When did you move to Madrid ?
It was my first stop on a planned trip to Mexico for the 1986 World Cup. Never quite made it to Mexico. But as I’m Scottish that was a blessing in disguise.
Where are you from originally ?
Kirkcaldy, Fife. “Taks a lang spoon tae sup wi’ a Fifer” as we say. No, I don’t know what it means either.
Where do you live in Madrid ?
Near the Plaza de España, opposite the West Park with the Egyptian Temple (…that wasn’t why I moved there). There’s loads going on around there.
What do you like about living in Madrid ?
It’s still very traditionally Spanish, but is also a melting pot for people from all over Spain, Latin America and the rest of the world. All Madrileños seem to have moved here from somewhere else ! The bright sunny winter days are unlike anywhere else. Oh, and the tops of the buildings…walk around Sol/Gran Via and you’ll see all sorts of bronze statues of centurions and chariots. All serving no purpose whatsoever, and not that easily noticed !
What do you like doing when not Henorita-ing ?
Well I’m often referred to as “Mr Gracias” because I tend to sit around on it …but I also like mountain activities (I mean walking and things…), running and cycling. And golf, and beer, but not in that order...sitting around in city-centre cafes people-watching and posing is quite a favourite too.
Favourite place to visit in Madrid ?
A crisp night, or sunny day in La Latina, one of the oldest areas in the centre, with lots of unusual buildings, restaurants and tapas bars. Then up round the Royal Palace to the Debod temple, with a view out over the Casa de Campo, a park known as “The lungs of Madrid”.
Favourite bar in Madrid ?
That’s a tricky one as we haven’t got all day (have we ?), but I’d have to say Del Diego cocktail bar in Chueca. Perfect Dry Martinis and Mojitos.
Favourite restaurant in Madrid ?
The Rincon Extremeño in Calle Libertad does some great meats and the free liqueurs they serve with the coffee (bottles of Spanish Grappa with snakes and lizards and things inserted) will save you a trip to the zoo, if not to the chemist’s.
What Henorita activity do you enjoy guiding most ?
Rafting, activities. I like to see people challenging themselves.
The best fancy dress you’ve seen a hen/stag wear ?
Handcuffs and a lamp-post. Preferably near a busy crossroads and a police station.
If you had a stag weekend in Madrid, what would you do ?
Ski Slalom competition at Xanadu. Activities ALWAYS make a great weekend.
Most amusing story about a Henorita / Senor Stag group in Madrid ?
Handcuffs and a lamp-post. Near a busy crossroads and a police station.
Any advice for making the most of your hen weekend in Madrid ?
The Bar Crawl is a great way to experience a variety of different vibes at night.
The Madrilenyas are always keen to speak to outsiders.
Have a quiet night >> followed by a challenging daytime activity >>
followed by a less quiet night !
