Ten Questions: Ruth Morley

Published on Tuesday 13 May 2008 09:29

RUTH MORLEY, 39, is a flute player and co-artistic director of The Scottish Flute Trio, which is now touring Scotland.

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I grew up in Lincoln but in the summer we always headed for Scotland so Edinburgh during the Festival is my earliest memory. It was a real buzz and I remember seeing some crazy street theatre, going to all kinds of shows and later, as a teenager, playing in a few on the Fringe.

2 What are your memories of school? I went to the Robert Pattinson School in North Hykeham. The best things were starting to play the flute and playing loads of sport.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? I love the Grassmarket where I have spent many happy sunny hours chatting over a pint or two. The Meadows would come a close second though on a sunny day.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? There are so many great venues to play in, fantastic concerts and theatre productions to go to, and I always enjoy spending time in the city's wonderful veggie restaurants.

5 What would you change about the city? I'd certainly change the climate. As soon as you replaced it with Italian weather, you'd suddenly see everyone smile.

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. It would begin with a very relaxing morning chilling out with my husband before embarking upon a spot of shopping. Next would be enjoying a lazy meal with good wine at David Bann and then to a concert or the theatre.

7 Which sports interest you? I like to swim because I find it really energising, but right now I'm really into cycling. I'm very excited because I've just bought a new bike and I'm planning a two-week trip in the summer, cycling from Paris to Perpignan, so I have to get fit. It'll be about 600 miles of sunshine and beautiful scenery – and then I'll have a little sit down.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? It was when I left my feet clipped into my pedals at rush hour while coming up to traffic lights and elegantly falling over in slow motion into the gutter. A flurry of people came to pick me up off the road.

9 What is your greatest achievement? I'm always looking forward to the next show.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Cultured, friendly, beautiful.