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Lesley Riddoch

Lesley Riddoch - Journalist, Presenter and Writer

Lesley hosts an award-winning radio show on BBC Scotland. Originally from Belfast where she was a Brownie, she later moved to Glasgow & joined the Guides.

"My proudest achievement as a woman is loving and being loved."

On being Scottish...



Which is your favourite island in Scotland?


Now that is hard. It's a toss about between Eigg - one of the Small Isles and Westray in Orkney. I've been to Eigg maybe 100 times as a trustee of the Isle of Eigg Trust which led the community buyout there 8 years ago.

At times its been like an alternative home to me and I've walked nearly everywhere on it and met everyone who lives there. Westray is a fab island that really works. No binder twine holding fences together - and amazing cliff walk past gannets, puffins etc in their hundreds and thousands.

Again its people that make the difference and we stayed in a cottage owned by two really vibrant, gentle people Sandy and William Mcewan.


What is the best thing about being in Scotland?

Closeness to Munros and the sea.


If you could interview any Scot from history - who would it be and what would you want to find out?

The Brahan Seer - to see if he believes his predictions came true. And to get some for the next century.


Career…


If you could ask two questions to anyone in the world what would you ask?

Van Morrison - why did you get grumpy with the world?
Myself - what do you want to do next?


You have many awards in your career - is there one you are particularly proud of?

Honorary Doctor of Letters from Glasgow Caledonian University. It was something out of the blue - not something you could apply for - and the ceremony was really sincere.


Who in your profession do you have a great admiration and respect for?

Greg Dyke (former Director-General of the BBC), Edi Stark (Journalist and Broadcaster), Greg Hemphill (Actor and Comedian).


Have you interviewed anyone and completely changed your view about them as a person?

George Monbiot (Author).


If you had to repeat any of your jobs again - which one would it be? Would you change your approach in anyway?

Powerhouse and Peoples Parliament (both Channel Four) I'd have been far more relaxed and outrageous!


Guiding…


Do you think it's important for girls and women to be in an all female environment sometimes?

Yes - the presence of boys makes talented girls feel they shouldn't do their best in case it makes them appear unattractive.


Being a woman…


What is your proudest achievement as a woman?

Loving and being loved by my husband Chris.


If you could change one thing for women in Africa or other developing countries - what would it be?

Five years free education per girl with food provided


What is the greatest compliment a woman can be given? Have you been given it?

You have really helped me fulfil myself. Yes - strangely enough by several African women.


What's important to her...


What secret skill or talent do you have that would surprise us?

Utter shark at the pool table!

If you had a million pounds to give to a charity (or a NPO) which one would it be?

Safe Hands for Mothers - stops women dying from completely avoidable reasons in the Third world.


What three words would your friends and family use to describe you - are they different to the words your colleagues would use?

Energetic, demanding, unpredictable. Probably the same.



To find out more about Lesley please see www.lesleyriddoch.com

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