Talk of the Town: More power to Lord James at election

AS CAMPAIGNING gets under way – rather prematurely – for the general election, perhaps new candidates could learn from former Edinburgh West Tory MP Lord James Douglas-Hamilton about how to turn an opponent's attack to one's advantage.

In his recently published memoirs, he recalls sarcastic comments made in the Commons by Labour MP John Maxton, ahead of the 1987 election, questioning how Lord James' pet issues, including Edinburgh's controversial Western Relief Road, always seemed to get debating time. "The honourable gentleman is a powerful Member of Parliament," he observed.

Come the election, Lord James duly put out leaflets headed "Lord Jim'll fix it" and quoting Mr Maxton's verdict: "A powerful Member of Parliament".

His majority increased from 498 to 1,234.

Cheap shot in bar's boast over bottle of bubbly

THERE was no doubt a few bottles of bubbly opened at homes and pubs and clubs in the last few days.

But those enjoying a few beverages at Joseph Pearce's bar, on Leith Walk, must have been particularly happy with the deals on offer at the trendy watering hole.

The bar has for sale bottles of Dom Perignon for the crunch-busting sum of 94 – which the menu helpfully points out is "Cheaper than Oddbins' 119" next to the price list.

It's certainly an interesting comparison for a bar to make.

What next? Will we be seeing boasts of "Cheaper than Tesco and not as much as Sainsbury's" next to some of the wines and beers?

Always look on the bright side of life in the city centre

THE Hogmanay street party took place in the glow of a bright full moon.

In fact, it was not just a normal full moon, but a rarer blue moon, the second full moon to fall within one month.

They only occur once every two-and-a-half years, and on Hogmanay just once every 19 years, which is why we use the phrase "Once in a blue moon" for rare events.

And beneath the blue moon on Hogmanay, the people of Edinburgh and their guests did indeed witness a rare event – they found a good use for the half-finished tram works.

It turns out that tram stations, the extra-high raised pavements in the middle of some parts of Princes Street, are extremely handy for getting a good view over the heads of your fellow revellers. When you've lost your friends, are looking for the nearest bar, or trying to catch sight of one of the big screens, a little extra height makes all the difference.

And hopefully we won't have to wait for another Hogmanay blue moon before we can use them to catch a tram.