Ten Questions

Published on Friday 23 October 2009 10:13

Claire MacIntyre, 30, is the owner of Taste Design in Blackhall

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? I moved here when I was seven from Coventry – my dad was a hotel manager at the Trust House Forte Hotel at Murrayfield and we lived in the hotel until my parents bought a house. I loved living in a hotel and it certainly was a talking point at school. Our dog was living in the basement of the hotel and I remember hearing him barking through the night from the fifth floor. Living off a room service menu was pretty cool as well.

2 What are your memories of school? I went to The Royal High School and it was good. I only appreciate now how easy life was then, despite thinking it was the pits at the time. I remember detention on Friday afternoons pretty well.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? I love the city centre, although it's not so pleasant at the moment. There are some really great restaurants, pubs and shops. Cramond is a great place to chill out, go for a walk and then some wine. Plus the handbag department in Harvey Nics.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? Edinburgh is such a beautiful compact city, and its people are great.

5 What would you change about the city? Obviously I would change its disastrous tram state. It's not pretty at the moment – it's actually depressing, especially in the current climate.

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. Spa treatments in the Balmoral Spa then some champagne. Dinner at Oloroso followed by sampling every bar in George Street's cocktail menus.

7 Which sports interest you? Not many to be honest, however, watching men in shorts is always good! I go to the gym a few times a week, but don't particularly enjoy it.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? Too many to pick a most embarrassing one! Although breaking my coccyk bone after falling off a table is up there.

9 What is your greatest achievement? Starting my own business and becoming my own boss. My husband and I bit the bullet three years ago and started our own design consultancy, Taste Design. It's great being in charge.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Friendly, stylish and cosmopolitan.