The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Getting to know you
Dundee-born Eddie Mair is one of Britain’s most beloved broadcasters. He’ll be in conversation with Dr Anna McFarlane at Dundee Central Library on November 18
Q Strangest question you’ve ever asked? A When did you last see a wasp?
Q Most unusual thing you’ve ever witnessed?
A Radio 4 newsreader Corrie Corfield on the floor of Broadcasting House reception. Q Most memorable interview? A With my poor memory it tends to be the most recent. Q When are you at your happiest? A Doing my tireless charity work. But I never talk about it. Q What drives you? A Paying off a gambling debt to Martha Kearney. Q What are you doing at 10am most days? A Giving Martha a head massage. See above. Q What’s your favourite song? A When do the bells ring for me: Tony Bennett. Q Your house is on fire, what one item do you save? A The insurance paperwork. Q Last meal on earth? A Whatever I happen to choke to death on. Q Dream dinner party guests? A Oh I don’t mind who they are but we mustn’t have green beans. Q First thing you’d do if you won £1 million? A See the answer about Martha. Q Save it or spend it? A Give it to Martha. Q What was the worst punishment you had as a child? A I was so good there was never any need. Q Home or abroad? A Ideally both. Q Cats or dogs? A Dogs. Q Sweet or savoury? A I’m savoury. Q Happiest memory? A A big night out in New York. Q And most embarrassing? A It followed a big night out and I lost the hotel cleaning deposit. Q Biggest regret? A Not charging the room to the BBC. Q What are you proudest of? A The Donald Rumsfeld Soundbite of the Week. Q What advice would you give to your younger self? A Be yourself. Q Who do you admire most? A Martha Kearney. Q And who do you detest? A Myself for my obsequiousness.
Q If you could turn back the clock what one thing would you change about the past? A That last answer. Q Who would you like to thank? A The Academy.
Q What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
A I’m very bad at climbing or descending steep slopes without screaming. The Mediterranean Steps in Gibraltar were a huge mistake but I did it. Q Hardest thing you’ve had to give up? A Caffeine. But I started again. Q Write your own epitaph. A Eddie nae Mair.
Q Who’s your favourite James Bond? A Roger Moore. I happened to be at what would be his last public appearance a year ago and he was on top form