1. What is your earliest memory of Edinburgh? When we were living in Fife when I was younger, my parents often took us on day trips to Edinburgh. My earliest memory would be going up the Scott Monument on one of those outings. As someone who is afraid of heights, I remember how frightened I was when I reached the top.

2. What are your memories of school? I joined Portobello High School when I was 15. It was a daunting experience. On my first day a girl called Cheryl pointed to a seat beside her. Cheryl and I became best friends. My distinct memory of high school was the teachers' strike when I was in my fifth year. Though we understood why the teachers took action, the strike did have a negative impact

3. Where is your favourite place in Edinburgh and why? Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Park. It is fantastic that we have a stunning view in the middle of the city. It was a place my parents used to take us and where I took my children.

4. What are the best things about Edinburgh? I love the variety of restaurants in Edinburgh. It is great that there are now so many types of cuisine and so many choices.

5. What would you change about the city? My only complaint would be the road work and road planning.

6. Describe a perfect Edinburgh day/night out. Dinner at a nice Italian restaurant, a show at one of the theatres, followed by cocktails on George Street.

7. Which sports interest you? I don't exercise as much as I used to but I go along to a dance class.

8. What was your most embarrassing moment? When I went to the celebration of Jamaican Independence Day a few years ago. As a single woman, I often turn up at community events on my own. Luckily I knew a few people there and sat with them. A man took a photo of me and the colleague who was sitting beside me and said to my colleague "you're married to an angel". I quickly responded, fearing any misunderstanding: 'he's not my husband'. Quite a few people still think this incident was funny.

9. What is your greatest achievement? It would have to be my children. They are lovely.

10. Sum up Edinburgh in three words. Historical, cosmopolitan, pleasant.