Q&A: Louise MacDonald

Published on Thursday 13 September 2007 01:14

WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

Edinburgh, relatively recently, in the last century.

WHERE WERE YOU EDUCATED?

Formally, Musselburgh and Edinburgh; informally, through a combination of my parents' libraries - especially my mum's Jackie Collins blockbusters.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE MEDIA?

As a journalist on the Burton Daily Mail - an evening paper in the brewing capital of England. On my first day I got sent to cover the opening of a new ride at Alton Towers by Kylie Minogue - I really thought I'd made it.

WHAT WERE YOUR IMPORTANT CAREER MOVES?

Those would be failing miserably at sciences and languages, so I didn't fulfil my childhood ambition of being an archaeologist, then quitting tabloid journalism and becoming a volunteer with my local Citizens Advice Bureau - I realised there were other ways of empowering people through the provision of information.

WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER?

When I started out, that would have been my Dad, because he believed in me 100 per cent. More recently, it's been my current boss, Marc Liddle - he's a complete maverick and a total genius.

WHAT ARE YOUR OUTSIDE INTERESTS?

Eating out and chilling at the Scots Malt Whisky Society is top of the list, but I do too much voluntary work with the RSA in Scotland and my local CAB to make it a regular occurrence. Attending the odd Celtic game is my special treat.

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU SPEND ON A BOTTLE OF WINE?

Wine isn't my tipple, but if I was buying it as a gift I'd probably stretch to a tenner. Tequila, however, is a different story - I learnt everything I know from Betty Blue.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE SO FAR?

My Dad dying, although in some ways it was also one of my best, as I feel honoured to have held him as he moved on.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

Meeting Nelson Mandela - I took a group of young people to meet him and managed to get a quick chat with him myself. He has an aura that is almost indescribable.

IF YOU COULD BE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES, WHOSE WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?

Aha! Shoes, now this is a topic I can really relate to. As the Carrie Bradshaw (right) of the Young Scot office, I'd like to walk in loads - Jimmy's, Manolo's, Louboutin's, Gina's...

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS?

Professionally I want Young Scot to continue to grow and provide vital services to young people across the country. More personally, I like the Emerson quote, which is about laughing often, winning the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, and to know that even if one life has breathed easier because I have lived, this is to have succeeded.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION FOR SCOTLAND?

For us to treat all our young people with the understanding, care and respect they deserve and need in order for them to grow up as citizens who will create a vibrant, socially just and successful Scotland.

LOUISE MacDONALD is deputy CEO and director of communications at youth information charity Young Scot