An Edinburgh brewery is launching a special limited edition ale to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the literary debut of Ian Rankin’s detective Rebus.  It is interesting how popular fictional characters appear to take on a life of their own.

The article also talks about the centrality of pub culture in Scottish society. I think that I might have spend more time in pubs over the years if the smoking ban has been introduced earlier.  I really dislike being in a smokey atmosphere and that has always put me off pubs.  Since the introduction of the no smoking ban in Scotland, which coincidentally started in March 2006, the month I came to live in England,  I have been going to pubs more often when I am in Scotland.

I also appreciated the no smoking legislation when I was last in Italy.  Great to be able to sit in a clear atmosphere in a cafe there.  Have you enjoyed being in public places more since the ban?