Michael O'Kane
Chairperson - Specsavers
Fave bit of clothing? My navy TM Lewis jumper (I have 5!)
Happiest memory? Holding my newborn son, Finn.
Trickiest moment? Landing a plane.
I can’t throw away… My old school books.
Who do you secretly dream of being? Sam Beckett from Quantum Leap.
What makes you lost in thought? The neuropsychology & physiology of vision.
What keeps you glued to the TV? Traitors/Ted Lasso/Shrinking.
Over-rated? Titanic, the movie.
Dislikes… Anyone who lacks empathy.
Desert island disc? The Cranberries, No Need to Argue.
Surprisingly good at Archery.
I can’t live without… My family
Make mine a… Malbec
Lesley Drummond
Vice Chairperson - Vivaldi Accessories
Fave bit of clothing? Never seen without a scarf – works as a cover up from the sun to keeping you warm from the Edinburgh Wind and everything in between.
Happiest memory? Too many to mention but always involves friends and family – and quite often sunshine.
Trickiest moment? Yes officer – I did drive through a red light, but it was to get out of your way. No I didn’t realise you were stopping me!
I can’t throw away… I am quite ruthless and love clutter clearing.
Who do you secretly dream of being? J K Rowling – She is exactly the same age as me (same birthday and year). Oh to have had the imagination to write Harry Potter!
What makes you lost in thought? Walking, so apologies if I walk past you in the street. According to my husband I do it all the time.
What keeps you glued to the TV? A period drama, even more perfect if it’s on a Sunday night.
Over-rated? Michelin star dining. I would rather go cheap and cheerful and go more often.
Dislikes… Rustling at the cinema. Why do they open the packet when the film has just started, when they have sat with the packet all through the trailers.
Desert island disc? Something from Abba.
Surprisingly good at Writing in mirror writing, not that it’s much use.
I can’t live without… My diary – and it’s a paper one. I have an Air Tag on it so I can find it at all times.
Make mine a… A glass of white wine or in the summer an aperol spritz.
Anne Ness
Secretary - Houseproud of Morningside
Fave bit of clothing? My walking boots, it usually means i’m off on a big adventure.
Happiest memory? Many, usually centred on the men/boys and dogs in my life.
Trickiest moment? Taking on a business that landed on my lap like a hot potato.
I can’t throw away… Ideal Home magazines from the ’60s.
Favourite gadget? Slow cooker and mini food chopper
What makes you laugh? Usually my dog’s antics.
Who do you secretly dream of being? Me, but twenty years younger!
What makes you lost in thought? Usually my never ending ‘To Do’ list.
What keeps you glued to the TV? Call the Midwife or Downton Abbey.
I’ll always read a book by? Ian Rankin, Quintin Jardin or Barbara Taylor Bradford.
Why are you here? For the love of Morningside.
I’m an expert at… Making Helensburgh tablet.
Desert island disc? Ain’t no mountain high enough – Diana Ross
Surprisingly good at… Cooking and DIY (funnily enough)
I can’t live without… The hustle and bustle of Christmas.
Make mine a… Large Sauvignon Blanc
Neil Forrest
Treasurer - Seven Hills Wealth Management Ltd
Fave bit of clothing? A winter jacket so I can take my husky, Wolfie, for a walk in the snow.
Happiest memory? My two children being born.
Trickiest moment? Buying a house my wife hadn’t seen and she didn’t like it when we moved in.
I can’t throw away… My ’80s denim jacket.
Favourite gadget? Airpods.
What makes you laugh? Vintage comedy like Still Game and The Office.
Who do you secretly dream of being? The PM so I could sort out the country and help small businesses.
What makes you lost in thought? Playing Squash.
What keeps you glued to the TV? The Ryder Cup.
I’ll always read a book by? Selected politicians.
Why are you here? My wife Shona asks me that all the time.
I’m an expert at… Giving pep talk to my son and daughter (they think differently).
Desert island disc? Jungleland by Bruce Springsteen.
Surprisingly good at… Ignoring DIY jobs.
I can’t live without… Spotify.
Make mine a… Glass of red.
