Drumlanrig: Two for one as Murray holds Wimbledon court

Published on 08/07/2012 00:00

ANDY Murray will be wise to keep out of the constitutional civil war affecting his homeland but, as befits the great Scottish/British debate that occurs every time he walks on court, both of Scotland’s governments are keeping close to the British/Scottish star today.

Downing Street plans to fly the saltire from its roof (as it flew the Welsh flag during the Rugby World Cup semi finals last year). But, returning serve, Alex Salmond will be courtside, having secured a seat as Scotland’s personal representative. That’s the trouble with devolution: it requires seats for two sets of politicians, not one.

Watching Salmond watching sport, clearly

Given that the First Minister is to be at Wimbledon cheering on Andy Murray, today will be a chance to see a rarely spotted political accessory - Alex Salmond’s specs.

It appears that sporting events are some of the few occasions that Salmond puts on his glasses. He was seen wearing them at Centre Court for last year’s Wimbledon final. He also sported them at the cup final so that he could see his beloved Jambos beat the Hibbees

Hague is vague over Lords reform

Exactly how serious is the Conservative party about Lords Reform? According to one report last week, Foreign Secretary William Hague, right, met up last week with rebellious backbenchers who are threatening to axe Lib Dem inspired plans to change the Other Place. “I need to speak to you about Lords reform,” Hague began.

Then he paused. “There, I have spoken to you about Lords reform,” he concluded. Nick Clegg will not be amused.

Watson’s alumni 
head for heights
The news that the Tory, Liz Smith, below, has become the first MSP to complete the Munros reminds Drumlanrig of another mountaineering politician. Chris Smith, the former Labour Culture Minister, was the first MP to climb all 283 Scottish peaks over 3,000 feet. Apart from their surnames, the most notable thing that the two politicians have in common is that they are both former pupils of George Watson’s College, Edinburgh. Can there be any other school in the UK with such a good record for hearty politicians?