Talk of the town: What can we swap for our trams?

The tram firm's spin doctors have been forced to take to Twitter to slap down none other than erstwhile Multi-Coloured Swap Shop host Maggie Philbin for branding aspects of the scheme "bonkers" on the micro-blogging site.

The Berkshire-based presenter tweeted: "We have much to learn abt integrated transport systems. Hearing abt bonkers way tram stops half mile from Edinb airport."

But hold your horses Maggie. EdinburghTrams retorts: "Edinburgh tramstop only 150m from departures terminal."

And if the one-time Tomorrow's World star was in any doubt an aerial map came attached.

Surely an embarrassing moment - even for a woman who was once married to Keith Chegwin.

Hat-trick heroine

FIRST Minister Alex Salmond has hailed Margo MacDonald's "remarkable" achievement in getting elected to the Scottish Parliament three times as an Independent.

"Having been elected at three successive elections, there is a case that you should get to keep the parliament," he added.

Home to roosters

THE curious tale of the sex change chickens has taken another twist, with the news that the birds are to be re-homed - because of the noise.

Craig Minto, owner of The Sun Inn Restaurant, was stunned to discover earlier this year that two of his hens, Gertie and Dorothy, had spontaneously changed into roosters.

The curious transformation is rare but not unheard of, according to experts, which is more than can be said for the now noisy cockerels. The added noise in the mornings has proved unbearable for residents of the Sun Inn, prompting the owner to find them a new home.

They will now be relocated to a farm in East Lothian, where it's hoped their unusual condition will not stop them fitting in.

Papa's peppery surprise

SCOTTISH cuisine has plenty of unusual dishes, from the traditional Haggis to the artery-hardening deep fried Mars Bar.

One thing our food is not generally associated with is flaming hot spices - until now.

Edinburgh chef Papa Djabas is making a name for himself with what he claims is 'the world's hottest chilli sauce" - it's rated just below US police issue pepper spray on the Scoville scale of spicy heat.