Talk of the Town: Lord of the Dance steps up to challenge

HE'S more used to playing crowds of up to 45,000 people in the glittering theatres of Las Vegas, but Edinburgh Irish dancing sensation Paul Devers has unveiled his latest project in slightly more low-key surroundings.

Paul, best known for his seven-year stint as dark lord Don Dorcha in Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, played the first gig with his new rock band Keava at the Ark on Waterloo Place on Friday.

Despite his big stage credentials, the 34-year-old Leither confessed that he was "bricking it" at the thought of playing his new Britpop-tinged sound to such an intimate crowd.

He added: "If it all goes belly up, I'll just stick on the old Irish dancing tape and impress the crowd with some jigging."

Responses to bizarre request are expected at snail's pace

THEY'RE the scourge of most gardeners and normally dispatched to gastropod-heaven with a light sprinkling of salt.

However, one pair of allotment holders has put out a bizarre request for MORE snails.

The custodians of the Craigentinny Allotments are on the lookout for pond snails, preferably staghorn snails, to clear the weed from their community pond.

They've said any donations will be gratefully accepted, but they're not expecting a mad rush.

No fear of 'jazz casuals' in licensing hours extension

TALK of "jazz casuals", gambling problems and birthday celebrations led to a lively morning in the normally staid arena of the city's licensing board.

In a discussion about extensions to the city's licensing hours, Councillor Eric Barry pondered whether bars might be allowed an extension during the annual Edinburgh International Jazz Festivals.

"I don't think it would have an impact on police resources," said the Labour councillor. "You don't get jazz casuals."

Passengers have sky-high confidence in city pilots

WE SHOULD all take to the skies. Well, at least flying plane loads of holidaymakers to sunnier climes may offer a few of us an escape route should we fall on tough times.

Apparently, a pilot with an Embra accent is one of those most likely to inspire confidence among their passengers, with a whopping 72 per cent approval rating. Compare that to poor Brummies who inspire confidence in just 24 per cent of the flying public, according to a survey conducted for Sunshine.co.uk.