Hibs cup speech rescued from history’s dustbin

IT is a tale of two speeches – but only one was ever destined for a public airing.

Now, following Hearts’ 5-1 cup final win over their bitter rivals, a “forgotten” transcript penned in the event of a Hibs victory has surfaced online.

At the civic reception in the City Chambers before Hearts’ victory parade on Sunday, Lord Provost Donald Wilson began his remarks saying “I’ve got a speech here – actually I’ve got two speeches here” – and then tossed away the Hibs one.

But it was salvaged from the dustbin before a picture was posted on Twitter.

In it, the Lord Provost congratulates the Easter Road side on their “historic” victory while offering his commiserations to Hearts. Both Capital clubs, he said, have been “sporting ambassadors” for the city.

A council spokeswoman confirmed the speech was genuine.

The undelivered speech — with “Hibernian” in capital letters at the top of the page — says: “Mr Petrie, Hibernian Football Club, honoured guests, I am delighted to be part of this historic occasion — not only for the club themselves but also for the City of Edinburgh.

“I am sure everyone here today will echo our sincere congratulations to the club and also to each and every player.

“This is the third time that Hibs have won the Scottish Cup, first in 1887 and 1902 and now in 2012. They have a long and impressive history of sporting achievements in the city and it is an honour to see the cup sitting here today.”

There is also a line offering sympathy to Hearts — “I would also like to give our commiserations to Hearts. Both teams have been and are sporting ambassadors for this city.”

Deputy council leader and Hearts supporter Steve Cardownie said: “It shows the Lord Provost was well prepared for all possible eventualities. The contents of the speech will be of little comfort to Hibs fans.

“But who knows, Donald might still have to give such a speech before his term of office ends in five years.”

In another online jape, a cheeky football fan has been winding up Hibs supporters by offering a “green and white open-top bus” for £1902 — the year of their last Scottish Cup triumph.

The spoof ad appears on classified website Gumtree and appears to be the work of a Hearts supporter from the Longstone area who posted it alongside an image of the Hearts team on their own victory parade.

The ad read: “Green and white open top bus. Immaculate condition. Never used. Needs exterior paint job. Space upstairs for 11 football players, if they turn up.”