SCDI elects 'America's mayor' to give speech

SCDI chief executive Dr Lesley Sawers says: "Mayor Giuliani took his world famous city and made it world class. He is the man who re-invented and re-invigorated New York, creating the world's biggest and best city brand. We are delighted that he has found time in his schedule to visit Scotland."

From apples to egg-shaped balls as Scotland rugby stars Johnnie Beattie and Alastair Kellock took time out from training for this afternoon's Calcutta Cup clash to help launch the Kwik Fit Insurance charity of the year, pictured.

The Uddingston-based insurer has pledged to raise money for Rutherglen High School, which educates children with additional support needs.

Staff at the school have been trying to attract funding to buy a bus with a wheelchair lift, and also plan to build a sensory room in the school and a sensory garden in the grounds.

Earlier this month, Brendan Devine, group managing director of Kwik Fit Financial Services, presented last year's charity, Kidney Research UK, with a cheque for 44,000.

Fund raising is also on the minds of Alan Strain and Brent Haywood, partners at law firm Biggart Baillie, who are running a "mad super-marathon" on 18-21 March.

The pair will travel to Hungary to run 120 miles around Lake Balaton, known as the "Hungarian Sea".

Managing partner Alasdair Peacock says: "I look forward to welcoming Alan and Brent – and their blisters – back into the office after their circuit of the "Hungarian sea".

Sky takes a room with a view as it tucks into the Gherkin

HOPING to bump into celebrities from the world of business regularly is Julie Calder, Edinburgh-based managing director of Abbey Business Centres, which has brought Sky News to the iconic "Gherkin" building in London.

The accommodation is being used as the studio for Jeff Randall Live, the broadcaster's flagship business news programme, presented by media stalwart Jeff Randall, below left.

Calder says: "Sky News has taken a two-year licence on serviced office terms. As the space is being used as a studio, it is obviously not office standard but this agreement shows just how flexible business centres can be in providing commercial space solutions.

"Sky News was particularly impressed by the Gherkin itself and the view from its base on the 15th floor."

But will Calder now be spending more time in London for her star spotting?

GOOD DAY

Bruce Ritchie

THE former head honcho at Hampden Park has been appointed as the general manager of the Hub, the home of the Edinburgh International Festival at the top of the Royal Mile. Ritchie had previously worked at Gleneagles and Edinburgh's Point Hotel. Mostafa Salameh has also been named as the Hub's head of events and catering.

BAD DAY

Iain Coucher

NETWORK Rail's chief executive was dealt a further blow yesterday when a second trade union voted to strike over the company's plans to axe 1,500 maintenance jobs. The Transport Salaried Staffs Association said its members voted in favour of strikes, bringing the threat of stoppages over Easter closer. The RMT union has already backed strikes.