Look Who's bagged a role in Taggart

A TV credit in Taggart is a staple of most Scottish actors' CVs: with its fast turnover of murderers and victims, if you haven't got at least one credit you might as well hang up your Equity card.

That doesn't mean it's easy to get cast, however. Tranent-born Gordon Kennedy, well known for his role as Little John in the BBC's Robin Hood, finally appeared in the show at the weekend after a long campaign and says: "It has taken 20 years of slog, toil, bullying, nudging, bribing and finally blackmail to get cast in one episode of Taggart."

For others it's a bit easier. Frank Gallagher (River City's Lenny Murdoch), is about to take on his fifth guest role on the show - although he still hasn't played a murderer or victim.

Gordon's in good company, though - David Tennant famously claims to have auditioned unsuccessfully for a part 16 times.

Wide of the Primark

DURING committee meetings, the city's councillors are in the fortunate position of being able to ask leading officials to provide details on anything they please.

And at yesterday's economic development committee, Conservative councillor Cameron Rose wanted to find out the answers to his own family's queries.

After a presentation on "key performance indicators", Cllr Rose said: "I've been asked to ask this by my daughter - when does Primark open?".

His daughter will no doubt be disappointed to learn that it is not until Christmas 2011.

Bistro's diners go Forth

THE idea of al-fresco dining is something Edinburgh has taken to heart in recent years, despite being plagued with the kind of weather more suited to huddling indoors at dinner time.

Even so, it appears that French restaurant Cafe Rouge is taking things to the extreme, with a restaurant locator map on its website appearing to locate its Edinburgh branch, generally found on Frederick Street, somewhere in the Forth.

Visitors to Inchcolm Island will be delighted to hear that French cuisine is now available.

Castle is a sight to behold

THE Capital might not be home to any of the seven wonders of the world, but that hasn't stopped one of its main attractions being voted one of the UK's "must-see" locations.

A study revealed that Edinburgh Castle was the nation's favourite sight, ahead of the Lake District, Stonehenge and, perhaps less surprisingly, the Yorkshire Dales.

The study was carried out by vision correction specialists Ultralase, who presumably are hoping to ensure many more people can see the castle in perfect 20-20 vision.