Talk of the Town: Trams send drinks plan off course

WHEN it comes to your last day in the job, most people like to get down to the nearest pub for a few celebratory drinks.

Not so for the city council's long-serving director of finance Donald McGougan, who found his last day included a meeting of the full council where the future of the tram project would be decided.

The meeting began at 10am and ran on until close to 11.30pm, with Mr McGougan put on the spot by councillors.

At the end of the meeting, Mr McGougan said: "I've been to 240 council meetings, and I've answered more questions at this one than any of the other 239."

He'd have earned that leaving pint - if the pubs were still open.

Meadows' crowd enjoys Taste of old technology

THIS Year's Taste of Edinburgh Festival was blessed with some of the best weather of the year, and crowds turned out to sample some of the fine food and drink on offer.

On Sunday afternoon there was a slight distraction however, with people keen to find out the latest score from the Wimbledon final.

While BBC viewers were able to enjoy the match in HD, or even 3D, those in the meadows had to make do with some rather more humble technology, as one enterprising stallholder provided updated scores on a blackboard.

Acting up over old pub

NEWS that the historic Sheep's Heid Inn in Duddingston was set for a revamp by owner Mitchell and Butlers provoked outrage amongst the locals.

It seems the pub chain is no stranger to such controversy. In Primrose Hill, London, they have unveiled plans to revamp the old Engineer pub when they take over from current leaseholders Tamsin Olivier, daughter of the late Laurence Olivier, and Abigail Osborne. The news has sparked a wave of protest from supporters including the actor Robert Powell, who starred in Jesus of Nazareth.

Any regulars at the Sheep's Heid looking for some divine inspiration should perhaps cast their eyes southwards.

Crags in the hot Seat

WITH it's steep crags and rough terrain, Arthur's Seat is generally considered an ideal spot for climbing or hiking.

Now however it has been nominated in a nationwide competition to find the UK's perfect hill for cycling - and it's currently in first place.

Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy and a panel of experts will shortlist the best entries posted via www.goskyride.com and the public will vote for their favourite.