Talk of the Town: Wullie bring his bucket on tour?

Oor Wullie is crying “Help ma Boab” as he leaves Dundee behind to embark on a tour of Scotland.

New book Whaur’s Oor Wullie – which no doubt insists any resemblance to the popular Where’s Wally series is entirely coincidental – brings the comic book tearaway to the Military Tattoo and the Hogmanay party on Princes Street.

Readers must search crowded scenes for the spiky-haired troublemaker, hoping he and his bucket haven’t vanished down a tramworks hole.

Last chance to nominate favourite hidden gems

EARLIER this month, we told how a new bid had been launched to put Edinburgh’s hidden attractions in the spotlight.

The initiative is being run by pub group Vintage Inns, which invited locals to unearth little-known but much-loved beauty spots, bizarre local customs, dishes and must-see sites from the city.

Well, today is deadline day, with the Facebook page closing later before staff get down to creating an interactive map featuring gems lurking in the shadows.

Phillipa Bonnar, manager of The Hawes Inn, South Queensferry, said: “Edinburgh has some amazing attractions and we are keen to celebrate and share them.

“Whether it’s an ancient local tradition, fantastically idiosyncratic little shop, a long-abandoned yet beautiful Victorian folly or a walk that takes your breath away in more ways than one, we want to hear about it.

“My own submission would be a trip beneath the streets of Edinburgh, diving into the depths of Gilmerton Coves.”

The great pretenders

IT’S a skill that might just come in handy over the next month.

Three-quarters of Edinburgh residents, it seems, have their fake laugh down to perfection.

While the Festival will have more than its share of smash-hit performers, there will undoubtedly be a smattering that will receive a forced snigger.

Heather Jones, senior brand manager for ginger beer firm Old Jamaica, which commissioned the survey, said: “With wet weather and financial fears dominating the headlines, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Britain may be feeling a little blue this summer.

“We may not necessarily think that the people around us are hilarious, but we’re full of confidence when it comes to our own comedy flair.”