Talk of the Town: Zoo's leaner lemurs show how to slim

The zoo has announced that its Sclaters lemurs have been put on a diet, over concerns that their rather relaxed lifestyle in captivity was leading to obesity problems.

Over the last few weeks the keepers have moved innovative food dispensers around the enclosure, making the tubby animals work for their supper - and so far it has proved a success, with female Noemie losing nearly three quarters of a kilo - to weigh in at 2.87kg - and male Bobby shedding 300g.

Could this herald a new way to tackle Scotland's obesity problem - constantly moving chip shops?

Kneel before Mark

THE inhabitants of the tiny island of Tanna in the South Pacific aren't having much luck with their choice of god.

The islanders have worshipped our own Duke of Edinburgh since 1974 when he visited them while cruising nearby in the Royal Yacht Britannia. Local prophecy had it that he would return to live among them when he turned 89 but when the day came last month he couldn't make it.

So who did they get instead? None other than visiting Musselburgh backpacker Mark Raynor who stepped in to explain that Prince Philip had responsibilities back in Blighty. Given the Prince's form for making gaffs on overseas visits, perhaps Mark was a safer choice. You know what they say - never meet your idols.

Stage death for medium

THE Fringe can be an intimidating venue for even the most seasoned professional, so you have to feel sorry for first-timer Joe Power.

The "psychic medium" is here with his show The Man Who Sees Dead People, and gave a preview of his "powers" to an audience of thousands at the Assembly's 30th anniversary gala last week.

Unfortunately, it was the audience who got to see someone die on stage, as Joe was heckled, booed and flustered, before being mocked by compere Adam Hills.

After Joe shuffled off muttering about the light being wrong for his kind of act, Hills said: "I've cleared up after lots of comedians who have died on stage but never someone who was talking to the dead."

No awards, please

YOU would think that little-known Japanese musical troupe Frank Chickens would be cock-a-hoop at being on the verge of being voted the greatest fringe act of the last 30 years thanks to some mischievous militant tweeting. But apparently not. Founding member Kazuko Hohki says "It's like someone talking about who won the Derby. I don't care. I am not a comedian." We're sure Michael McIntyre would be more grateful.