Scottish Slip-up: CNN teased for its COP26 mix-up

Edinburgh, UK - CNN may have made a bit of a blunder.

CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer seemed to have confused locations Edinburgh (l.) and Glasgow, Scotland (r.).
CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer seemed to have confused locations Edinburgh (l.) and Glasgow, Scotland (r.).  © Collage: IMAGO/NurPhoto & robertharding

The news network has been mocked across the internet for inaccurately suggesting the COP26 climate summit is happening in Edinburgh rather than in Glasgow, Scotland.

The two largest cities in Scotland are actually 50 miles across the country from one other.

Wolf Blitzer, the broadcaster's anchor, tweeted a photo of a temporary studio set up in Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, with the city's famous castle serving as the backdrop.

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Social media users teased the journalist after he appeared to suggest the event was taking place in the wrong location.

"I'm now reporting from Edinburgh in Scotland where 20,000 world leaders and delegates have gathered for the COP26 Climate Summit," Blitzer wrote. "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."

The journalist was soon mocked on social media after sharing the image, even by high-ranking UK officials.

Referencing an area in Glasgow, Scottish National Party lawmaker David Linden joked: "Pictured in front of Castlemilk."

Former member of parliament George Galloway added: "Er, it's in Glasgow."

British eyeglass chain Specsavers was also among the responses poking fun at the apparent geographical mix-up.

"Should've gone to Glasgow," they quoted, referencing their famous commercial tag line.

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 also staying.

The COP26 summit will see world leaders discuss commitments aimed at helping reduce climate change.

Blitzer joined CNN in 1990 and is the anchor of The Situation Room. It is still unclear if his tweet as to where COP26 was taking place was referring to Edinburgh, as many think, or to Scotland as a whole.

Next time he may tweet with a bit more caution.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO/NurPhoto & robertharding

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