Edinburgh to get its own version of Cluedo

Scotland’s Capital is set to get its own version of Cluedo, it has been revealed, with characters and locations chosen by the public.

Makers of the popular murder mystery board game today revealed the Capital will form the backdrop to the first regionalised version, where players try to figure out the three main facts of a murder – who did it, where it took place, and the weapon used.

Under the Auld Reekie revamp, game makers say popular classic characters like Professor Plum and Reverend Green will be replaced with six central characters inspired by or from the city. The game’s familiar murder spots will also be replaced with locations such as the Royal Mile – and maybe even the Evening News office.

Purists need not worry, however, as the traditional lead piping and candlestick murder weapons will remain.

Exactly who the characters will be – and where the nine deadly locations will be based – will be left up to a public vote, said Graham Barnes, a spokesman for manufacturer Hasbro.

He revealed possible players could include Rebus writer Ian Rankin, 53, who knows a thing or two about committing the perfect crime, Skins temptress Freya Mavor, 20, and banker Fred Goodwin, 54.

Mr Barnes said he hoped the vote would capture the “flavour of a great city”. He said: “The board is a blank canvas at the moment and we’d love to hear some suggestions.”

Edinburgh killed off competition from the likes of Dublin, Liverpool and Glasgow to be named the new setting.

Economy convener Councillor Frank Ross is delighted with the honour – which follows a previous Edinburgh version of Monopoly – and should see Cluedo in shops for Christmas.

He said: “I am sure everyone will have great fun choosing the new characters as there is a wealth of material available.”

Potential political counter Steve Cardownie denied he would make a good murderer. He said: “At times I’ve been tempted, but all I’ve ever 
murdered is a few pints.”

History stretches back to 1946

The original board game was invented in 1946 by a humble solicitors’ clerk from Birmingham.

Now the game, where everyone falls under suspicion, is played across the globe and has been depicted in films, on TV and on stage.

It has 324 possible solutions.