‘It worked: we collectively said no to Coe’

the sensible decision to reject a plan that would have put five massive circles in front of Edinburgh Castle is very welcome.

But some questions remain, given that it took a News campaign to convince Historic Scotland, the Castle’s custodian, that our most famous landmark shouldn’t be turned into a massive advertising billboard.

Yes, the Olympics will be a big deal when they hit London next year, and we can only hope that even this far away from the major action they will inspire local kids to try their hands at sports.

But popping a giant logo in front of our Castle was at best a tokenistic attempt at including other parts of the UK; at worst, it would have pimped Scotland’s beautiful Capital in order to sell London to tourists.

As we revealed yesterday, just hours before the U-turn was announced, Olympics organisers wanted to keep the logo on show not just for a few weeks but for nine months, starting at Hogmanay.

Thankfully, the campaign we launched was embraced by thousands of readers and it worked: sense has prevailed after we collectively “said no to Coe”.

Attention can now turn to more realistic ways the city can show its support for the Games. Our own survey suggests the airport is most peoples’ favoured alternative location for any logo.

The Mound is another option, and there’s no reason why a logo can’t be included in the Ne’er Day fireworks. That’s one idea that everyone would be happy to see crash and burn.

New Town bins

There will be a sharp intake of breath today from anyone who remembers the last time the city council tried to introduce giant black container bins in the New Town.

Well-heeled residents were then so angry at the plans that they launched a legal fight and encouraged Prince Charles to intervene on their behalf.

There is unlikely to be a repeat of the revolt this time around as the council’s plans seem far better thought out.

The apparently “seagull proof” canvas bin bags – which we are told have been tried and tested – should mean the city centre looks less like a midden on many mornings.

And the council has, pragmatically, promised that the big bins will not be forced on to streets which are especially scenic or where residents are set against them.

It seems that if nothing else the council has learned that it isn’t wise to pick a battle with a neighbourhood packed with lawyers and law lords.