Catriona Matthew on life in Scotland

Speaking to the Ladies European Tour, defending champion and two-time winner of the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open, Catriona Matthew, discusses her life and loves at home.

Where were you born and where is it exactly in the country?

Edinburgh, the Scottish capital city in the east of Scotland.

Tell us more about where you were born.

Edinburgh is probably one of the most scenic cities in the world. It is full of history from Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace to modern day history with the Scottish Parliament. It has great museums and art galleries, one of the best universities in the world and is a great place to visit. There is something for everyone.

What is the best thing about your country?

The fact that wherever you go, anywhere in the world, everyone knows where Scotland is and has either visited there or it is top of their list on places to go. I think that is pretty special.

Give some examples of the traditions from your home that you like or love doing.

Every New Year’s Day we run into the sea for the New Year’s dook. It is absolutely freezing but good fun and an amazing number of people from North Berwick take part.

Tell us something about your festivities.

At Halloween we go around the neighbours’ houses with the girls and they go trick and treating. They love having a big bucket of sweets at the end of the night.

What is your favourite place in Scotland and why?

My favourite place in Scotland is North Berwick. Its home and I feel very lucky to live in such a great place.

What are the typical food and drinks from your area that you love?

I love haggis, neeps and tatties.

What food from your country do you like to cook?

I don’t really like cooking. I do like to cook breakfast though (pancakes or French toast) and I enjoy baking and like to make scones and cupcakes with the girls.

Be our travel guide… what places would you recommend us to visit in your country and things to do?

Edinburgh for culture… East Lothian for golf and a quick visit over to St Andrews. You really need a good couple of weeks. Even though I am from here there are loads of places I have never been.

When you are not on tour and you are not preparing for any tournament, how do you spend a typical weekend?

A typical weekend at home is up at seven – the girls never sleep in. Usually followed by a trip to the swimming pool, park and a walk or play on the beach.

What is the most popular sport in your country?

Football is by far and away the most popular sport in Scotland. It baffles me as to how much media coverage it gets as the standard of it is awful.

Golf is popular too. Women’s golf in Scotland like Britain is not as popular amongst the young. I think there is almost a missing generation in most golf clubs in Britain of women between 30-45 years up the game so something needs to be done about that. Maybe more nine hole competitions so it doesn’t take so long. The pros should show an example too and play quicker.

What are your favourite sports and teams that you support?

My favourite sports team is Manchester United and I’ve attended several games.

Who is your favourite celebrity/personality/idol from your country?

I am most proud of all the famous inventors and scientists that have come from Scotland, but specifically Alexander Fleming for coming up with penicillin which has over the years saved countless lives.

Who is your favourite golfer and sports personalities from your country?

I think Colin Montgomerie’s consistency over the years on the European tour when he won seven in a row is incredible and something that will be hard to ever repeat.

Andy Murray is obviously the most high profile sportsman from Scotland and has been unfortunate not to have won more grand slam events. Liz McColgan is my favourite sports woman because of her drive and never give up attitude.

What do you miss from home when you travel?

Katie and Sophie.

Is there something unusual from your country that you could explain to us?

We have two national flags, the Saltire, blue with a white cross which also makes up part of the Union Jack symbolising our part in the UK and also the Lion Rampart, which is a yellow background with a red lion standing on its hind legs, symbolising national pride and belonging.

What are your favourite “Scottish” sayings?

“You’re a long time deid” means that you should enjoy life to the fullest and take advantage of all the opportunities you have because you are not around forever.