Focus Scotland: View from the Top

Scotland has always been known for its great pubs and there certainly isn't a lack of them - at 5,200 that's one for every thousand inhabitants. They range from city-centre style bars to rural traditional locals with open fires and heaps of atmosphere.

The smoking ban has now been in force here for two years. It was always going to be one of the biggest challenges the trade would face and it certainly has been, not least because a large proportion of our pubs tend to be part of a tenement with no garden and little outside space for smokers.

We all feared that with the ever-declining prices of alcohol in supermarkets, smokers would stay at home instead of going to their local. But, as ever, we Scots are resilient and even on cold and wet days - of which there are many - clusters of locals can be seen outside the door of the pub with their cigarettes.

They may have tried staying at home initially, but that couldn't give them what Scottish pubs do best - a great atmosphere and a laugh. It hasn't all been plain sailing. There have been casualties, with some pubs forced to close because of poor trading (these have tended to be the smaller landlocked pubs where custom was in the main made up of daytime older drinkers) and most pubs have had to invest to keep trade.

This has ranged from a sparkle to freshen up the pub to external smoking solutions and a better-quality offer including entertainment and food. Most pubs have introduced some sort of food offer, whether it be a pie and a pint or something more ambitious, and customers are now likely to choose to eat in a pub rather than a restaurant.

Now, with the licensing law changes, Scotland is facing another big challenge, with every pub having to reapply for their licence in time for September 1, 2009. This is likely to have a big impact, given the costs - more than £3,000 for applications, plans and professional fees - and I fear it may lead to smaller businesses having to close the doors.

Fortunately, a lot of pub companies, including ourselves, have subsidised a package to help outlets get through the process. Add to this the current economic climate, though, and only the fittest will survive. Pubs will have to provide great standards, a quality offer, events and entertainment and a fantastic service. No longer can they merely open the doors.

But let's not get too downhearted. Scotland has some of the best pubs in the UK and we will continue to provide visitors and locals alike with the best experience possible - whether it's a swift half, a big night out or simply catching up with friends.

The pub in Scotland is a central part of our culture and plays an integral role in every local community. I am sure our passion for them will never wilt.

Lesley Welsh is tenancy director of Iona Pub Partnership, the tenanted arm of G1 Group, which operates more than 100 pubs in Scotland​