Ten Questions: Tyla Wilson

Published on Friday 14 November 2008 08:51

Tyla Wilson, 43, is a freelance personal trainer. She lives in Leith

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? Coming to Edinburgh to visit my brother who was playing keyboard in Fingers Piano Bar when I was about 25. I thought it was fantastic that the bars stayed open so late.

2 What are your memories of school? I went to a school called Manvers Pierrepont in Nottingham. I remember one of the "old school" teachers, when irritated, would throw a wooden blackboard rubber at the offending pupil, just missing the target, causing chalk dust to fly everywhere.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? I love the cycle paths, they take you on some great journeys. Arthur's Seat is a wonderful place to go to for tranquil times in the middle of the city.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? For one, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with its half price hut so you can go and see many more shows than you would otherwise consider.

5 What would you change about the city? Traffic chaos and the occasional piece of ugly architecture.

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out A Sunday morning of cycling by the water of Leith, carrying a picnic to share at the beach.

7 Which sports interest you? Skiing on real snow or climbing on fake rock at Alien Rock.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? Working as a catwalk model for a show in Frasers in Glasgow, I had a quick change and pulled on a top. As I walked down the catwalk I noticed the girl walking back looking at me slightly strangely and it was only when I got backstage did I realise that it was on backwards and rather a sheer view. Not a good look for a daytime fashion show.

9 What is your greatest achievement? In the words of my estranged husband (former Genesis and Stiltskin singer Ray Wilson] it's resurrecting his career. Six years as tour manager and personal trainer taught me that I can motivate and inspire anyone to get to their goals. In the words of my mother it's having no fillings.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words Eclectic, vibrant, historic.