1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? Climbing up the Scott Monument and being fascinated by the floral clock in Princes Street Gardens.
2 What are your memories of school? I went to school in East Kilbr
ide, starting at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary and moving onto St. Brides. At St. Brides, the girls wore a distinctive purple blazer. I enjoyed my schooldays and I'm delighted to say that I'm still close to my friends from those days. Both schools have recently been demolished and new ones stand in their place so there's no going back to revisit. That's a disappointment.
3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? Edinburgh Castle Esplanade when there is no seating for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. I love the views over the city and then the sense of anticipation just before I go into the Castle.
4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? The history. I'm passionate about Scottish history and never tire of showing visitors round. Of course, the Castle tops it all. The cosmopolitan feel of Edinburgh, particularly in the summer, is brilliant. Edinburgh people also have a happy nature.
5 What would you change about the city? The traffic congestion. Make everyone stop at the park-and-ride or come in by train would be my solution. Another thing I would change are the shops on South Bridge. There are some lovely buildings there so I would love to see the area move more upmarket.
6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. A meal with friends, somewhere around the West End followed by a walk along Princes Street in the winter, late in the evening, when the shops are shut and the Old Town is all lit up.
7 Which sports interest you? I'm not really interested in sports. I much prefer dancing.
8 What was your most embarrassing moment? Having to climb into the window display of a very posh shop to retrieve my toddler who had run off.
9 What is your greatest achievement? Being a lone parent and managing to bring up a well-adjusted daughter. She starts Edinburgh University in September.
10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Vibrant, busy, cosmopolitan.
The full article contains 391 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
