The Central Belt is buzzing with new launches and soon-to-launch projects.

First up The Copper Still is now open on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

Taking over the site previously occupied by The Royal McGregor, the new venture is a bar that also offers an all day menu running from breakfast butties to small bites, burgers and main courses such as haggis, steak and ale pie and, of course, fish and chips.

The team behind The Copper Still also run Edinburgh's Whiski Rooms and Whiski Bar and Restaurant. Main pic is from Copper Still Facebook.

Out on the toon in Troon

Heading to the West, it's all happening in Troon.

On Templehill, Links cocktail bar is making itself at home in the former MacIntyre's Bar site. 

A popular feature is the selection of £6 cocktails such the Plum Daiquiri and the Saint Florent made with London dry gin, Aperol, honey and fresh lemon, all topped with Prosecco. DJs keep it lively at the weekends.

Meanwhile, over on West Portland Street, The Fox is the latest opening from Ayrshire's flourishing Buzzworks hospitality group.

Named in tribute to the tricky twelfth hole at Royal Troon Golf Course, The Fox serves Tennent's tank beer alongside inventive cocktails.

We chuckled at the Irn Bru Sazerac which promises to 'put hairs on your hairs' and is said to contain girders among its ingredients.

Not sure out gnashers are up to that but we would have a crack at the Korean BBQ beef bowls, the cauliflower wings and the chicken tempura.

As well as live music, The Fox will soon have its own golf simulator for anyone who hasn't filled their boots playing the local courses.

The Fox brings the number of Buzzworks venues to thirteen with a fourteenth planned for Inverclyde in the coming months.

Cocktail trolley

Zipping up the A77 to Glasgow, we hear news that the people behind Brett, Epicures and the Michelin-starred Cail Bruich are planning to open a seafood and cocktail bar in Hyndland.

The former Nick's will become home to Shucks at some point in the early spring. Scottish seafood will be to the fore and we like sound of the proposed cocktail and Champagne trolley which will be wheeled between the tables.