Talk of the Town: Councillor's jibe is caught in the tact

WHEN relying on the testimony of a leading scientist, it is perhaps not the best idea to question his academic credentials.

But that's exactly what Councillor Tom Buchanan, the city's economic development leader, did during a discussion on air pollution at the council's tram sub-committee.

Professor Duncan Laxen, a leading figure in the study of air quality management, backed the council's assertion that traffic diversions in the West End had not led to a significant worsening in pollution levels for local residents.

However, referring to Prof Laxen's post at the University of West England, Cllr Buchanan asked which "technical college" the university had "morphed out of".

Taken aback, the professor replied: "I won't rise to that insult."

The councillor said that he had not intended to cause offence, adding that "as a graduate of Napier, it was no way an insult".

Wiggle and Giggle enjoy last laugh on vote debate

THE proposed change in the voting system for Westminster elections does not seem to have caught the imagination in Edinburgh, with only a dozen people turning up for last Saturday's debate on the issue ahead of the May 5 referendum, as we reported yesterday.

It is only fair to point out, however, that there were rival attractions in the Thomas Morton Hall in Leith. Could it be voters heading to hear the pros and cons of the Alternative Vote ended up instead at the toddlers' group Wiggle and Giggle?

The sites to behold

GOOD news, the Old and New Towns of the Capital have been named the "most recommended" World Heritage Sites in the UK.

The survey by online travel site TripAdvisor, which collected responses from more than 34,000 people who had visited Unesco World Heritage Sites, saw the site come top ahead of Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London.

Less welcome was the finding that the Old and New Towns were among those most in need of attention.

Second opinion

THERE'S always two ways to look at things.

At a recent NHS Lothian meeting medical director Dr David Farquharson revealed the number of complaints from patients and families had fallen by 25 per cent in the past three months.

This was welcomed - except by chairman of the Edinburgh Community Health Partnership Bob Anderson. He asked: "What if people are feeling less empowered to complain?"