Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I am very hard of hearing and rely on my hearing aids for any sort of meaningful communication. Apart from smiling and nodding that is. I am a Yorkshire man (just). I have lived in Scotland for over 40 years I have had serious back problems since my … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Roger Lever →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: My son Freddy is my greatest achievement I need to get outside into nature every day to walk and think and find that if I don’t then I am probably even more difficult to live with! Animals, including my dogs, pet sheep and deer, are my passion I … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Polly Pullar →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: When I was young, I travelled to Samarkand and then further along the Silk Road to Penjikent, the ancient Sogdian city where Alexander married Roxanne. I am inordinately proud of my two grown-up children. Paying many visits behind the Iron Curtain in the 1970s/80s really opened my eyes … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Vivien Martin →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: My fascination in life is religion I wish I had married a farmer I am ambitious, more so now than ever I listen What is your favourite age that you’ve been so far in life, and why? 17 is my favourite age. For most of my childhood I … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Sue Oxley →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I am the father of two brilliant girls I play lots of music I am blind in my left eye I walk an intelligent collie. Or as Georgie tells me, he takes me for walkies.  What is your favourite age that you’ve been so far in life, and … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Miller Caldwell →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I had a happy marriage from which I have a son and a daughter, now in their forties, living useful and creative lives. I was a librarian for thirty years. As poet and editor I’ve had many books published and as a publisher myself I’ve midwifed many books … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Hamish Whyte →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: Jane and I have been married for 55 years so far I’ve never stopped learning I’m a lifelong Zen Buddhist I love people What is your favourite age that you’ve been so far in life, and why? My fifties. I reached the top of my profession, then took … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Colin Will →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I recognise my good fortune to have a large family, husband, children, grandchildren, sisters and brothers etc.  I’m pleased to have written and edited poetry over the years, but not pleased with my slower output in recent years. I’m proud to be Scottish, lucky to be born here … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Liz Niven →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself:  I enjoy keeping active and healthy (scuba diving, walking, cycling, gym etc). I enjoy all things cultural – pandemics permitting (art exhibitions, London Review of Books, history / art documentaries, music, reading AND of course writing.) I’m responding to my children’s increasing concern about the planet and where … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Mark Daws →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I’m a survivor. I speak out against injustice whenever it is safe to do so. I’ve been a follower of international affairs since the age of 16 and have travelled the globe (I speak 4 languages). I admit when I am wrong.  Sorry isn’t the hardest word.  What … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Angelena Boden →

What is your favourite age that you’ve been so far in life, and why? Now. It always has been. Who is your favourite fictional character or famous person over 60? Cosmo Saltana (JB Priestley: The Image Men). I don’t know his exact age, but I’ve always envisaged him to be in his early sixties. You … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Mike Smith →

We’re thrilled to bring you a Quick & Quirky Questions this week from 62-year-old celebrity chef, Nick Nairn, who has happily supplied us with ‘full lockdown mode’ self-portrait. From restaurateur to celebrity chef and food campaigner, Nick Nairn has had a long and pioneering career in the UK food industry. A familiar face from television, … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Nick Nairn →

Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I clearly remember being a teenage lad and realising all the role models I was presented with had these monolithic careers that defined them but also limited them – I was astonished at how little they seem to know about the rest of life. It made me determined … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Alasdair Wright →

Sheena Blackhall, aged 74, is a prolific writer in both Doric and English. Sheena is a poet, novelist, short story writer, illustrator, traditional storyteller and singer. In 2019 Sheena was presented with the Janet Paisley Lifetime Achievement Award. Tell us 4 important facts about yourself Currently I am Makar for the North East Doric Board … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Sheena Blackhall →

 Tell us 4 important facts about yourself: I published a collection of poems, The Watching Stair (Worple Press), in 2018. I thought it would be my last, but I’m beginning to put together another. Currently I’m writing a sequel to a children’s book that did very well 30 years ago! Next week I’m doing a Zoom … Continue reading Quick & Quirky Questions with Diana Hendry →