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Scotland’s World Cup campaign will deliver a “much-needed boost” to the country’s pubs and bars at a time when the sector is grappling with rising costs, a hospitality group has said.

UKHospitality Scotland said pubs and bars are set to benefit from a 40% sales boost as fans pack into venues to watch Steve Clarke’s men in action over the coming weeks.

The figure is based on analysis of Scotland games during Euro 2024, which were found to have delivered year-on-year sales growth of 38%.

The body said it expects to see “similar scenes” in pubs and bars during this year’s World Cup, despite the tournament’s later UK kick-off times.

It also pointed out the majority of local authorities across Scotland have provided extensions to licensing hours to accommodate the games, and fans wanting to watch in the pub.

Leon Thompson, executive director of UKHospitality Scotland, said: “Scotland’s return to the World Cup after 28 years is a huge moment for the country.

“While the Tartan Army is well represented in Boston and Miami, there will be millions of Scots heading to their local to cheer the team on and celebrate Scotland’s rightful return to the biggest footballing stage.

“We saw fantastic support for our locals during the Euros, delivering a 40% sales boost, and I expect we will see similar scenes in pubs across Scotland, even in the early hours of the morning.

“It will be a much-needed boost for our pubs and bars, which continue to grapple with cost challenges, so I urge as many Scots as possible to brave the late kick-off and head to the pub for the games.”