PAOLO NUTINI surprised punters at the Old College bar when he popped in for a traditional drink this week. 

The High Street pub is one of the oldest in Glasgow and is the kind of low-key place that is ideal for a big music star who wants a bit of time out.

Paolo even popped outside to have chat with smokers at the bar in between listening to the music there.

Dunfermline Press:

He met fellow Glasgow musician Keeper Lit frontman Gerry Kirke who was thrilled to bump into the legend.

Gerry’s wife Anne Marie said: “He was such a lovely and fun guy and was happy to hear Pencil Full Of Lead was our wedding song.”

Duo’s influence

SCOTLAND boss Alex McLeish reckons Laurel and Hardy has a lot to do with the success of the old Aberdeen team managed by Sir Alex Ferguson. 

Real radio’s Ewan Cameron who was at the premiere with me earlier this week revealed that Alex got a part in the film as an extra after he bumped into director Jon S Baird at an airport.  

Now Eck has admitted: “Ronald Villiers eat your heart out. I was in the Laurel and Hardy fab club for many years when I was younger. In fact going back to Sir Alex Ferguson’s days we’d meet for pre match meals before the team talk and watch a 20-minute Laurel and Hardy film before it. The whole squad was glued to it. Going back maybe it was the secret of our success.”

Alex joined the club with Andy Gray of City Lights and panto game and got a Sons of The Desert monthly magazine every month.”

Skoti’s flying visit

I MET up with actor turned producer Skoti Collins at Mharsanta during his brief trip over to Scotland

Skoti who is now based Stateside has been in TV shows like Castle, Medium, City Your Enthusiasm and more. Skoti is Baillieston born and bred and told me that he’s now being asked by American companies if he can set up shoots in Scotland.