Ten Questions: Gordon Mackie

Published on Tuesday 30 June 2009 09:44

Gordon Mackie, 53, is co-owner of GM Diving at Coates Gardens. He lives in the West End

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? Coming through from Glasgow with my father before the M8 was opened. Arriving in Edinburgh seemed like the end of an adventure as I saw the castle on the horizon. It always seemed so different from Glasgow.

2 What are your memories of school? I attended Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow, I enjoyed my time there and was probably the worst rugby and cricket player in school history. I enjoyed my schooldays – I had fun every day.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? The water of Leith walkway near my house at the West End is probably my favourite location, it brings the peace of the countryside into the city centre. I often see otters and herons there.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? Edinburgh is small, it has the contrast of the New and Old Towns and has plenty of green spaces. The sea is never far away. I love living in the New Town or West End as everywhere I want to go is 15 minutes away.

5 What would you change about the city? I would construct a 30 metre deep, salt water, heated indoor dive lagoon with a coral reef and sharks. I would then never have to leave the city as I would have heaven on my doorstep.

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. A drive down to St Abbs for a dive or a chat about diving and gadgets with the staff in Edinburgh Diving Centre while getting my cylinders filled. Dinner at Bella Mbriana with my partner Lorrie and a slow walk home along the Water of Leith.

7 Which sports interest you? Scuba diving is my passion – a minute spent above water is a minute wasted. The wrecks of the Forth are world-class and the diving around Edinburgh is fantastic.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? As a Scottish diver I've had to get undressed in lay-bys in the middle of winter in sleet and snow. One time in particular a tour bus of older women drove past and covered me head to toe in slush!

9 What is your greatest achievement? Getting away with making a living out of playing with computers and diving for all of my life. I can't believe my luck!

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Small, green, friendly.