1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? Visiting Edinburgh Castle with my parents but being disappointed at only having about 30 minutes to see it as my mother had spent so much time in the shops on Princes Street.
2 What are your memories of
school? I went to Linlithgow Academy from where I have mixed memories but certainly nothing to do with the quality of the school. Being relatively shy, I found the early years difficult, but began to enjoy it more in 5th and 6th year.
3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? In my office – I overlook the Castle and Princes Street and everyone who comes to visit is most jealous. Many of us don't realise how lucky we are to work and live in such a fantastic city.
4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? Definitely the Festival where the city comes alive during the day and night and where our weather is at its best. Even after 30 years it still gives you a great buzz.
5 What would you change about the city? Firstly, the transport network which is a particular problem during the Festival. Secondly, I would do whatever possible to prevent the city becoming the hen night/stag night capital of the UK.
6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. As you would expect from an accountant, I enjoy socialising with old friends involving a few beers and occasionally a bite, although I am not much of a foodie.
7 Which sports interest you? I love all sport, spectating and participating, but I have a particular fondness for football. I'm a mad Falkirk supporter. I also like golf, cricket and tennis.
8 What was your most embarrassing moment? There have been so many that it's hard to remember a particular one but if I was to choose food as a theme, then it would be the time I chose steak tartare not realising what it was or, more recently, eating a packet of bacon thinking it was Parma ham.
9 What is your greatest achievement? Managing somehow to produce four fantastic kids and, secondly, holding down a job for 26 years which I love.
10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Better than London.
The full article contains 403 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
