Talk of the Town: Alex is a poster boy for Scotland

Published on 13/08/2012 12:00

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond hasn’t been shy in his efforts to make political capital from the hit animated film Brave, which is set in a mythical Scotland.

He’s made no bones about the potential financial benefits from increased tourism on the back of the blockbuster and even went as far as visiting California for the world premiere.

But while the word “Brave” fits in nicely with the global image of Scotland, perhaps Alex, given his hopes and aspirations, would have found the French translation, pictured here at Disneyland Paris, slightly more to his liking.

New guide is grooming the groom-to-be

IT’S an important rite of passage for a soon-to-be married man and one his faithful partner – the best man – must get right.

We are, of course, referring to the all-important stag do.

Helpfully for fretting best men, City of Edinburgh Round Table has released its definitive guide to delivering a stag do to remember.

They asked people to submit examples of good and bad practice, tips and incriminating footage all contributing to a foolproof best man’s stag do manual. Stephen Saunders of Round Table said: “Understandably, the pressure of organising such an important event can cause a degree of apprehension, so to help deliver a stag do that lives up to expectations, we have released our very own comprehensive guide.”

Bad sports on holiday

HISTORICALLY a time for letting yourself go, the average holiday means we pile on around half a stone over two weeks and even more on a cruise.

But two-thirds of British holidaymakers are planning to be healthier while on holiday this year, according to a poll, and around half of respondents also said that they would be cutting back on the booze.

Those Olympic specimens have a lot to answer for.