1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? The Venchie Playground in Niddrie where we used to play with old tyres and wooden barrels from the breweries in the area. We'd get inside and be rolled down the slopes. I can't see health and safety allowi
ng that nowadays.
2 What are your memories of school? Mixed, I had some great teachers at Craigmillar Primary and remember playing a lot of fitbaw in every break. I remember going to Porty baths for swimming lessons.
3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? Arthur's Seat and other parts of Holyrood Park. There are so many different aspects, the landscape, the wildlife – there's just something very spiritual about that place.
4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? Working in the voluntary sector I'm very aware of the excellent work going on in so many different spheres of city life. It's a beautiful town and I'm always seeing new things. It's small enough that I keep bumping into family and friends as I go about my life.
5 What would you change about the city? More sunshine, the place comes alive and people start smiling a lot more when the weather's nice. Culturally as well I think we'd be able to do more things outside and it might be better for people's mental health.
6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out A game of golf with pals early morning, followed by a roasting Turkish bath at Porty baths, nice lunch at Embo's. Then meet up with my partner and go dancing or take in a good movie. Sex if any energy left!
7 Which sports interest you? Gowf, fitbaw, tai-chi. I also love swimming and cycling.
8 What was your most embarrassing moment? Too many to list. Most involving too much alcohol. In fact my life was one long embarrassing encounter after another when I drank. However, since stopping the booze this has reduced somewhat.
9 What is your greatest achievement? Finally becoming a half-decent son, father, brother, partner and friend to those I love and a (sometimes) responsible and active citizen in my community.
10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Compact, original, fun.
The full article contains 380 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
