Talk of the Town: This councillor works in mysterious ways

IT is not often that politicians praise their opposition. But it seems that the Labour group on the city council is happy with the recent efforts of the SNP's outspoken deputy health leader, Norman Work.

Councillor Work this week provoked outrage by claiming residents should stop expecting the council to clear the streets of snow and do it themselves – unless they are "90 years old".

It wasn't his first gaffe. Last month, he told care groups upset about the low level of money the council were offering to people who want to employ their own carer that he "wouldn't mind working for 12.65 an hour".

Andrew Burns, leader of the Labour group on the council, said: "Given recent form, some of my council colleagues – whose names and party affiliation I couldn't possibly mention – are beginning to wonder if Cllr Work has actually been planted in the Edinburgh SNP group for some covert political advantage."

Writing on wall for Google

GOOGLE'S motto may be Don't Be Evil but this has obviously not convinced a cheeky graffiti artist who used a spray can and some dodgy grammar to express their dissatisfaction at the internet giant's all-pervasive presence. "ALL YOUR DATA ARE BELONG TO US" was sprayed on a billboard for Google Chrome at Lochend Road.

Thefts don't add up

IT seems Nicola Sturgeon's calculator was among the 29 items stolen from NHS Lothian facilities last year.

Responding to a request by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Dr Richard Simpson to list all of the items stolen from NHS facilities in the last two years, the health secretary revealed that there were 65 thefts totalling 124,753 in 2007/08 (the highest figure in Scotland that year), and 55 thefts in 2008/09 totalling . . . 220.

What was stolen? Fifty-five pocket calculators, perhaps?

When asked to explain the apparent disparity Ms Sturgeon admitted she'd made a boo-boo, and the actual figure was 29 thefts totalling 15,707. Her spokesperson attributed the mistake to "human error".

Drinking and driving

AMONG those suffering from cabin fever during the recent freeze is Pentlands MSP David McLetchie.

The keen golfer has been unable to get on to the greens, but found an acceptable substitute at the Clubhouse on Edinburgh Quay.

The bar and restaurant offers rounds of "virtual golf" at a range of courses, much to the relief of Mr McLetchie. He said: "I was getting a bit frustrated at not being able to play golf. The three of us that were scheduled to play one day, instead of playing for real, booked a two-hour slot in the clubhouse.

"I was able to play a fantastic golf course with the added sustenance of a pint of lager, which I wouldn't normally do. This was one case where I was drinking and driving."