Gulf War tank just £12k on MOD’s very own eBay

By Michael MacLeod

A TANK which went up for public auction on the internet has sold for more than twice its estimated value.

The Soviet-designed T55 Battle Tank was captured from the Iraqi army by UK Armed Forces during the first Gulf War.

The four-tonne military machine was valued at just £5,000 when it first went under the hammer last week.

Now, after a frantic flurry of bidding, an unnamed war memorabilia collector has snapped up the huge vehicle for £12,500.

The seller, Paul Southerington, has been the MOD’s only authorised vehicle and equipment dealer for eight years.

Army to clear up streets of capital

By Cara Sulieman

THE Army could be deployed onto the streets of Edinburgh to collect rubbish bins as a battle over pay escalates, according to claims by staff.

Angry worker say council bosses told them that if proposed strike action goes ahead next month they will look to call in reinforcements – from the Army.

City of Edinburgh City Council have so far distanced themselves from the claim officially.

But protocol exists using what is known as a Military Aid to Another Government Department request which would be considered by top brass.

Flags raised in Edinburgh to honour armed forces

By Oliver Farrimond

EDINBURGH joined a host of cities nationwide yesterday in raising a flag to honour the UK’s armed forces.

The ceremony, attended by senior military officials and Lord Provost George Grubb, marks the start of a packed week of events to honour armed forces past, present and future.

The flag will be on display at the Capital’s city chambers until this Saturday (27 June), when the city will play host to a parachute drop, an RAF Nimrod fly-by with a tank-led parade to follow on 4 July.

Respectful crowds gathered to watch the ceremony, which saw the flag hoisted above the chambers accompanied by traditional Scottish pipers.

Lord Provost George Grubb said: “Here in Edinburgh, we will be honouring our armed forces with a fantastic day for the whole family to take part in, watch and enjoy.

Monster tank to parade down the Royal Mile

By Cara Sulieman

POT HOLES in Edinburgh city-centre are finally to meet their match when the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards drive a Challenger 2 main battle tank along the city’s famous Royal Mile.

The monster vehicle will be part of their July 4 homecoming parade through the city joined by the Brit award winning Pipes and Drums as well as some smaller armed vehicles.

Having arrived safely back from operations in Iraq in December, the regiment will parade through Edinburgh, Glasgow and Perth where they have the freedom of the city.

But weighing in at a hefty 62 and a half tons, getting the tank onto Edinburgh Castle esplanade at the top of the mile might prove to be a bit of a challenger itself.

Cheeky Lorraine gets knickers in a twist

By Michael MacLeod

LORRAINE Kelly became the Armed Forces new poster girl yesterday when she almost put her privates on parade.

Strutting her stuff in tartan high heels and a short black skirt, the saucy Scots TV star flashed her knickers while clambering on top of a Challenger II tank.

She perked up the Redford Barracks troops with her early morning briefing, before telling them: “I think you boys are all absolutely gorgeous.”

The 49-year-old yummy mummy has been deployed as the secret weapon at the frontline of the launch of the first ever UK Armed Forces Day.