Talk of the Town: Lawyer gags would be a Bridges too far

HAVING played in pubs and clubs since he was just 17 years old, comedian Kevin Bridges is probably better placed than most to handle a tough crowd.

And he may need to call on all his experience later this year when he performs at the Scott and Co Scottish Legal Awards lunch and ceremony.

Bridges, who hosted a sell-out run at the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and earned an Edinburgh Comedy Award nomination for Best Newcomer, agreed to play the awards show at the EICC as his only Edinburgh gig.

Organisers of the event, which recognises excellence in Scottish Law, are delighted at landing the comedian, saying he will give the awards "a lot of fun and laughter".

While his unique brand of social commentary, astute observations and sharp one-liners will no doubt go down a storm, he might be best advised to steer clear of lawyer jokes.

Look, that's whatsisname from off the telly

DURING a question and answer session between S6 pupils at Balerno High and Chancellor of the Exchequer Alistair Darling, the issue of Scottish independence came up, resulting in a lively debate.

As one staunch SNP-supporting pupil grilled the politician, Mr Darling fought back against independence, leaving pupils in no doubt over his stance.

After the debate, as Mr Darling was getting ready to leave, a group of younger pupils entered, and their teacher challenged them to identify the white-haired man. After a moment of silence, one enthusiastic boy piped up: "I know – it's Alex Salmond."

A rare hands-on chance

IT COULD be the only chance Scots have to get their hands on the Six Nations Championship Trophy.

Sponsor RBS is offering fans the opportunity to be photographed with the cup as it tours its branches.

It will be calling into Edinburgh on 20 February, in the bank's St Andrew Square branch in the morning, then moving on to the West End branch in the afternoon

– a rare chance to lay your hands on the sought-after silverware before it leaves the country for another year.

News of council savings

ONE of the favourite phrases of city finance leader Phil Wheeler at the moment is "times is hard", in reference to the council's financial pressures.

For some time, councillors have accepted they need to be as prudent as possible, and it seems to extend to buying copies of the Evening News.

During the council's budget meeting, one councillor had printed off copies of the Evening News' two-page spread revealing the council administration's budget proposals.

Perhaps we should send them an invoice?