Watch out Lewis Hamilton – Steve Cardownie is quick off the mark

Yesterday West Princes Street Gardens came alive to the sound of three Formula 1 drivers racing up and down near the Ross Bandstand, but it was all for a good cause.

Jenson Button, Mika Hakkinen and Kevin Magnussen were in Edinburgh to promote getting home safely after a night out this December.

Edinburgh drivers were being asked to Join the Pact, and Deputy Leader of The City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Steve Cardownie, quick off the mark as ever, was there to sign up. The pact is a personal commitment not to drink and drive, and in return drinks company Johnnie Walker offer 1km of free public transport home at Edinburgh’s Hogmanay after the late-night revelling in the gardens.

Councillor Cardownie, Edinburgh’s Festivals and Events Champion, said: “The sight and sound of three of the world’s top Formula 1 drivers circling a track in the middle of Princes Street Gardens has been spectacular and importantly, free for the public to enjoy.

“The Council is thrilled Diageo’s Join the Pact campaign has launched in Edinburgh. As the home of Hogmanay, we welcome thousands of people to celebrate in the city’s streets, and the safety of everyone who joins in is hugely important to us.  We are glad to support the initiative to pledge never to drink and drive.

“People joining Edinburgh’s Hogmanay will benefit directly from the campaign too, because in return for pledges that have already been given, Johnnie Walker is providing free Lothian Bus journeys home.”