Talk of the Town: Hustings dishes up a real tasty debate

THEY are often austere occasions in which political rivals clash in a series of combative verbal jousts.

But organisers at one upcoming hustings have decided to serve up an array of delicious snacks in a bid to draw in the electorate.

Midlothian's showdown at Westfield Hall on April 1 has secured the culinary services of renowned chef and former MasterChef winner Gerry Goldwyre, who will be laying on a buffet of finger-licking appetisers to sustain the audience through hours of rigorous debate.

"I was asked by my wife if I would prepare some food for it but didn't expect to appear on the advertising posters," said Mr Goldwyre.

Let's hope the delicious sarnies form the cornerstone for some serious political interaction.

Golf club has fairway to go to welcome female players

IT is one of the world's most prestigious golf clubs, but it seems Muirfield in East Lothian is still lagging a little behind the times.

Muirfield has been run as a men-only club for 267 years, but thanks to the introduction of the Equality Act has now had to make some concessions to the fairer sex.

Captain Alistair Low said the club would now be taking a vote from members of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which owns the course, on new rules which would allow women into the clubhouse, smoking room and formal dining room.

The ban on female membership will, however, remain in place.

MP throws the Cowell in

EAST Lothian MP Fiona O'Donnell tried to inject some X Factor glamour into proceedings at Scottish Labour's spring conference at the weekend.

Introducing leader Iain Gray, who represents the same constituency at Holyrood, she told delegates: "Iain and I are often compared to Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole."

But she immediately admitted: "I'm the only person who has ever made that comparison."

Brewing our bit for charity

EVERYONE likes to think they are willing to do their bit for charity and it seems residents of the Capital are more willing than most.

A survey from the British Red Cross found that 88 per cent of those living in Edinburgh would support people's efforts for charity.

The poll, commissioned ahead of Red Cross Week on May 1-8, also found that people in Edinburgh would be keenest to raise money with a coffee morning or cake sale.

Who could argue that getting a cake and coffee in return for a good deed isn't a fair exchange?