Devoted Hibs fan laid to rest

By Rory Reynolds

HUNDREDS of mourners turned out to pay tribute to a Hibs fanatic who missed just one game in an incredible 55 years devoted to the club.

Friends and family flocked to the funeral at Mortonhall Crematorium in Edinburgh yesterday to bid farewell to Walter “Wattie” Robb, many of them wearing green and white, instead of black.

Wattie passed away at age 74, after supporting Hibernian all his life, he was laid to rest in his Hibs colours.

Although born in Grangemouth, he moved to Rossie Place, just off Easter Road, when he was young and lived there for 20 years.

Hibs manager John Hughes led the tributes to Wattie, one of the Easter Road sides best-known and most committed supporters, saying that he was the dictionary definition of a football fan.

Elderly grandmother pursued by council for 1p bill

By Rory Reynolds

AN elderly grandmother was left bewildered when she received a tax demand from her local council – for a single penny.

Doris Nelson said she was gobsmacked by the bizarre bill, which was one of a string a demands from Edinburgh City Council.

The 73-year-old had received a number of letters before moving further down the street she has lived on for 20 years.

She received the final one at her new home in the city’s Royston area, and decided to sort out the penny dispute once and for all.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it. I know these letters are probably churned out by a computer, but how much does it cost to send me this and how many more like this are being sent out at time when the council is trying to make efficiency savings?

Mad medics ditch anti-depressants in favour of comedy DVDs

By Rory Reynolds

A GROUP of mad medics are claiming to have come up with the solution to depression – “prescribing” a comedy DVDs to patients.

Health professionals in Edinburgh have organised a comedy gig – starring top comic Patrick Monahan – that will be filmed and distributed across to hundreds of GP surgeries.

The bizarre scheme, which is being organised by the Centre of Health and Wellbeing, is hoping to reduce the amount of anti-depressants being issued in Scotland – in favour of comedy DVDs.

Dr Lubna Kerr, a pharmacist and director of the charity group, said that comedy is the perfect alternative to anti-depressants.

She said: “The Scottish Government is very keen to reduce the number of anti-depressants being prescribed.

Rail death horror causes huge rush-hour disruption

By Rory Reynolds

A HORROR rail death caused huge disruption on a busy intercity route when a man was struck by a speeding train.

The 22-year-old, who hasn’t been named, was hit on the line between Markinch station in Fife and Edinburgh.

The route was closed for two hours on Monday after the incident which happened just 800 yards from the busy platform.

The 18:46 Dundee to Edinburgh service was halted on the tracks until 21:15 while police and fire crews attempted to find the body.

Fife Fire and Rescue said they had to use thermal imaging equipment to find the body after it was hit by the packed train.

Police said the man was from the local area.

Newspaper Round-Up Tuesday November 3rd