Talk of the Town: Another tram critic pitches up in city

EDINBURGH's tram project does not have many supporters and now even the world of rugby is having a go.

Ahead of the upcoming Six Nations match against Wales, Pitchcare magazine decided to run an interview with Peter Hope, the senior groundsman at Murrayfield Stadium.

Given that the home of Scottish rugby is to get its very own tram stop, and the fact that the tram will supposedly make getting big crowds to and from the stadium far simpler, he might have been expected to be a fan.

Sadly it seems not. Amidst a series of light-hearted questions about his hero, his favourite record and his favourite smell, Peter was asked who, in all the world, he would not like to be.

He duly ignored obvious candidates like Hosni Mubarak and revealed the person he would least like to be is: "Head of the tram project in Edinburgh. What a shambles!"

A Mighty achievement to perfect time travel

WITH the Welsh rugby team due at Murrayfield on Saturday it has been particularly interesting to read in a publication based outside of Edinburgh about the demolition of the fine sports ground at Hughenden.

According to said publication those rugby luminaries who graced the ground "in the 1930s" included one Ian McLauchlan, current SRU president and resident of Corstorphine. Considering rugby's "Mighty Mouse" wasn't born until 1942 that is quite some achievement.

Heat is on for fundraisers

IF raising money for charity by running a marathon seems just too easy, why not take up the gauntlet thrown down by the Scottish Spina Bifida Association?

The charity is looking for people to have a go at fire-walking to raise funds for its work, and says: "All participants start the evening with a private, motivational, fear-busting seminar, designed to equip you with the skills to walk barefoot, unharmed across wood embers burning at 1236 degrees Fahrenheit." Does that mean they give out fireproof boots? If you're tempted, call 01236-794 513 or email [email protected].

Looking for a place to sty

THESE little piggies are looking for a new home. The SSPCA have put out an appeal to find a home for six pigs, after their owner decided he couldn't care for them. The five males - all neutered - and one female are currently being cared for at the Scottish SPCA's Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Balerno.