Jo Macsween, 40, is the director of Macsween Haggis. She lives in Abbeyhill
1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I have many of my childhood memories connected to my father's butchers shop, Charles Macsween and Son, which was located in Bruntsfield until 1996. I used to go there after school and do m
y homework above the meat chills, tucked away in a tiny office, eating an iced bun from Crawford's the bakers. I can still recall very clearly the smell of the well-hung meat and the sound of the butchers preparing the meat on their massive wooden blocks.
2 What are your memories of school? I went to George Watson's College until I was 12. I did not enjoy learning at that stage in my life. My classmates made it fun but I think I spent a lot of time daydreaming during lessons.
3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? I love the Scottish Poetry Library at Crichton's Close, just off the Royal Mile. It is an architectural gem, filled with a unique collection of books and helpful staff. I always leave feeling optimistic and calm.
4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? The open, green spaces like Arthur's Seat are wonderful, as is the huge array of places to eat. I'm also very fond of the Dominion cinema.
5 What would you change about the city? I sometimes think the city would benefit from more west coast-style banter.
6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out It would begin with breakfast at my local bakery, The Manna House at Easter Road, followed by a walk along the Water of Leith to the Gallery of Modern Art, where I would pause to enjoy an exhibition. After a dinner in Leith I'd round off my day with a dram at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
7 Which sports interest you? Very few, but I do like to keep fit by running and walking.
8 What was your most embarrassing moment? It was being lapped twice at school sports day in the 1500 metres. I got a huge round of applause for finishing and everyone assumed I had entered at the last minute. I had in fact been training for weeks.
9 What is your greatest achievement? It is really something to know that I am happy right now.
10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words Cultured and culinary.
The full article contains 409 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
