COUNCILS across Scotland are having to mind their language in the coming weeks.

Because of the looming referendum they are not allowed to say or do anything which might impact on the crucial vote.

Some have decided the less they do the better in case they get their knuckles rapped.

That has led to it being an unusually quiet week in the City Chambers.

Announcements are being kept to a minimum, allowing councillors to get out in their wards, chapping doors in a bid to persuade householders to back either the Yes or No camp.

Most of our elected members insist they enjoy the thrill of pre-election canvassing and meeting voters face to face.

For many, it is a great way to lose any extra pounds which may have piled on over the holidays.

Who needs a gym when Glasgow is awash with three-storey tenements.

Councillors in the past have insisted they have worn out several pairs of shoes and lost stones clambering to the top floors of the blocks in their wards.

Those whose wards are made up entirely of tenements have been known to cast an envious eye at colleagues who represent areas where meeting voters entails only a gentle stroll up a tree lined path.

In general, Glasgow councillors tend to be a hard working bunch who will spend time and effort trying to convert people to their cause.

Unlike an Aberdeenshire councillor, who shall remain nameless, who many years ago admitted he only ever canvassed people he knew voted for him.

Asked why, he confessed it was because they would invite him in and stick a large whisky in his hand.

On most nights, the said councillor would be lucky to visit three homes but certain to return to his own three sheets to the wind.

Perhaps not unsurprisingly, he lost his seat at the following election.

Whatever the outcome of the vote on September 18, at least our city representatives will know they got out of their chairs and did their bit for whatever side of the debate they favoured.

Meanwhile, council leader Gordon Matheson was lucky not to get a bee in his bunnet when he clambered on to the roof of the City Chambers.

He found himself high above George Square to welcome f 120,000 bees which have moved into two hives insulated to keep out the worst of the Scottish weather.

To be fair, the bees had little or no say about moving to the best known building in Glasgow. Their fate was decided for them.

It is hoped they settle down and enjoy foraging local flowerbeds and parks, producing honey and wax which will be used to polish furniture in the chambers.

Whether visitors to the square will enjoy the attentions of their new neighbours has yet to be seen.