Ten Questions: Jacqueline McCluskey

Published on Thursday 25 June 2009 09:14

Jacqueline McCluskey, 40, is a partner and head of the employment department at HBJ Gateley Wareing. She lives in the Southside

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? Visiting Santa in the toy department of Goldberg's department store at Tollcross.

2 What are your memories of school? My memories of school are happy ones. I moved here when I was 14 and met a group of girls at Balerno High School who have remained lifelong friends. That made up for working so hard.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? A hard call. My first flat was in Stockbridge and I loved the walk along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to the National Gallery of Modern Art. You get a real sense of being away from it all, in the middle of the city.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? Too many things I could mention. I love walking through the Meadows to and from work; the size of the city; and the fabulous restaurants. Oh, and of course Festival time.

5 What would you change about the city? There isn't much. Although, it will be great once the tram project is completed.

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out? A perfect day out would involve walking and food – a common theme is emerging!

7 Which sports interest you? The only sport I participate in is running. I'm doing my first half marathon in September although am not quite sure what I've signed myself up for – I'm really excited and nervous. The boys in my family are football daft and I love watching the fun they get from the game.

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? Being on a BBC schools' quiz show in the 1980s. Big hair, spots and dodgy clothes – it was awful. I was expecting a makeover before my debut TV appearance but it seems that didn't happen on kids' programmes. The videotapes of the show are kept under lock and key!

9 What is your greatest achievement? Without a doubt my greatest achievement is my family. I have three young children and each day brings many pleasures (and a few challenges). Becoming a partner in my chosen field of law is also "up there". And, keeping on top of all the daily changes in employment law is an achievement in itself.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words No better place.