Talk of the Town: Low marks for our high streets

WE Scots have many things to be proud of, but it seems our town centres aren't among them.

A new report has found that just 37 per cent of us are proud of our local high street, with many of them being described as "shabby".

The study by uSwitch.com found a poor choice of shops and high prices were responsible for driving people away from the high street.

The price comparison site said a Government review designed to breathe new life into Britain's ailing High Streets, could not come "soon enough".

Can you dish the dirt on flying saucer mystery?

EYES to the skies readers for the first of the summer's UFO hunts.

John Robertson of Gilmerton called Talk of the Town to ask if any of our other readers had reported seeing the burning lights over the Pentland Hills on Saturday night at around 10.40pm.

Two lights, which appeared white to the naked eye but showed up like a burning orange ball on a photo Mr Robertson took, were visible for a minute before one disappeared. The second remained for up to four minutes before vanishing and re-appearing some distance away and then disappearing for good.

Any explanations welcome.

Dancers make their moves

WEST Lothian was treated to a taste of the exotic when the Movers and Shakers Dance Group hosted the area's first annual Hafla.

For those that don't know, a Hafla is a belly dance party featuring all styles of belly dance, from traditional Egyptian to American tribal.

The purpose of the Hafla, which was held at Crofthead Community Centre recently, was to raise funds for Movers and Shakers Do It With Dance project, which provides free belly dancing classes.

Get stuck in to sweet treat

FOR the King of rock and roll, a deep-fried peanut butter sandwich was the only way to start the day properly.

While it may not be quite so artery clogging, Edinburgh fatty food fans can get a similar fix in the form of the jam sandwich in a couple of weeks time.

Broughton Street restaurant Treacle will be whipping up a deep-fried jam sandwich in honour of jam week, from June 20 to 26.

And you can wash it down with an apricot jam cocktail. The Louisiana Jam Cocktail includes Southern Comfort, mint, lemon juice and, er, jam.