1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I approached the front door of the Castle on Christmas Eve with my family at about 10pm and knocked loudly. We had just arrived in Edinburgh from America the day before. A young soldier op
ened the giant wood door and I wished him Merry Christmas and he returned the greeting. Then we took a photo.
2 What are your memories of school? I grew up in Dallas, Texas. When I was about 12, a favourite teacher, Mrs Rhode, asked me to edit the school newspaper and that was the beginning of my writing career. I have written and edited 19 books.
3 What is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? Holyrood Palace and the new Parliament. Our past and future are intertwined within a few metres of one another.
4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? I love the people, the festivals and events.
5 What would you change about the city? We must all work together to identify predictable, reliable and sustainable funding for our festivals and events, and tell the world about our inspiring Capital.
6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out? I always bring visitors to our National Portrait Gallery first. Next, to Harvey Nichols to have brunch. It is then time for shopping on George and Princes Street. We end up at the Scotch Malt Whisky Society on Queen Street for a late lunch.
7 Which sports interest you? I have become a wee bit of a runner and swim almost daily. I also love hill walking.
8 What was your most embarrassing moment? During President Reagan's first term of office, I delivered an elephant to Capitol Hill but the elephant handler did not have a valid permit. The policeman told me to move but I told him that vice president George Bush would be coming along soon to have his picture taken with the elephant and I asked the police officer if he would like to be in the picture. The officer then smiled and said: "Take your time, no problem!"
9 What is your greatest achievement? It has to be our sons Max and Sam and my 30-year marriage to their mother, Nancy.
10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Inspiring, capital, extravaganza.
The full article contains 399 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
