What three words best describe you?

Kind, hard working.

Who was your childhood hero and why?

Sir Edmund Hillary. We were taken to see the film of the ascent of Everest as schoolchildren in 1954.

What is the radio/television show you hate to miss?

Strictly Come Dancing.

What is your favourite film?

Braveheart.

What is your pet hate?

People who drive too fast in town.

If you could change one thing about the place where you live, what would it be?

Build a concert hall.

What are you reading at the moment?

Empire Antarctica by Gavin Francis.

Is there anything you are superstitious about?

Magpies.

What is your favourite word?

Please.

And your least favourite word?

Like.

If you were choosing a last meal, what would it be?

Haggis with mashed suede, carrot and creamed potatoes washed down with a dram.

If you had one wish what would it be?

To sail around the world.

Is there a place in the world you would like to visit above all others?

Antarctica.

What do you wish you were good at?

Playing the piano.

If you had a million pounds to give away what would you do with the money?

Give it to my wife's charity, Riding for the Disabled.

If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?

Ernest Shackleton.

Is there someone well-known you’ve met who really impressed you?

The Queen Mother.

If you were stranded on a desert island what luxury would you choose to have with you?

A CD player.

Apart from the Journal what newspapers do you read and who is your favourite columnist?

The Daily Telegraph on Saturday. The obituary writers.

What was your first job?

House physician, Perth Royal Infirmary.

What is your proudest moment?

Being made a fellow of the BMA in 2009.

Do you have any children?

Yes, two.

Is it ever acceptable to break the law?

Not knowingly.

How did you meet your significant other?

At my brother's 21st birthday party.