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Colin Whitelaw
60 second Interview for the Scotsman
Watch “Planet Earth -The Future” on BBC 4 - it’s scary! I think we’re all convinced there’s a problem and mystified why Government’s take no action. Awards In business, the proliferation of Awards Dinner’s has diluted their importance. In private life, especially charitable work and for real achievement in the face of adversity, I commend them. Emails Liberation, as long as the server isn’t down! Corporate Entertainment Edward Edmund’s 1924 book on property was entitled “Property is People”. In our business you have to know and trust each other, corporate entertaining is a great way of building relationships. Which person Nelson Mandela. Having served 26 years in jail, he kept going with his original quest, seemingly un-angered by his incarceration. Favourite/least favourite bit of job My favourite bit is being self employed, being in control of my day, my life, absolutely wonderful. The least favourite is losing a deal I’ve worked months on! If money was no object Finding a cure for cancer. What’s left to achieve Contentment! Most amazing thing Realising when I reach 48 that life is short and adjusting to make more time for me and my family. Best car driven Easy, Aston Martin DB9 - Porsche turbo performance with Bentley continental luxury. Sadly, I don’t own one. Most exciting moment Watching my wife give birth to our child, so good I did it three more times! Worst
at Favorite Scottish restaurant The Brodick Bar, on Arran, consistently great Scottish food. We’ve been going so long, Iain the owner always manages to squeeze us in, even though I call him Mr. Grumpy!! Worst habit My wife tells me it’s not repeatable! Best trait Best friend, David Cameron (former news editor of Scotsman) said my generosity. Someone once told me, “it’s not what you have that’s important, it’s what you do with it” I guess that struck a chord. Why are you good at what you do? I have “a nose” for property. I think absolutely every angle & negotiation through, trying never to ask a question I don’t already have the answer for. Favourite day of the week In the summer, any day lobster fishing in Lamlash Bay, Arran. In the winter, it’s Sundays, church, a coal fire, papers, dinner with the family. Morning person Absolutely
not, I wake early but can’t take a call before 9.30am. When 24, I produced Broom Church Youth fellowship annual pantomime. On the last night of the five shows, there were the usual thanks. My thank you consisted of the entire cast singing to me, “Oh lord its hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in everyway” in front of an audience of 300 family and friends! How much on wine? I can’t get past £10. I think my taste buds are shot to pieces. I blame Gordon Neave and Wighams wine bar equally! |
