Talk of the Town: Politics of clean streets . . it's a dirty business

IT IS not often that attention wanders during the city council's high-power policy and strategy committee, but after Labour councillor Ian Murray joined the race to replace Livingston MP Jim Devine, SNP group leader Steve Cardownie couldn't resist a quip at his expense.

During a discussion on the severe weather, Mr Cardownie said: "I was in Livingston the other day and the streets were in a mess. Perhaps Councillor Murray could do something about it."

However, Mr Murray, who has since failed to make it on to a shortlist for the seat, quipped back that "Unlike some councillors, I was out helping to clear the streets of Edinburgh," in reference to SNP councillor Norman Work's suggestion that 'lazy' residents should clear their own streets.

Another councillor couldn't help but notice that Mr Murray was only helping to clear the streets when photographers were present.

Psychic prediction or just brimming with confidence?

CONFIDENCE is a necessary attribute in sport but where does it end and presumption begin?

Boroughmuir rugby club's fixture list currently shows them playing a Scottish Hydro Cup preliminary tie at Kirkcaldy on 5 February . . . followed by a first round match in the same competition at Glasgow's Cartha Queen's Park club a week later.

The cute ones are the worst

FOR years there have been unsubstantiated stories about Edinburgh zoo's lions eating the odd unlucky squirrel.

When the cuter animals start turning to violence however, it is enough to stun even seasoned visitors.

Take the ring tailed lemur. Usually considered cute and fluffy, it seems these miniature teddy bears actually pack a mean punch, which was demonstrated on an unfortunate crow who landed in their enclosure.

As one shocked onlooker remarked: "I just saw a ring-tailed lemur punch a crow on the head. The poor crow wasn't even doing anything wrong and it got totally banjoed."

Fortunately the punch, described as "Tyson-esque", didn't appear to have any lasting effect on the dazed but otherwise unharmed crow.

An open and shut case

RETURNING to Scotland during the big freeze was a bit of a shock for businessman Robert Kilgour after more than six years in Monte Carlo.

The chief executive of Dow Investments

had to make a journey from Fife to Edinburgh during the cold snap – only to find the lock on his car door frozen open because of the ice.

Committed to making his journey, he drove the route with a dog lead tying the inside door handle to the handbrake.