The UK pub industry has seen its fair share of the action over the past few weeks led by Pubmaster's acquisition of another 22 pubs in Scotland for a cash sum of £7m.

The acquisitions - 18 properties from Law Property Leisure Group and four individual sites - bring the group's Scottish portfolio to 93.

Executive chairman John Sands said Scotland was an important market for pub operators and ripe for consolidation: 'The Scottish pub going community is vibrant, reflecting the country's sensible extended licensing hours, a strong economy and the feel-good factor emanating from devolution. This is a great acquisition.'

Meanwhile, Christie & Co have sold 16 managed pubs on behalf of Lionheart Inns, a subsidiary of Jersey-based Ann Street Group, to Porter Blacks Holdings, a new pub company from Phil Riches for £7.45m. The proceeds of the sale will be used to reduce borrowings.

Finally, the Public House Investment Company, a joint venue between Scottish & Newcastle and British Land, has sold the freehold of six pubs for £7.68m.