Tinpis, I have always wondered about what has been set in the old colemsman window too. It is interesting seeing how many feet you can wind on and off the altimeter going from a 1023 'local' QNH in the highlands to a 1009 area QNH... Could make the difference in cases like you mention.
Don't trust anyone, not even ATC - THINK FOR YOURSELF! You will be left to your own devices and limited, tiny resources more than you could imagine in any other environment.
Develop local knowledge - it is absolutely imperative!
Remember, the difference between a pilot and a good pilot is his ability to make the right decision at the right time.