Q & A: Isla Traquair, ITV News reporter

WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

I was born at 7:25am on 1 January 1980 in Aberdeen. My parents were not terribly pleased with my early arrival as I ruined their Hogmanay and they had to battle through a blizzard to get to the hospital. Celebrating your birthday on 1 January is probably worse than Christmas Day. Everyone is hungover, broke and depressed.

WHERE WERE YOU EDUCATED?

I attended Crombie Primary School in Westhill in Aberdeenshire. I attended Westhill Academy from 1991 until half-way through sixth year, when I won a place on an in-house training scheme with Aberdeen Journals.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE MEDIA?

I worked one day a week at a press agency in Aberdeen from the age of 15. I'd completed a week's work experience at a local radio station the year before and was keen to do another placement in journalism. My first paid job was with Aberdeen Journals' weekly Herald and Post.

WHAT WERE YOUR IMPORTANT CAREER MOVES?

I think the most important career move I made was when I decided to quit my sixth year at school and take part on the training course with the newspaper. I had intended to study English at university then do a postgrad, but I am glad I didn't.

In 1998 I left the weekly paper to write for Aberdeen Journals' broadsheet The Press and Journal, which was a fantastic learning experience.

In 2001 I made the next big jump, which was from newspapers to television.

At the end of last year I made the even bigger jump to network television, which has been my most exciting move to date.

WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER?

My first editor, Harry Roulston, has probably been my biggest influence because he whipped me into shape at a young age.

WHAT ARE YOUR OUTSIDE INTERESTS?

Walking, swimming, running (slowly), skiing, canoeing, golf, cooking, cinema, travel, music, dancing, singing (badly), gardening and I love to clean.

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU SPEND ON A BOTTLE OF WINE?

My husband and I accidentally ordered a 60 bottle once. It was worth it though because it is has become my absolute favourite. It's Cloudy Bay from Marlborough in New Zealand.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE SO FAR?

That's a hard question. Probably losing my Papa to cancer when I was 13. I think he is my guardian angel now.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

The best day of my life would have to be my wedding day.

IF YOU COULD BE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I would like to be in the shoes of my four-year-old niece Jessica. I would love to enjoy the feeling again of being completely carefree.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS?

I have always said I don't think I am a terribly ambitious person and ended up where I am purely because I have been driven to do my best every day. I think I am one of those people who sets out to run a mile and ends up doing a marathon. I could never have imagined working for a broadsheet, never mind ITV News. I feel privileged to have experienced what I have so far in my life, so everything else is a bonus.

WHAT IS YOUR AMBITION FOR SCOTLAND?

Without horizon or ambition.