IndyGal

Thank goodness the SNP councillors on Edinburgh City Council did the right thing and voted against the closure of all those schools. Sometimes you have to do it, sometimes tough decisions have to be made and you just have to stomach the unpopularity that follows. But closing primary schools because they are under capacity is not a good idea for one good reason - the SNP government has pledged to reduce class sizes to 18 for P1, 2 and 3 so in a very short period of time those schools will not be under capacity. I’m just sorry the parents and teachers had all this speculation over the last few weeks. And I’m sorry the Lib Dems are so disappointed that they can’t get closing the schools! Sorry but not surprised.

I only found out on Friday and I’ve been excited all weekend. I packed my overnight bag last night, made sure I had a change of clothes, looked out sensible(ish) shoes because you can’t be tottering about whilst holding a wee one. Anyway he’ll be arriving at 1pm today. Yes, my 9 month old nephew Toby, is bringing his mum and dad for a tour of the parly - then me and him are spending quality time together while they go and catch some of the Fringe. And tonight, I’m staying at their apartment which is why I need the overnight bag. I can’t wait. Ha! Nearly had you all going there though didn’t I?

Can I preface this by saying that I am so glad so many tourists come over to Scotland every year. After all, more than 200,000 of us are employed in the tourism industry so it’s obviously important. And I have to say I feel quite proud when I see tourists admiring our country.

However, what I do not like is when I am trying to get to work and I am walking from Waverley Station to the Scottish Parliament - or should I say TRYING to walk - and I cannot get moving for them. Unless of course I want to do that moving in the middle of the road and get mowed down by an Edinburgh Tour Bus.

I saw a really funny letter in the Metro a while back from someone saying “tourists, I love you all but see the next time I can’t walk down a pavement in Edinburgh for you, I’ll be mowing right through you”. The letter ended with the advice “less talking, more walking people”!

I couldn’t agree more except, of course, in true hypocritical fashion, when I’m on holiday and want to meander through the streets of wherever I am without some rude local getting irritated with me when I am, after all, contributing to their economy!

Are you still a hypocrite if you admit to being one?

Yesterday was so eventful that I forgot all about the first drama of the day! Myself and some friends were “evicted” from the Edinburgh train yesterday. Kicked off! Couldn’t believe it. I had left in plenty of time and got on the train at Duke St. I wanted to pay for my ticket to Edinburgh by cheque and the guy on the train said no, he didn’t have time, I’d have to pay at Queen St. So I get to Queen St and have to queue along with dozens of other folk. So, I’m running along platform 6 to get on the train when Richard leans out of the train and waves to let me know where they are.

As he’s waving, the doors start closing. He gets momentarily stuck in the doors, I jump on and the ticket examiner goes nuts! He comes on the train and orders us off for “endangering lives”. I explain that it wasn’t intentional and he was just waving to me. This guy, however, is adamant that he will not take us to Edinburgh. Richard stays put. The examiner gets off looking like he might explode and calling out “call the police”! What?! It gets to 8.34 and a half and we decide it’s not fair on the other passengers, this being the rush hour etc. So we get off and sure enough, he’s summoned the police.

So now you know, don’t wave, don’t move, don’t speak - otherwise the entire rail network could grind to a halt. Oh and incidentally, the police were very nice and as far as I know they’re still thinking how they might word the “offence” on the charge sheet!