The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
MY LIFE IAN McNEISH
From Dumyat to Mont Blanc – Being Alive with Mountains is a new book from Ian McNeish. An illustrated account of a life of outdoor adventure, it focuses on the mountains of Scotland and beyond and is available from Extremis Publishing Limited
First record bought?
The LP The Freewheeling Bob Dylan, early 1960s.
Book that changed my life?
Hill of the Red Fox by Allan Campbell McLean which opened my eyes to a world of written adventure as a child.
Most expensive purchase?
The house I presently reside in.
First job?
Aged 16 working at the Mungal Foundry in Falkirk, making everything from post boxes to telephone kiosks.
Favourite time of day?
I love any time of day when I am being active.
Last time I cried?
The Dunblane School tragedy. Myself and another senior police officer were responsible for running the close family support teams.
Worst fashion faux pas?
As a police inspector I once mistakenly wore a metal Second World War police helmet to a serious incident.
Favourite holiday destination?
Austin, Texas.
Idea of holiday hell?
A package beach-type holiday.
Biggest phobia? Spiders.
What am I watching on TV? Sport and the occasional drama.
Favourite film?
In the Heat of the Night.
How do I relax?
Reading, with a good malt whisky to hand.
Best advice I have been given?
My first chief constable told me to make haste slowly while my parents told me not to judge others.
Who I last spoke to on the telephone?
An employee of a pest control company.
First thing I did this morning?
Walked into town early to get a coffee.
Worst mistake?
I honestly have no idea, so many.
My inspiration?
My parents and my brother top that list.
Who would I most like to meet?
Richard Feynman, sadly now dead.
Childhood crush? Helen Shapiro.
Weirdest fan gift?
An anonymous letter I got after Dunblane is pretty precious, but not weird.
Quirky habits?
I often cut my own hair.
Worst meal?
Being served a steak so tough it could not be cut in a well-respected establishment in the Highlands.
What makes me laugh?
Spontaneous, quick-witted responses and sometimes people falling.
Most embarrassing moment?
Day one of primary school. When the bell rang I ran all the way home, beaming, only to discover it was playtime.
Sean Connery or Daniel Craig?
Who is Daniel Craig?
Beauty is?
My dog splashing in the tide on a Harris beach.