Not Bill.

Contrary to Mr Smith's earlier assertions it would appear that former US President Bill Clinton's recent non-appearance in Aberdeen wasn't actually down to him.

"FORMER Olympic runner Brian Whittle is facing financial ruin after Bill Clinton pulled out of a showpiece speaking event in Scotland. Whittle, 44, who made his name in 400m racing, is a co-director of Glasgow's PB Events with former Scotland rugby star Derek Stark. The pair pulled off a huge coup by booking the ex-US president for Aberdeen Conference and Exhibition Centre this Sunday. But they failed to raise the cash demanded by Clinton's European agents."

Apologies Mr President, but never mind. You are still a "six figure sum" plus better off ... and you didn't have to travel to Aberdeen. Result.

On The Bill.

So, "Organisers of the prestigious Bill Clinton lecture in Aberdeen, which was axed at the weekend, will be holding urgent talks to work out how to pay back thousands of pounds to people who bought tickets. The shock news that the former US president would not be appearing at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre emerged in an announcement from organisers PB Events that Mr Clinton was pulling out due to “unforeseen circumstances”.

Mr Smith must admit to having been surprised when Old Bill was said to be coming to Aberdeen. "Unforeseen circumstances"? Mr Smith doesn't think so. The bottom line is that he probably wasn't going to make enough cash and that was it. But pity all those poor Aberdonians who might not get their cash back.