Burns and Bruni

ALEX SALMOND is attempting to form his own special relationship. The First Minister is trying to schmooze Barack Obama by inviting him to a glitzy Burns Supper in Washington, even suggesting that the President-elect shares some of the qualities of Scotland's national poet.

Surprisingly Obama (to date) appears to be resisting those attempts, Alex is apparently still waiting for the call from Mr President; perhaps Obama was a bit put off by that comparison?

Any roads, not to worry, I’ve found a more than suitable replacement closer to home for the Burn’s Revelries:

PARIS — During a long interview of Carla Bruni about her artistic career, on French TV last night, the French first lady has declared to have read and found inspiration from Irish and Scotish poets. She mentionned William Butler Yeats and Robert Burns. Her second album No Promises (2007) contains in fact three interpretations of some of Yeats greatest poems.

Ms Bruni, also reportedly a fan of Johnnie Walker and sheep's inwards, impatiently waiting for an invitation...