THE Diary has been attempting to predict the actions of the First Minister using the admittedly unscientific method of searching for clues in the books she reads. So we were understandably intrigued to discover Nicola Sturgeon has supplied the introduction to a recently published edition of classic Scottish novel Sunset Song.
In her essay, Sturgeon lists her favourite childhood books, including the works of CS Lewis, author of the Narnia Chronicles.
We seem to recall that the first
of those volumes, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe,
features a terrifyingly intransigent, all-powerful female, who bosses everyone around and cancels Christmas.
Which doesn’t bode well for our much beleaguered nation.
On the plus side, it’s excellence news for any of our regular readers who happen to be turkeys.
Food for thought
YEARS ago Rangers sold tasty treats named after the club’s stars. You could munch a McCoist burger or a Goram sandwich.
When Basile Boli was signed, reader Brian Logan was feverish with expectation.
Alas, his hopes were dashed when Rangers didn’t offer fans the chance to enjoy a Boli soup.
More (un)happy talk
WE continue listing those upbeat phrases that give Scotland a reputation as the cheeriest nation on the planet.
A reader from Cellardyke, Fife, informs us residents of St Monans have been heard to comment about a chap who is down on his luck: “Ach, puir sowel. He’s a face like there’s nae bread in the toon.”
Cop pop
THE revival of the Scottish football team’s fortunes has been accompanied by a boost in popularity for 1970s pop duo Baccara, whose hit Yes Sir, I Can Boogie has become an unexpected alternative anthem for the national team.
Andy Gallagher, from Langside, Glasgow, hopes this leads to a boost for other old songs that reflect the current mood.
For starters, he suggests Don’t Stand So Close To Me by The Police.
Hot take
THE Diary continues to bravely address those questio ns other news organisations are too fearful to contemplate. Reader Sarah Fraser asks: “If people from Holland and the Philippines marry, are their children Hollapinos?”
Zero to hero
IT’S increasingly popular to denigrate towering historical personages. Churchill, Lincoln, Gandhi and others have had their reputations traduced.
However, Stevie Campbell, from Hamilton, points out the standing of one figure from the past has improved considerably: “You can say what you like about Dick Turpin. But at least he wore a mask.”
Lost at sea
PROFOUND thought for the day
is supplied by reader Ken Evans, who says: “Never ask directions from a starfish.”
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