Interview with an expert
Interviewee
Name: Andrew Weir
Company: VisitBritain – but appeared in the film Braveheart
Position: Young William Wallace’s best mate Hamish
Age: 26
Place of Birth: Ayr, Scotland
Imagine you’ve never been to Britain before. What is your first impression?
So much crammed into a very small island. Crazy mix of accents that differ vastly from town to town.
What is your favourite British city and why?
Glasgow because of its incredible reversal of fortunes – going from industrial grime to cultural hotbed. I grew up about 30 miles outside the city, also studied and worked there. The nightlife, culture and music scenes are among Britain’s best.
What’s unmissable on a visit to Britain?
Any of the national museums, the markets (and the banter found there), a football match on a Saturday afternoon and a pub lunch.
What are Britain’s best-kept secrets?
The islands. More difficult for tourists to get to, but well worth the effort.
What’s your favourite British band/song/song lyric/film?
Too many to narrow it down, but if I must… Loving ‘I am Kloot’ and ‘Turin Brakes’ at the moment. I’m a big fan of Radiohead and The Stereophonics and lots of oldies like Weller/Smiths/Ian Brown. Films… Gregory’s Girl and Trainspotting are classics! TV… I’m a big Sitcom fan – Only Fools & Horses / The Office / Phoenix Nights.
You’ve got one day to spend in Britain. Money is no object and you have a jet-speed magic carpet. What do you do?
Visit friends and family all over Britain. See all the places I’ve wanted to go but never had time.
Name your favourite location on the Monopoly board
Free Parking
What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in Britain?
The Braden Roast salmon at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar in Argyll.
What’s your favourite British dish?
Haggis (No seriously! Especially inside a chicken breast)
What colour best represents Britain?
Green. The landscape is so much greener than America’s.
FA Cup final at Wembley or Wimbledon final?
FA Cup
We Brits have a reputation overseas for being stuffy and reserved: is this image outdated?
I think Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty and taking care of that one.
Describe British people in 3 words.
Fancy a pint?
Which British celebrities are good ambassadors for Britain?
Our film & TV stars are making a huge impression at the moment. They’re actually taking American parts away from local actors on most of the current prime-time TV shows.
If you had to spend the rest of your life in ONE place in Britain, where would you choose and why?
At home in Ayr with my family.
Will England (or Scotland) ever win the World Cup?
My money’s on Scotland in 2010 and believe me you’ll never hear the end of it!
What’s your favourite restaurant in Britain
The Wheatsheaf Inn, Symington, Ayrshire.
Everyone remembers the shock of finding out Princess Diana died: where were you?
Finishing my shift as a glass collector in the local pub.
If you could go for a pint with any British personality, alive or dead, who would it be?
Tommy Cooper
What is the best gig, concert or festival you’ve been to in Britain?
T in the Park
Who’s your favourite Bond?
I thought Brosnan was great but it’s hard to top Sssshhean.
Britain is quite simply …..………
British music is eclectic
Britain needs VisitBritain!
Quick Fire:
Tea or coffee? Tea
Beatles or Stones? It’s a draw!
Rugby or football (soccer)? Football
Sean Connery or Daniel Craig? Connery
Beckham or Flintoff? Neither
Jamie or Delia? Jamie
Brown or Cameron? Brown
Lager or bitter? Lager
Manchester United or Liverpool FC? Liverpool
Jaguar or Aston Martin? Aston Martin
Chips – salt and vinegar or tomato ketchup? Tomato Ketchup
William or Harry? Zara
North or South? Way North
British food – delight or despair? Delight
Posh or Becks? Neither