Born: 11 July 1936 in Inverness. I spent all my working life in Inverness. I was Director of Administration in Inverness District Council. It took me 39 years to work myself up to that elevated position. I retired in 1996 and moved to Edinburgh, to be near my son and grandson, who live in Craiglockhart. I'd always liked Edinburgh and have happy memories of doing my national service here, at RAF TurnhouseQ: When/why did you first start drinking in the Tynecastle Arms?
A: I can't remember. Far too long ago. When I was in Edinburgh doing my National Service, used to go and watch Hibs play one Saturday and Hearts the next. Came into the pub when I'd been to Tynecastle. Then when I moved back to Edinburgh, I came back here.
Q: Why do you keep going in?:
A: Partly convenience (I live just along the road) and also because it has a good atmosphere. I can sit on my own with my newspaper or I can talk to people if I want. A pub is important. Once you've found a pub you like, it's hard to give up. When choosing a house, always make sure there's a good pub nearby
Q: What is your favourite song/singer?
A: My favourite composers are Gershwin and Cole Porter. Favourite singers - Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald. I think Nina Simone is a wonderful performer and an amazing artist. Her version of 'I Love You Porgy' from 'Porgy and Bess' is incredible. It must be the most amazing thing, to be able to express yourself musically, or on paper
Q: What place in Edinburgh do you think every visitor to the city should see?
A: I'm very fond of the 
the Botanic Gardens. It's so lovely. My grandfather was a nursery man and worked for Dobbies so I really appreciate it. The great thing about Edinburgh is that you can go and lose yourself in somewhere like that. I also used to love the Cramond Ferry. I probably haven't been there for about 40 years though. When I was young, I used to want to retire to Cramond. Another great place to go, just outside Edinburgh, is Musselburgh Racecourse
Q: What don't you like about Edinburgh?
A: It's just the same as any city in that it has its faults traffic-wise and environmentally, but it has a very distinctive atmosphere and aura and is a marvellous place to live. Its history, tradition and style make it different from other UK cities, and also, it's not too big and not too small
