Drinks do was 'good value' say city chiefs

A TAXPAYER-funded reception for outsourcing firms at Edinburgh Castle provided "good value" for the public purse, city leaders have claimed.

The Evening News revealed that the council spent 5,000 on a drinks reception for 700 delegates at the Shared Services and Outsourcing Week.

The move was labelled "inappropriate" by trade union leaders and opposition councillors.

But council leader Jenny Dawe said: "The money spent on that reception will provide us with exceptionally good value.

"The event brought into Edinburgh some really top people in their fields. They have seen Edinburgh and liked what they have seen. I am sure that will bring money into Edinburgh."