Edelman, the world’s largest independent public relations firm with 48 offices worldwide, will soon be down to 47. Word is that after only 18 months in Edinburgh, Scotland, one of Europe's largest financial centers, they're calling it quits.

Paul Lockstone, managing director for financial communications at Edelman in London, said: "We are going to be closing the office there. It will take place at the end of August when the lease runs out."

But, according to the Sunday Herald, Edelman's departure follows the acrimonious resignation of two key staff, namely managing director John Mullen (pictured right) and account director Flavia Pigot. The Sunday Herald concludes that Edelman just wanted new business and Mullin had the outrageous expectation that there'd be resources to pursue new business.

However, our sources paint a slightly different picture. Word is that the root cause of the separation came down to "cultural differences." Apparently, senior management at Edelman had grown uncomfortable with men in skirts, those whiny bagpipes, everything in plaid, and the preoccupation with fine whisky and golf.

Mullin has since been hired by Edelman competitor, Citigate Dewe Rogerson. He'll be appearing at The Halfway House pub on High Street every Wednesday and Thursday night through the end of July.