Talk of the Town: Roar of the crowd was not for Lion

Among the group was the late, much lamented, Lions second row Gordon Brown who had been fed tales of just how strong a rugby culture he would be entering.

Stepping out of the plane at Toulouse Airport, ‘Broon frae Troon’ was staggered to find every viewing gallery occupied by enthusiastic crowds several thousand strong and rows deep.

Surveying the scene from the top of the aircraft steps, Brown remarked: “I never knew we were this popular.”

That was for a stewardess to reply: “Don’t be daft – you’ve arrived at the same time as Concorde’s maiden test flight.”

Wild horses couldn’t drag me there . .

SHE’S wowed millions with her majestic voice – so it is only right she entertains Her Majesty.

Susan Boyle will take to the stage at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant alongside Aussie treasure Rolf Harris for a show involving more than 550 horses and 1100 performers.

The 90-minute theatrical show will highlight “the Queen’s passion for horses and everything equestrian”.

And Boyle is sticking to the theme with her own distinctive take on the Rolling Stones classic, Wild Horses.

Search for culture at home

GOOD news for Capital art lovers following the news this week that you can now view your favourite works without ever leaving the house.

The National Galleries of Scotland has joined up with Google Art to bring 150 works from its collection to the wider public via the internet.

Nelson Mattos, Google Engineering vice-president, said: “Google is committed to bringing all types of culture online and making it accessible.”

So more than likely we’ll soon be able to log on and watch two pandas procreate in a zoo . . . oh, wait a minute.

You read it here first

DID you know that printing in Scotland began 504 years ago yesterday?

The press in question was set up in what is now the Cowgate by Walter Chepman, a wealthy merchant, and Androw Myllar, a bookseller.

But, no, it’s first publication wasn’t the literature for an imminent trams project.