Butlin set for extended run as city Makar

THE Capital's poet laureate is set to have his term extended.

The term of office of Edinburgh Makar Ron Butlin is due to finish at the end of next month.

Now council officials have proposed extending his term by one year.

The recommendation comes after Mr Butlin offered to continue in the role for longer than originally agreed because of "difficult personal circumstances" in the first 18 months of his tenure that meant he could not devote as much time to the role as he had intended.

Council officials say he has also attracted wider national interest in recent times, which he now wants to capitalise on to promote Edinburgh.

The role of the Makar attracts an annual "honorarium" of 2500.

Councillors were due to vote today on the extended term of office.