David Stewart is a Labour MSP for the Highlands and Islands. Here he reminisces about his favourite Inverness Caledonian Thistle game, champions a facelift for ugly buildings in the city centre, and explains why he would take a tourist to the Clachnaharry Inn.
How long have you lived in the area?
I was born in Inverness and went to Merkinch Primary and Inverness High School. I left the area to study after my school days and studied for a postgraduate social work qualification at Stirling University. I worked in my first social work post in Dumfries for five years and returned to Inverness in 1986.
Best thing about living here?
I love Inverness — the people, the place and the prospects for the future.
Worst thing about living here?
Who needs sunshine?
One thing you would change about Inverness?
Give a facelift to defective, ugly buildings in the city centre — do we need grass growing on rooftops?
Your favourite walk?
Round Ness Islands on a summer’s day, watching the anglers as the sun glints off the river. At the same time it is a great place to be as you see tourists and families going for a stroll, maybe even with their dog. I get a palatable sense of buzz when I walk past Eden Court Theatre — that’s my kind of walk.
Describe your ideal Inverness/local area weekend?
Friday night — at home with my family. My wife Linda works for the University of the Highlands and Islands as head of European development and is away from home frequently. Kirsty, my daughter, has just started first year at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, and Andrew, my son, is in his second year of a neuroscience PhD so we are rarely all at home together.
Saturday lunchtime at the Caley Club to meet friends before going to watch Inverness Caley Thistle. I am a season ticket holder and a trustee of the club. Football runs through the Stewart lineage as my father, brother and son are all Caley Thistle die-hards. I am a big fan of Terry Butcher and we have a strong board led by chairman Kenny Cameron. No surprises on my favourite game, it was when we knocked Celtic out of the Scottish Cup at Parkhead, but winning the First Division after being relegated from the SPL was a great achievement too.
Sunday — cooked breakfast before heading off for long walk.
Your favourite local venues for a night out?
I love Eden Court Theatre, from the annual trip to see the panto (why is Tich McCooey not in it?). I also like going there to view films and see live gigs.
Where would you take a first-time visitor to the area?
Run around Loch Ness via Urquhart Castle and the excellent visitor centre then off to Culloden Battlefield and a meal at the Clachnaharry Inn.
Tourists love the old world atmosphere, with the blazing log fire in the winter, combined with the selection of real ales, friendly staff and customers.
Favourite local restaurant?
Inverness is well served by restaurants. Norman and Karen at Café 1 are excellent hosts, as are Catriona and Christine at the Mustard Seed. Linda and I held our wedding reception at the Lochardil Hotel so we have always had a soft spot for it.
Favourite local shop?
Leakey’s Bookshop has a great atmosphere and a dazzling collection of old books. I have a real soft spot for history and surprise, surprise, politics (I have a three-month backlog to read!). My next book is "Jerusalem" by Simon Montefiore.
Where would be the best local place for a first date?
Candlelit dinner at Culloden House with the Three Tenors providing the background music!
Favourite local building and why?
Hard call! I was on the committee to redevelop Balnain House and on the board of Eden Court Theatre so I am emotionally attached to both but my vote goes to the Town House for the stained glass windows and the horseshoe chamber.
Which local person, past or present, do you most admire?
The late Tom MacKenzie — the former depute provost and freeman of the burgh. He was an outstanding person, war hero, long-standing councillor and a local character respected across the political divide. Karen Gillan is a close second. She is very talented and a great ambassador for Inverness.
To me, Inverness is home — roots, family and friends. The young city which has kept its small town charm.
