Talk of the Town: It’s quantity not quality that counts

AS everyone who uses social networking sites will tell you, it’s not who you know, but how many.

West Lothian Council might not be the biggest authority in Scotland, but judging by its Facebook “friends” it’s the most popular.

At last count the local authority had a staggering 16,299 “likes” – making it the most popular council in Scotland and the second most “liked” in the UK. Indeed, West Lothian has nearly as many friends as New York City Council and Brisbane Councils put together.

Not that they are being too smug about their friendly status – although a council spokesman was at pains to point out that closest “rivals”, Edinburgh City Council, has a mere 500.

Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, meanwhile, has 43.9 million.

Pantomime seeks a cow . . or is that an ass?

IT’S the least glamorous job in showbusiness and forms the butt of many jokes. But an essential role to any pantomime has become available – though not for any self-respecting star.

The back-end of a panto cow is in need of filling and a recruitment drive has got under way to find the right candidate. Successful applicants need no experience as a bovine derriere, but must be prepared to perform at this year’s Gullane Village Pantomime.

Chance to drink your words

IT’S a challenge set to amuse pub philosophers across the Capital – how to sum up Edinburgh in a slogan that can fit on a pint glass.

The competition has been set up by Tennent’s Lager, who is asking residents of Scotland’s six cities to come up with a comment on what their home means to them. The most inspiring – or most amusing – will be etched onto limited edition glasses which will hit the bars in November.

And they’ve already got one entry from local band Idlewild, who summed up Edinburgh thus: “I love the fact it’s got Arthur’s Seat – pretty much a mountain, right in the middle of town.”

If you think you can do better, go to www.facebook.com/TennentsLager to take part.

Driving couriers potty

SICK parrots, lampposts, vials of sperm, a canoe and the nose of an aircraft – no, it’s not some bawdy British comedy, but the daily grind of a city transport firm.

Edinburgh-based Eagle Couriers has revealed a list of some of the strangest items they transfer – including coffins for those not willing to shell out for a fancy funeral.

“We’re lucky that none of our drivers are too squeamish,” says director Jerry Stewart.