A Spurtle stringer tonight contacted Mission Control with exciting news of major local interest.
The opening film at this year's Edinburgh International Film Festival, The Illusionist – already tipped as a modern animation classic – sets several scenes on the streets of Broughton, and they are clearly identifiable.
Our source, an industry insider who attended the gala and phoned Spurtle from the party afterwards, spotted 1950s versions of: the Barony Bar (Broughton Street), the Playhouse (Greenside Place), and the Broughton Hotel (Broughton Place).
Details of other Broughton locations were drowned out by the sound of duelling bagpipes, burning Gaulloises, and fizzy mineral-water bottles being spilled into a mobile telephone.
Film tourism is a significant source of income for Edinburgh, and the appearance of Broughton streets in such a reputedly charming production promises serious financial rewards for local businesses in future.
Significantly, potential visitors attracted to Broughton by a wistful movie celebrating individuality are unlikely to spend their money in a characterless supermarket parked at the top of the hill. Broughton Street traders may take heart.
For links to further information, see our earlier post today: 'International visitors animate Edinburgh'.