Every small town and village has its icon and its stories from the past, discussed in detail in the local heritage centre (usually known as the pub), where the atmosphere is not artificial. Visit a local bar and learn the history of the area; Inns have always been the hearts of settlements throughout the civilised world, they were where laws were made and courts held; places where past INNovators discussed their theories, poems, novels, with their peers, just as we do today (DNA being a good example). How many pubs boast that they were a "Burns' howf"?
Nowadays local INNs, which create employment, let locals catch up with local gossip and allow visitors to interact, especially in the friendly south west of Scotland, are closing down by the hundreds. A network of heritage INNS would benefit every area. Granting local inns funds with which to purchase local heritage displays and INNformation outlets would be worthwhile. Perhaps 'rates relief' for providing a community service could be made available as they would be promoting the area, providing tourist services, advertising local places of interest, etc.
If every INN displayed local families coats-of-arms of the 14th century it would provide a talking point for locals and visitors alike, especially at this time, when geneology is on everyones lips.
* Last updated by: Aulyin on 9/8/2009 @ 4:03 PM *