“LAUGHTER is definitely the best medicine”, says Tweeddale GP and comedian Joan Scott.

The droll doc from West Linton Medical Practice is preparing to host an evening of comedy at Peebles Rugby Club tomorrow (Saturday).

Joan, who performs under her stage name Jeannie Jones, will introduce globetrotting headliner Nik Coppin, as well as giving the audience a taste of her own work.

She told us: “Comedy is something I have always been interested in. 
“I suppose it was always on my bucket list. I tried stand-up and just developed a passion for it.

“I used to live in Glasgow and performed at The Stand Comedy Club there and have since done shows at clubs around the UK, like Liverpool and Manchester.

“I’m really looking forward to Saturday’s event in Peebles. This is the fourth one we have held at the rugby club and it’s always a great night.
“We have had good turnouts over the last few years and we really want to keep on building on that to make it bigger and better.

“This year we’ve got Nik Coppin flying in from Kuala Lumpur, so it promises to be a fun and friendly night.”

Joan has been doing stand-up comedy for three years and has followed in the footsteps of TV favourite Jo Brand, who also has links to the medical profession.

She added: “I don’t think there’ll be too many GPs that do stand-up, but I think it’s a great way to keep the spirits up.

“A lot of my patients have already seen me perform and I have had a lot of support from them.

“I hope it helps me to come across as more human and approachable in the consultation room.

“I like to focus my comedy on topical and family issues. For me it’s not about picking on people in the audience and making them feel uncomfortable – it is about giving a fun and friendly performance.”

The event, which is being run by Over The Lyne Comedy, takes place tomorrow at Peebles Rugby Club. Doors open at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from the club or Andrew Shortreed on 07772 834483.