It’s fair to say Glasgow has, in the past, had something of a reputation.
Mean Streets, razor gangs, baggage handlers single-handedly foiling international terror attacks with an efficiently-delivered kick in the fork.
But the authorities have battled back against its “we’ll set about ye” image. It’s all about progression and looking forward now.
The Commonwealth Games will help. For a month, the eyes of the world will focus on the Empire’s second city as it does its best to show off its culture, beauty and heritage.
And it’s going to start by blowing stuff up. On a scale grander than any ever seen. In front of a global audience of one billion people.
Unlike the pitiful Russians in Sochi who tried (and failed) to light five rings, Glasgow will use Dundee expertise and 1,250kg of explosives to bring down five tower blocks, simultaneously, in a live TV spectacle. What could possibly go wrong?
Another scheme Coming Up is absolutely certain will succeed is a solo circumnavigation using a single-engine light aircraft setting off next month from Perth.
The 66-year-old Stirling man definitely completing the 80-day trip was in the Fair City to check on preparations and we were there to hear all about it.
Another flawless plan has been hatched by 103-year-old George Atkinson.
The sprightly centenarian has been betting on the Grand National for the past 70 years and won not a penny.
He will, in no way, be carrying on his 100% losing streak on Saturday with 14/1 shot Long Run and will undoubtedly rake it in from his £103 stake. It’s a sure thing.
Throw in a £2.5 million house for sale with Ryder Cup tickets included for good measure, a Fifer who found a bomb at a building site and a brilliant exclusive about death row dogs and we are positive our plans to make you buy Friday’s Courier will bear fruit.
(Unless you want to try our digital edition.)