Some advice you may not expect.... As well as enjoying the fine experiance of the Duddingston Arms why not make a point of poping out to any local pub this week?

Britain's pubs are closing at the rate of 67 a month as the smoking ban and sub-profit supermarket beer prices hit hard. Pubs are part of our culture that is envied and copied the world over.

Despite the well documented social problems caused by people enjoying a drink pubs are still a place to meet (other than Tesco's car park) to chat, to eat and to relax.

They also provide thousands of jobs and drive tourism. Who would want to visit an island where everyone is at home drinking cheap frothy lager in front of the telly?

Strictly speaking all other pubs are our competitors but I still urge you to enjoy a dram or a pint not just at the Duddingston Arms but at any pub close to you or one you may have passed for years.