1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I clearly remember arriving in the early autumn of 1997 having driven up the east coast in my blue mini. What sticks in my mind is the clear blue sky against the New Town architecture. I had come to Edinbu
rgh to start a Masters degree at the Botanic Garden and from very early on I felt Edinburgh was somewhere I would like to stay.
2 What are your memories of school? I used to go with my friends to the muddy banks of the Thames near to my school in Battersea and chuck stones into the water. It was a great way to escape from the school environment and the teachers.
3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? My favourite place is the Water of Leith, and in particular Colinton Dell. You completely escape the city and could be in a wooded glen in some remote part of Scotland and yet you are a few miles from the city centre.
4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? Edinburgh is hard to beat for the combination of city life and natural open space. The fact that you have great views to the countryside and sea is something I have always appreciated.
5 What would you change about the city? If I could I would turn back the clock and save the buildings that were on the site of the St James Centre.
6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. I would catch the bus to Colinton and walk the Water of Leith path downstream to the Water of Leith Visitor centre. En route I would stop for a picnic and a bit of stone throwing as old habits die hard.
7 Which sports interest you? I followed cycle stage races like the Tour de France avidly when I was younger.
8 What was your most embarrassing moment? Being picked to be photographed as a model pupil wearing the correct school uniform because my mum was on the teaching staff.
9 What is your greatest achievement? Discovering and naming a new plant that grows in the deserts of North Africa.
10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Historic, natural, lively.
The full article contains 389 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
