This blow comes hard on the heels of a decision by the Labour Party to drop legal efforts to oust Pat Lally from his job as Lord Provost (Lord Mayor) of Glasgow council, and end action against other council members who were accused by an internal Labour inquiry of abusing their positions.

ECONOMIST: Scottish Labour Party

Edinburgh celebrated ten years as a UNESCO designated Creative City of Literature with a reception hosted by Lord Provost, the Rt Hon Donald Wilson at its City Chambers on 30 March.

UNESCO: UK National Commission for UNESCO - Edinburgh celebrates tenth anniversary as a UNESCO City of Literature

It will be followed by a civic reception, hosted by the Lord Provost in honour of the athletes, their coaches and support staff, as well as London 2012 officials and volunteers.

BBC: Sir Chris Hoy