Talk of the town: Murray officially the best of British

IN his teenage years, Andy Murray caused a bit of a stooshie when he made a light-hearted jibe about supporting whoever England were playing at the World Cup.

The myth developed to the stage that some seemed to believe Murray foamed at the mouth at the sight of an Englishman or woman, despite his girlfriend and close members of his family hailing from south of the Border.

Any frosty relationship has since thawed, in no small part thanks to his gallant displays of late, particularly in Team GB colours at the Olympics.

And if there were any lingering doubts that England loves Andy, then a Manchester man bounding down Princes Street in a kilt belting out Flower of Scotland should settle the debate once and for all.

Word reaches Talk of the Town that the tennis star’s US Open glory has cost one of our southern neighbours a family wager, meaning he’ll now have to embark on the one-man parade along the Capital’s most famous thoroughfare.

Now his friends have launched an appeal to find a piper to accompany Murray’s daftest doubter. If you can help, contact us via the details below.

Glittering prize on offer THE Bupa Great Edinburgh Run provides the perfect arena for dusting off the cobwebs with a burst of athleticism before the teeth-chattering winter months bite in.

Runners who complete the 10k team event – taking place on Sunday, October 7 – will receive a small token at the finish line to mark their achievements but the quicker athletes will be in the mix for a main prize.

This could be a plaque inscribed with the team name or even an engraved quaich bowl.

But do not fall into the same linguistic trap as one of our most respected reporters who, reading the list of prizes, was bewildered as to why any athlete would bust a gut for a “quiche bowl”.

Positive message needed

IRRITATED by those motorway signs telling you not to drink and drive and not to use your mobile phone? SNP MSP Maureen Watt, convener of the Scottish Parliament’s infrastructure committee, had a plea for those in charge of the new Forth crossing after they had given their latest update.

“Do you feel you have to put signs up on the gantry even when there’s nothing really to say? I object to being told ‘don’t do this, don’t do that’. Can you put a ‘please’ or a smiley face?”