Viola Nicola McWhirter

When did you join the RSNO?
I joined the RSNO in October 1989.

Where are you from?
I am from Elgin.

Where did you study?
I studied at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland).

What do you enjoy most about being in the RSNO?
Making music with some very good friends and of course my husband Alastair (Bass Trombone).

Tell us your favourite RSNO story/memory so far.
My favourite memory was playing in the jazz festival with James Morrison, who was brilliant.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not playing with the Orchestra?
We are kept very busy with our 3 children but I enjoy running (did the Amsterdam half marathon with my other playing half Susan Buchan and also Pippa Tunnel) yoga, walking and cycling.

Do you have any hidden talents?
I might do but they are so well hidden that I haven’t found them yet!

If you could have dinner with anyone (alive or dead) who would it be, and why?
The Scotland rugby team! Obviously they’d be very interesting to chat too!

You’re stranded on a desert island. You’re allowed 3 CDs and 1 book. What would they be, and why?
I don’t listen to music as it’s all I hear at work and would prefer a radio to listen to the news and sport please. I’d take a book of crosswords.