Leader comment: The Gathering

The sale of the brand rights to The Gathering for a meagre £6000 sadly sums up this whole shambolic episode for the Capital.

The only hope for the future had been that another international clan event could be staged to capitalise on the popularity the original jamboree had with tourists.

But the name has been so badly tarnished by the unfolding debacle that its sale could only raise a tiny fraction of its supposed 100,000 value.

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It is an embarassing turn of events for the First Minister who invested so much personal kudos and public money in The Gathering.

But it is far more galling for the scores of creditors who have just seen one of their last hopes of recovering any of the 300,000 they are owed dashed.

There is no sign of any money being forthcoming from the Scottish Government - or from anywhere else.

The only thing we can now look forward to with any certainty is more costs to the public purse from the legal action pending from the many companies who have been left out of pocket.

The investigation being carried out by the city council's chief executive Sue Bruce is now more important than ever.

Her probe must be completed as quickly as possible without leaving any stone unturned and its results must be made public.

The businesses that are owed money, the Scottish Government and the Edinburgh public will demand nothing less.

Your talent

our fantastic Edinburgh's Got Talent competition has quickly established itself as the premier showcase for the Capital's stars of tomorrow.

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And going into our third year we are excited to be looking forward to our biggest and best event yet.

The Assembly Rooms have been wonderful hosts, but this year we will be offering hopeful performers the chance to follow in the footsteps of world-famous artists such as Queen, U2 and Elton John by performing at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

Watch out for tickets going on sale in July and entry forms coming out in August.

And, whether you are a singer, dancer, novelty act or just want to come along and be entertained by the Capital's best new talent, don't miss the chance to be part of another very special night.