John Gibson: They’re all heading for St Cuthbert’s

Reasons to be cheerful. Charlie Robertson’s got plenty. He’s assistant minister at St Cuthbert’s Parish Church at the West End and, swear to God, he’s telling me he doubts if there’ll be a busier venue during the Fringe/Festival.

“We’ll have 59 different events . . . classical concerts, choirs, recitals, the whole gamut and we do it as a gesture of welcome and hospitality.

“We’re significantly busier because neighbouring St Andrew’s and St George’s is undergoing refurbishment. This is all in addition to our three regular Sunday services and services on weekdays.

“Performers and visitors from the world over will be stepping over our doors. Uplifting for St Cuthbert’s, uplifting for Edinburgh, it all helps create a buzz round the West End.’’

The Rev Charlie, who was the keeper at Canongate Kirk, has been St Cuthbert’s assistant these past four years. Modest in stature himself, he’s something of a high flier. He’s chaplain to 603 City of Edinburgh Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.

Bags of money

Apropos my cream-splattered mention of One Square’s afternoon tea, at the Sheraton, a reader back from a Jubilee blow-out in London is saying that One Square’s product is a comparative giveaway.

London’s Lanesborough wanted 85 quid for a glass of champers, tea, scones, clotted cream and jam. That’s five-star Knightsbridge. At the Ritz, £64.

Even Princes Street prices for tea in the afternoon are more civilised. The Balmoral’s £37 you can perhaps live with. Better still, a pack of sandwiches, a flask of tea and a bench in the Gardens if the rain’s off.