SPL stars join bid to stub out tobacco industry cash handouts

By Michael MacLeod

SCOTLAND’S top footballers have backed a campaign to show the red card to a £300million taxpayer handout to the tobacco trade.

Euro MP Alyn Smith has signed up the skippers from Rangers, Hearts and Aberdeen in a battle against public money supporting tobacco farmers.

David Weir, Michael Stewart and Mark Kerr have all joined the SNP MEP’s campaign, it is hoped could tackle cancer death levels.

Around one third of the population of Europe smokes, and the habit is estimated to be behind one million fatalities.

Eleven-year-old suspect in booze raid

Owner Mary Boylan (left) and manager Liz Reid (right) outside the shop

By Cara Sulieman

A BOY involved in a smash and grab raid is thought to be as young as ELEVEN.

Three boys are believed to have broken into the post office in Dechmont, West Lothian and stolen cigarettes and alcohol.

The door of the shop was kicked in on Saturday night and the cigarette case was smashed open.

Two of the three suspects were caught on the shop’s CCTV, leaving staff stunned at the age of the young lads they saw.

Pub for sale comes with resident parrot

Basil enjoys a pint with owner Alan

By Cara Sulieman

THE NEW owner of a pub in East Lothian will get more than they bargained for when they pick up the keys – as the bar comes will a resident parrot.

Basil has lived in the Pheasant Hotel in Haddington for 28 years and has become a regular fixture next to the pool table.

But now his owner Alan Crawford is selling up and moving on, and doesn’t think that Basil will like the new quiet lifestyle he has planned.

So he’s hoping that whoever takes over at the bar will accept the bird as a part and parcel of the deal.