1. When did you think about music as a career and what were your first steps into it?
I always wanted to be a musician. My first tentative steps as a singer/guitarist were at the folk club in Dunfermline, where I grew up. It all stemmed from there.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
James Taylor at the Royal Albert Hall in the 80s and Paul Simon on the Graceland tour. The first astonishing concert I remember was Pete Seeger at Aberdeen Music Hall in the mid-60s.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band of choice?
The Beatles would be fantastic. Or, failing that, The Band.
4. The record you would take to a desert island?
This is a difficult one, but I’d say Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys.
5. And the book?
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking would be good, as I’d have the time to try to understand it.
6. Top three films?
My favourite film is The Searchers by John Ford. I also love The Godfather and WALL-E, the Pixar film.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
In Love with Alma Cogan (2011). It was dire and I left half way through it, which is very unusual for me. Shockingly bad.
8. Favourite authors?
Shakespeare, Robert Burns and Alexander McCall Smith – who makes me laugh and cry in both measure, talking about my beloved Edinburgh.
9. Sports you most enjoy and top teams?
I love rugby and support Scotland and Edinburgh. I always loved rugby but standing on touchlines watching my three boys play for their schools over the years, should have put me off, but didn’t!
10. Ideal holiday destination?
Without a doubt, Mauritius. My husband Oliver and I discovered it about 10 years ago. It’s got lovely weather, sea, people, culture and food. What more would you want?
11. Pet hate?
Dog poo on the pavement. And inconsideration of all sorts.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Fish and chips.
Dessert? Panna cotta or crème brulee.
Drink? Indian Tea.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
Yvonne Kirkus. She lives in Edinburgh and I have known her since I was about 20.
14. Is there a God?
I believe there is a God and he looks down on us, pitying the way we treat each other. He will still love us, however, despite what we do – and for that I am most grateful.
:: Barbara Dickson plays the Lyric in Belfast on November 10, the Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey on November 12, the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh on November 27 and the Riverside Theatre in Coleraine on November 28 (BarbaraDickson.net).
