LIFE AND LOVES:

Favourite films: I have two – Midnight Express and The Holiday. One is fascinating, the other is pure escapism.

Last book I read: The Veiled Kingdom by Carmen Bin Laden

Favourite restaurant: Belle Vue in Prague.

Ideal dinner guests: My husband and family, plus Judy Avey-Arroyo, founder of the Sloth Sanctaury in Costa Rica, because I am a real animal-lover and she sounds fascinating. Of the people I’ve been fortunate to actually have dinner with, Toyah Wilcox and Graeme Souness were my favourites.

Career high: There have been many, but being commended in the Scottish Parliament was a highlight.

Career low: Realising I was leaving hands-on nursing behind.

Best piece of advice: Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Worst piece of advice: You don’t need those shoes.