Macdonald brews up pub support plea

AN Edinburgh MSP has urged his constituents to go for a pint in support of their local pubs.

A recent report into Scotland’s pubs has shown that the number across the country has fallen by nearly 20 per cent in five years, with 41 lost in the Capital alone.

Gordon Macdonald, whose Edinburgh Pentlands constituency boasts two fewer pubs than it did in 2008, said: “Many of us will have cherished memories of a trip down the local and it would be desperately sad if future generations were unable to take advantage of something we took for granted.

“The numerous anecdotes throughout the report demonstrate just how valuable pubs are to the Scottish people, and it is our duty to ensure this vital sector of the economy is given the support it deserves.

“We should, if we are able, take advantage of these local institutions so that they can continue to trade, provide jobs and fun long into the future.”