Ten Questions: Drew McAdam

Published on Friday 25 April 2008 10:36

Drew McAdam, 52, is a former Army intelligence officer who is now The Interrogator on the Trisha Goddard show. He is from Polbeth

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? It was of standing outside what was Woolworths at the east end of Princes Street while my mother was in the shop. I was captivated by the sound and the bustle. I was probably wondering if I could make it to the tattoo parlour and back before she noticed.

2 What are your memories of school? I attended both the primary and the secondary school in North Berwick. My memory of the primary school was the sound of the final bell at 9am and me running to get there before it stopped. There were so many interesting nooks and crannies to explore between my house and the school, that I was always late.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? It has to be the Playhouse theatre. I've seen so many fantastic shows in that old place. It has an air of elegance about it, and when you think about some of the luminaries who have appeared there it takes on an almost timeless quality.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? There are so many things – from the cragged skyline to the gardens and parks but at the top of the list would have to be the buzz of the Festival.

5 What would you change about the city? The bus lanes – the utter frustration factor of being stuck in a long, snaking single line of traffic only to have a bus whiz down an empty lane with only the driver and one passenger would start riots in less genteel cities.

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. I'd arrive early and enjoy the luxury of soaking in the hydropool on the roof of the Sheraton. Then I'd enjoy lunch at a Burmese restaurant before meeting up with friends. I'd be back out of the city before the evening bus lane restrictions come into effect.

7 Which sports interest you? I only like extreme sports. When I have the time I paraglide.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? Back in the 70s I was wandering past the Caledonian Hotel when I realised I was walking across a red carpet. Paying more attention to the carpet than where I was going, I cannoned straight into Bing Crosby! Amid the confusion, I just exclaimed: "Bing!" His expression suggested I had just escaped from some asylum.

9 What is your greatest achievement? Making it this far. Or perhaps passing out as best recruit in the Army.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Majestic, historic, home.