Vicki Miller
Director of Marketing & Digital, VisitScotland
- What was your favourite subject at school?
Modern Studies because it was focused on current affairs and the world we live in today.
- What was your first job?
I was a waitress at the Cairndale Hotel in Dumfries – it was a summer job during the school holidays and I covered breakfasts and bar lunches. I remember having to cycle a couple of miles to work at 5.30am to start breakfast prep at 6am!
- Which is your favourite restaurant /hotel?
Too many to mention! One of my favorite places in Edinburgh is a small Spanish Tapas restaurant called PIGGS on the Royal Mile. I am looking forward to staying at Schloss Roxburghe in the Scottish Borders next weekend – I have heard so many great things about it.
- How do you inspire your team
Being visible and accessible, creating time to come together to look forward and get everyone’s input to new ideas and plans and having a bit of fun in the process.
- Which person in hospitality have you most admired / inspired you?
In the job I do I get to meet so many business owners who work so hard to deliver a quality experience for their guests – all of them so passionate with amazing multi-tasking talents. More often than not they are front of house and back of house and everything in between. Many that also make an important contribution to their community and the sector or destination they work in too.
- How do you manage your stress levels?
Stepping away for fresh air or going to the gym; writing lists (always helps when I can tick things off); listening to a podcast.
- Instagram, Twitter or Facebook – and why?
I use all of them for different purposes – Facebook to keep in touch with family and friends; Twitter for business and news; Instagram to follow brands and influencers for their content. I follow a lot of travel brands on all of them for the competitor insight.
- If you had not gone into hospitality, where do you think you would be now?
I can’t imagine working in any other sector now. I spent some time in the early part of my career in Financial Services and Energy – nothing compares to marketing your own country, I feel very privileged to do the job I do now.
- What did you do on your last days off?
Had a day out with friends in Edinburgh – a bit of retail therapy, a few cocktails and a lovely meal – my perfect day!
- What do you do to relax, to support your wellbeing?
I like the gym in the winter and being outside walking in the better weather and the lighter nights. Also love a good box set.