Talk of the Town: It's not so nutty to tuck in to squirrel

IT'S the adorable migrant rodent that's experienced a population explosion on British shores.

But now one Capital chef is performing a form of palatable pest control on the American grey squirrel by serving it up in his Old Town eaterie.

Richard Alexander, owner of Spoon Cafe Bistro, describes his culinary cull as the "ultimate ethical food" because of the sheer abundance of the fuzzy vermin.

"A million of them are being killed every year and being chucked out, which is a bit of a waste, so why not eat them?" he said.

Mr Alexander said the meat is darker than rabbit and sourced wild from an estate in the Borders.

And for the culinary curious out there, he advises serving it with spring vegetables. Tasty.

Instrumental in helping disabled make some noise

A NEW kind of musical instrument designed by researchers at Edinburgh University is being snapped up by Americans.

The Skoog is an innovative piece of technology that can emulate the sound of 12 different musical instruments and is designed to allow children who are severely disabled to play music in an expressive way.

Skoogmusic Ltd has teamed up with Tool Factory, a leader in innovative educational technology, to take the Skoog to America.

Dr Ben Schogler, co-inventor, said: "Making music is good for you and we are here to help more people make music no matter what their ability or experience."

Cracking new counter

THEY have always been amongst the most famous attractions at Edinburgh Zoo - and now the penguins are set to get even more attention.

Edinburgh Zoo has introduced an egg-citing new feature to its Penguin Cam - an egg counter that shows how many eggs have been laid by each of three different types of penguins.

Eager viewers will no doubt be joining keepers in looking out for the first king penguin egg.

Bill's now an X friend

PIERS Morgan has cut off all contact with author Bill Coles over his spoof novel Simon Cowell: The Sex Factor.

The Edinburgh author's book sees Piers seeking a evangelical status with the public and highlights his love for Hula Hoops.

Despite Morgan providing a quote for his debut novel, he has now defriended Bill on Facebook.

Bill Coles said: "It was obviously gutting - but I'm ever optimistic that he may yet allow me back into the circle of trust."