£1million fire engines too heavy to drive on roads

By Rory Reynolds

TWO state-of-the-art fire engines costing nearly £1million have been stuck in a garage for up to 18 months – because they are too heavy to drive.

The Combined Aerial Rescue Pumps – which act as both fire pump and rescue ladder – were bought by Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue in an attempt to cut costs, according to union bosses.

However the £450,000 vehicles have been plagued by faults, needing to be repaired before being deployed.

Even after they were fixed, brigade bosses realised the Carps, as they are known, were too heavy to drive when fully-loaded.

The Fire Brigades Union has branded the costly engines “not fit for purpose”, adding that their purpose is to save money and not increase crew safety.

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.