Music legend Paul Heaton is celebrating his 60th birthday in style, by putting cash behind the bar of 60 UK pubs, with two Edinburgh locations included in the list.
The former Beautiful South frontman celebrates his 60th birthday today, May 9, and wants fans to join him as he used his own money to fund drinks for those visiting 60 different pubs across the UK.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Heaton announced the extremely kind gesture on his Facebook page at the weekend, revealing the "full list" of included venues.
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The former singer had planned on visiting all 60 pubs and performing during a huge bicycle tour across the UK, but due to the Covid pandemic, these plans were put on hold and then eventually cancelled.
So, instead, locals will be able to enjoy a free round on him, with the two Edinburgh locations on the list bring the city's oldest pub - The Sheep Heid Inn, and Kay's Bar.
He says he hopes that both fans of his, and regulars at the pubs, can enjoy a "birthday drink on me" until the money runs out or the bar runs dry.
In what promises to be more than just a Happy Hour, he says he hopes to "bring people together on the day."
In Paul's original statement he posted a picture sipping a drink and shared his plans. He wrote: "To celebrate my 60th birthday (on Monday 9th May) I’d originally intended to do another bicycle tour, visiting & performing at 60 pubs across the UK & Ireland.
"However, due to recording delays caused by the pandemic, I’ve had to shelve these plans for the time being.
"Instead, I’ve decided that the next best way to celebrate this coming of age is to handpick 60 pubs across the UK & Ireland and put a given amount of money behind the bar of each one. Then, both regulars and yourselves can enjoy a birthday drink on me (until the money runs out, or the bar runs dry!)
"The hope is to bring people together on the day, whilst recognising that many folk who bought my records or showed me support over the years, could do with a wee party, as we come out of Covid and hit potential financial struggles. I’ll announce the full list of pubs and locations tomorrow, so if there’s one near you please head over on Monday, show your support and raise a toast to me on my birthday!"
Paul did not reveal exactly how much has been donated to each bar, however, but locals are expected to flock to their nearest boozer to grab a drink or two.
The first chosen Edinburgh destination, The Sheep Heid Inn, has stood in Duddingston since the 14th century and hosted many famous faces over the years. As well as being a trusty local for many, they also offer food and a delightful courtyard.
The second venue, Kay's Bar, on Jamaica Street, is a Victorian building was originally a Georgian coach house and has now been remodelled to provide an classic pub atmosphere, with wooden barrel décor and a library for guest draught beers.
