, 48, whose father was the last Ballingall to work for the brewery, said it was “surreal” to see it return.

The beer has been brewed by Dundee firm 71 Brewing, who used an aged yeast and New Zealand hops in their recipe.

Mr Ballingall said: “My dad got quite teary-eyed when I told him about it.

“He lives in Spain now and I’m looking forward to delivering a bottle of it to him.”

Ballingall’s will be available on draft at WestFest on Magdalen Green on Sunday and bottles of the beer will also be available after that.

Mr Pilcher said all profits will go to fund arts and sports projects for children.

He said: “The idea is to start small, get a really good local market and go from there – 100% of the profits will be used to support sports and creative development in Dundee.”