John Gibson: It’s unique among all the antiques

Old hat? No way. John Dixon’s up for it. His creation, Georgian Antiques, has been nominated as the best antiques shop in Britain by the BBC House and Homes and it’s right here in Leith’s Pattison Street.

Says John: “We’re in with a real chance of taking the title. The winner will be announced next month. You’ll be first to know, we’ll be shouting from Leith Walk’s rooftops.”

Mr Dixon organised the St Patrick’s Day Breakfast, his tenth, at the Caley Hotel’s Castle Suite for some hundred guests including Susan Conlon, the Consul General of Ireland based here, and Ireland’s minister for small businesses, John Perry.

Power cut

Rumours. Merely rumours. Cockenzie Power Station with its landmark twin stacks, has shut down. What’s to become of this plumptious plot by the sea.

Lidl, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and, of course, Tesco are clamouring to open their stalls, open all hours, on this vast site. Rumours, I said.

Gig guide

Got your gigs diary handy? Here are a few you’ll want to note. Aled Jones is set for a cathedrals tour next month with guest choirs. St Mary’s in Edinburgh wasn’t listed at the time of going to press. Never forget, Aled’s good for the soul.

Playhouse on April 10 boasts a Solid Silver 60s Show that stars Mike Pender of Needles and Pins celebrity, besides Dave Berry. He had me weeping into my black and tan, dispensed in the Market Bar next door to the Fountainbridge Palais.

Lisa Stansfield hasn’t lost her distinctive voice, so she’ll fill the Queen’s Hall on June 11. Oh and I almost forgot Showaddywaddy at the Rothes Hall in downtown Glenrothes on April 6. Be there.

You’ll already have your tickets for the immaculate Bryan Ferry at the Usher if we’re still on the planet on November 13.