The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Getting to know you
Born in Glasgow, Dr Michael Carslaw has been head of St Leonards school in St Andrews since 2008. He lives in the town with his wife and three daughters
Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save?
A This is a tough one, but probably my iPhone.
Q Theme song for your life?
A Always Look on the Bright Side of Life.
Q Last meal on earth?
A A rare steak and a good claret.
Q Dream dinner party guests?
A Gavin Hastings, Seneca, David Brewster (inventor of the kaleidoscope), Mary Queen of Scots, Ella Fitzgerald, and of course, Mrs Carslaw.
Q Quiet night in or big night out?
A Depends on my mood.
Q Early bird or night owl?
A Night owl.
Q City break or weekend in the country?
A Can I choose both?
Q Rebel rebel or teacher’s pet?
A Teacher’s pet (I have to say that!)
Q Happiest memory?
A My three daughters’ births.
Q And most embarrassing?
A I have blocked it out.
Q Biggest regret?
A Not talking to my grandparents a lot more.
Q What are you proudest of?
A St Leonards’ students and staff.
Q And who do you detest?
A Liars and bullies.
Q If you could turn back the clock what one thing would you change?
A I’d stop the First World War.
Q What advice would you give to your younger self?
A Don’t be put off.
Q What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
A Drive across the Sahara.
Q Hardest thing you’ve had to give up?
A Playing rugby. My nose was broken once too often.
Q Could you save someone’s life?
A Yes, by calling 999.
Q What’s your motto?
A “Ad Vitam” (“For Life”).
Q What was the worst punishment you had as a child?
A Being caned at school.
Q What keeps you awake at night?
A The seagulls of St Andrews.
Q What three words would your best friend use to describe you?
A Knows right from wrong (apologies for the fourth word).
Q Who is your biggest critic?
A Mrs Carslaw.
Q What have you got in your pockets?
A Wallet, keys.
Q Who do you admire most?
A Linus Pauling (an American academic). He was fizzing with ideas but didn’t always get them right.
Q Who would you like to thank?
A My parents.
Q Last text message you sent or received?
A Sky engineer on his way. Really.
Q First thing you’d do if you won £1 million?
A Buy a Morgan convertible.
Q Write your own epitaph.
A Never deterred but now interred.
Q What would be your superhero power? A I would turn everyone into lifelong learners