Riddell Graham

Former Director of Industry and Destination Development at VistScotland

• What was your favourite subject at school? 

I really enjoyed Biology

• What was your first job?

Labouring for a plastering firm

• Which is your favourite restaurant /hotel?

Locally in the Scottish Borders – Caddy Man Restaurant and the Schloss Roxburghe Hotel well worth a visit.

• How do you inspire your team

I listen to their concerns and ideas, support them, encourage them, challenge them and celebrate their successes. Above all show them work can be fun.

• Which person in hospitality have you most admired / inspired you?

Peter Lederer, a great leader and ambassador for Scotland.

• How do you manage your stress levels?

I go to the gym

• Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – and why?

I only use Facebook and Instagram mainly to keep in touch with friends and family. LinkedIn is the best for business

• If you had not gone into hospitality, where do you think you would be now?

I would be an ecologist studying the environmental impacts of climate change on Scottish ecosystems

• What did you do on your last days off?

I’m retired (well semi) so choose a date!

• What do you do to relax, to support your wellbeing?

Go for a long walk on a beach