Panda mania hits Glasgow as city meets our own version of Tian Tian and Yang Guang

Dec 21 2011 By Joe 'Po' McGuire

THE eyes of the world have been on Edinburgh with the arrival of pandas Tian Tian and Yang Guang.

But it seemed to us at The Glaswegian that Scotland’s biggest city should have its very own furry mascot.

After hurried negotiations with the Chinese government, we imported Weegie The Glaswegian panda, and put him to work delivering copies of your favourite local paper.

And Glaswegians thought Weegie was pure dead brilliant.

Lorry driver Billy Stephenson, 48, said: "The Edinburgh pandas are great. The hype has been great publicity. But Glasgow should definitely get its own pandas."

Sacred Heart Primary pupils Jordan, Marley, Jarred and Dylan said: "We can’t wait to see the pandas in Edinburgh. We love The Glaswegian panda, though."

Cabbie Scott Wilson said: "Glasgow could definitely do with a panda. It would be great for tourism."

Tourists Mel Smith and Gary Penalver, of Brighton, also thought Glasgow would benefit.

Gary said: "The city should have as many pandas as it likes. The Glaswegian panda is great."

But east coaster Eva Christie said: "I don't think Glasgow should have its own pandas. There is no point in having two of the same thing."

The Glaswegian would like to thank Forgotten Dreams costume shop in Johnstone for their help in bringing Weegie to the city and wish all our readers a merry Christmas and a happy new year.