THE eyes of the world are focused on Scotland for the next two weeks as world leaders gather in Glasgow for COP26.
Unfortunately, some of the world’s top broadcasters haven’t quite got to grips with the country’s geography yet.
You may know Wolf Blitzer from CNN’s frenzied US election coverage.
Well the anchorman has landed in Scotland to cover the top story on the global news agenda this week.
The only slight hitch is he appears to be in the wrong city.
READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon catches up with climate activist Greta Thunberg at COP26
Posing in a makeshift studio in front of Edinburgh Castle, he tweeted: “I’m now reporting from Edinburgh in Scotland where 20,000 world leaders and delegates have gathered for the COP26 Climate Summit.”
Displaying his expert knowledge, the broadcaster added: “COP, by the way, stands for ‘Conference of the Parties.’ It’s the 26th time they have gathered to discuss and take action on this critical issue.”
I’m now reporting from Edinburgh in Scotland where 20,000 world leaders and delegates have gathered for the COP26 Climate Summit. COP, by the way, stands for “Conference of the Parties.” It’s the 26th time they have gathered to discuss and take action on this critical issue. pic.twitter.com/BGTAeU5cBy
— Wolf Blitzer (@wolfblitzer) November 1, 2021
In fairness to Wolf, he’s only 50 miles out.
But Twitter users weren’t so kind in their assessment.
ITV’s Chris Ship replied: “Somebody tell Wolf that the conference is actually in Glasgow…”
Telegraph journalist Will Brown noted: “A CNN researcher somewhere is in a bit of trouble.”
Sketch writer Robert Hutton added: “Can I just say that this kind of thing makes life very difficult for satirists.”
Er, Wolf, the summit’s thatta way👈… like, 50 miles thatta way. https://t.co/QdrZIzl9hP
— martin geissler (@mmgeissler) November 1, 2021
READ MORE: COP26 visitors greeted by Union flag flying high – but there's no Saltire
And the Twitter pile on keeps getting bigger… The FT’s Janine Gibson commented: “You may mock, but there’s clearly a very sensible health and safety rule that Wolf's Situation Room shall be located a minimum of 50 miles from the Actual Situation.”
Her colleague David Sheppard said: “He's getting pelters for this understandably, but I like to think Wolf's going to make his way through to Glasgow bit by bit. Tomorrow, CNN coming live from Livingston. Wednesday Harthill services. Thursday Airdrie.”
At least he wasn’t the only one to get mixed up.
Reuters White House correspondent Jeff Mason also confused Edinburgh for Glasgow when he was announcing Joe Biden’s arrival in Scotland…
Arrived in Glasgow. pic.twitter.com/UEtWITVx6o
— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) November 1, 2021
CNN has clarified that it also has cameras in Glasgow for the summit in addition to its base in Edinburgh, where President Joe Biden is staying.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel