A FAIRLIE publican has urged people to support their local boozers as a campaign group urged the Scottish Government to help keep pubs open and combat loneliness.

Brian Flannigan, who owns the Village Inn in Fairlie, told the News that it vital that the landlords stay 'ahead of the game' when it comes to initiatives to encourage people to visit.

Real Ale group CAMRA are calling on all pubs to get rates relief to help save them from closure.

Nearly 1,000 bars shut during 2018 research shows.

Brian is in the process of planning a day closure of Bay Street in June to celebrate the Fife Regatta and also regularly hosts community singing events, pub quizzes and live events.

Brian said: "The old saying is 'if you don’t use it you lose it'.

"It is quite tough for the industry at present and I think pubs in general have to adapt.

"The trade has changed a lot in the past 20 years. Things like the smoking ban and drink driving laws being tightened have had an effect.

"Then there are initiatives like Dry January which also hit the pub trade but it is important to remember that you can still come into the pub and enjoy soft drinks and a pub lunch or dinner.

"Instead of Dry January, we urged locals to Try January in what is traditionally a quieter time in the pub trade."

While some local businesses have bemoaned the arrival of chains like Wetherspoons, Brian refuses to do so and says that other bars and restaurants need to up their game to meet the challenge.

He said: "I can't fault Wetherspoons. It is up to other pubs to come up with their own ideas and initiatives to stay relevant."

Campaign for Real Ale Director Sarah Crawford said: "Pubs like the Fairlie Inn are at the heart of local communities across Scotland.

"They act as important social hubs, helping to tackle loneliness and social isolation - yet many are suffering from unfair business rates.

“The Scottish Government should commit to radical changes to the business rates system so that pubs are treated fairly, and in the meantime consider a specific business rates relief scheme for them. These steps are vital if we are to save pubs in communities across the country from closure.”