Introducing Alexander McCall Smith

We met up with the famous writer and Stewart Christie & Co. Gentleman's Club Member to ask questions for a Creative Profile Q&A and find out more about the world of Alexander McCall Smith. Alexander wore his double sided, full length Stewart Christie & Co. Mac, tweed side out, on our wander around the New Town of Edinburgh.

Q Fame has come relatively late in life for you, was there a defining moment when you realised you were a household name?

A I don’t think there was a particular moment when I realised that people might know about me. However, I do remember very clearly the day that I realised that my books were taking off in a serious way. That was in New York and I had gone to see my new American publishers. I had expected a brief meeting but discovered that they had arranged a large lunch and numerous meetings. When I eventually left the building – much later than I had expected – I looked up at the sky and the realization came to me that my life was about to change. It was a very strange feeling.

Q You have ventured into children's literature, written many academic papers and you seem to be constantly creating and writing, what do you do to relax?

A I am a very keen sailor. I have a boat over in Argyll and I love being on the water. I go on sailing trips in Scotland but also abroad. A few months ago I sailed in the Malacca Straits.

Q Your childhood was spent in Zimbabwe, what was your favourite childhood adventure?

A Going camping in the bush. In retrospect, that was quite dangerous. I remember finding a very dangerous snake right next to the tent.

Q Do you still play the bassoon and will we ever get to hear Edinburgh's RTO (ReallyTerrible Orchestra) play at the Usher Hall?

A I still play in the Really Terrible Orchestra, although I have a bad record of attendance at rehearsals. My wife and I set that orchestra up twenty years ago to provide a home for musically challenged players. We have played in the Usher Hall before – about ten years ago, I think. We have also been on tour to London and New York.

Q You have been compared to Harold Pinter due to the realism of your characters, do you think this is the reason your books translate so well into a screenplay?

A That’s a bit too flattering! I think my Botswana characters did come out rather well in the films - the other series are currently optioned for television, but we shall have to wait and see how they work.

Q Stewart Christie & Co featured in 44 Scotland Street, do you think we would make a good novel or more of short story?

A Stewart Christie has been mentioned in a number of the Scotland Street books. I think the shop is a good character in either a short story or novel.

Q You have been a client of the company for many years, which is your favourite Item purchased from the store?

A I have bought suits, jackets, kilts and so on. However, one purchase I am particularly fond of is a pair of Dubarry boots. I wear those a great deal when I am in Argyll. I also wear the linen suit you made for me a lot – it is a real favourite of mine.

Q Where do you get the inspiration for your characters and have you ever portrayed yourself as a character in any of your books?

A I get inspiration for characters from observation of those I meet. I don’t think I would ever like to be a character in one of my books although in one of the Mma Ramotswe books Mma Ramotswe sees a photograph of somebody who might just be me!

Q Scotland and Edinburgh are a constant source of inspiration for writers, artists and poets. Are there any emerging creatives who you particularly admire?

A There are a number of emerging writers who have interesting things to say about Scotland and Edinburgh. I would prefer not to single anybody out.

Q We know you are a very private person but will we one day be able to read your autobiography or is this a project for someone else?

A I would never like to write an autobiography, I’m afraid. Sorry about that!

Many thanks Sandy, we look forward to seeing you soon!