Talk of the Town: Sol seeks Paradise on Princes Street

THE eyes of the footballing world may be firmly fixed on South Africa, but at least one famous player had something entirely different on his mind yesterday.

Former Arsenal and England defender Sol Campbell was spotted taking a stroll along Princes Street in the afternoon sunshine yesterday.

The player was north of the Border to discuss a proposed move to Celtic and see what Scotland had to offer. After walking past the tram, he was last spotted heading to Waverley Station.

Steve's vuvuzela jibe is a crushing blow for Lesley

ELSEWHERE in the Capital it seems not even the City Chambers can escape World Cup fever.

During a recent exchange old adversaries Councillor Steve Cardownie, of the SNP, and Labour's Councillor Lesley Hinds swapped verbal blows in typical fashion, culminating in Cllr Cardownie, making reference to the controversial horn popular with fans in South Africa, describing his counterpart as "Edinburgh's answer to the vuvuzela".

One councillor in the chamber told the Evening News: "He may be a lot of things, but he's definitely sharp."

Ambassador chips in

AS LOVERS of salt and sauce, we at Talk of the Town would certainly support any efforts to champion the humble tattie's cause.

But shock new Potato Council research reaching us shows that we as a nation don't "fully recognise the health benefits" of potatoes or "appreciate their global popularity". And it gets worse. The survey also reveals that only seven per cent of adults would choose potatoes as their "carbohydrate of choice for international cuisine". Worrying stuff indeed.

Which is why we are delighted to learn of East Lothian farmer Allan Stevenson's new appointment. A long-time spud supporter as chair of the aforementioned Potato Council, he has just been given the impressive-sounding title of "Potato Ambassador". Hopefully we'll be invited to the new ambassador's reception in a chip shop.

Barman's shot a glory

AND well done to Stephen Martin, from Rick's Bar on Frederick Street, who has made it to the final four who will compete for the title of the UK's best bartender in the Diageo World Class UK final.

He will battle it out with counterparts from Leeds, London, and Liverpool for his shot at the prestigious title in front of a judging panel led by television chefs John Torode and Gregg Wallace. However, we do worry how, after a four-round contest, anyone will be able to work out who has won.