NeitherthehistoriccharmsofDurhamandBathnorthevibrantartssceneandnightlife in Newcastleand Liverpool are a match forthe cultural dynamismand austere beauty of thisScottishcity.
Scottish and Newcastle, Britain's biggest brewer, which brews Foster's lager in the UK and recently bought the French Kronenbourg brand, already has around 30% of the UK market, effectively ruling out a large-scale purchase such as Carling.
The 31-year-old was with the Glasgow side for four months in 2005, while a Newcastle player - scoring nine goals and lifting a Scottish Cup winner's medal.