Ten Questions: Penny Stone

Published on Monday 25 May 2009 10:12

Penny Stone, 25, works with the Edinburgh World Justice Festival, which runs until 30 May (www.ewjf.co.uk). She lives in Leith

1 What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? A carnival of people at the 2005 Make Poverty History rally and a front page picture of a police officer unable to contain his laughter as a clown from the rebel clown army confronts him. Creative campaigning in the thousands, inspiring stuff.

2 What are your memories of school? I went to St Benedict School in Derby. I'm too free-spirited to be jammed behind a desk.

3 Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? I love everywhere that's outside and not too crowded or concreted. I also love the Peace and Justice Centre, and Hadeel, the Palestinian shop. I love the parliament – it doesn't feel so far removed as Westminster does. You feel like you can make a difference.

4 What are the best things about Edinburgh? The sea and the hills with all the vibrancy and diversity of city life. There are so many campaigning things to do I simply haven't the time to help all that I'd like to.

5 What would you change about the city? Get rid of the corporations, especially in the Old Town, and turn the majority of the city centre into buses, bikes and pedestrians only. I'd reopen Princes Street Gardens at night – it is public space after all.

6 Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. A walk and a picnic in Holyrood Park (on a weekday when it's quiet). A bit of art and music then up Calton Hill with good friends, a bottle of single malt and a guitar. If it's raining, off to the Oak for a song and a pint.

7 Which sports interest you? I'm more of a walker than anything, but I do play a bit of squash for anger management, too!

8 What was your most embarrassing moment? I'm not easily embarrassed, but I've embarrassed friends by dressing up in a big fluffy bunny outfit and going to the pub. I've made friends by dressing as the same bunny and singing on Princes Street.

9 What is your greatest achievement? I'm yet to find out but when we get rid of the nuclear submarines in Scotland, the UK and the world, it'll be that. The greatest achievements will always be communally reached.

10 Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Campaigning for life.