Heather Suttie is a writer, campaigner, television presenter and radio host. Heather’s first experience of TV was as a guest reviewer on Johnny Vaughn’s Channel 4 show Moviewatch. She went on to present Live & Kicking on the BBC and was the Drivetime radio host on XFM Scotland. A newspaper columnist, she has set up Ecomunky to promote green, environmentally friendly recycling. She also organises the Moxie fashion pop-up events. We asked her about her favourite people and places in Glasgow.
What do you like best about Glasgow?
Can I have two? The people and their warmth and humour. Also, that it has so many green spaces, it’s lush and there’s always a park near where you are.
Best outdoors space?
I’ve been walking my Weimaraner Charlee in the Botanics for 15 years. I love the trees, the river, the bridges, the tranquility, the people, and most importantly, my dog has always loved it there.
Best restaurant right now?
I’m going to say Celinos, they’re about to open in Partick and a new Italian restaurant in the area is a great thing. It’s an award winning family restaurant and the food is off the scale, hospitality always warm and they have an incredible deli too.
I like the buzz of it and if you’ve never been to their Alexandra Parade one, look out for the West End one opening soon.
Best pub?
I don’t drink alcohol anymore so I’m out of the loop when it comes to pubs but Stravaigin if you wanted to go to a pub, I love it there. Lots of happy memories from there and it has a great vibe.
Where do you like to pick up ingredients for cooking?
I always try to buy bakery and butcher things locally and if there were more pop up independent fruit and veg sellers I’d buy less from supermarkets.
Where would you meet us for a coffee?
I always buy independent coffee and current favourite is Meadow Road on Dumbarton Road, the coffee is great, service warm and friendly and Billy’s home baking is a treat.
Where do you shop for clothes?
I host lots of charity pop ups with vintage and pre-loved clothes, so going to flea markets and charity shops for bargains is fun.
I also think it’s important to support local charity in their shops and you can get some really unusual pieces. Wherever I am in the world I always scout out a charity or independent vintage shop locally. I hate clothes shopping in town, so I do that online for work stuff.
Glasgow needs more?
Independent pop up florists, I’d love to walk into a street and be able to pick up flowers from a local seller. It’s not the same walking into a supermarket.
I like a bit of chat and flowers are always a hit for friends or to cheer yourself up. I buy fresh flowers every Friday.
Glasgow needs less?
Pigeons and seagulls. Bird shit is annoying on your car and windows, some of the seagulls are particularly bold, loud and unfriendly.
Favourite Glasgow building?
I don’t actually have one, I need to do a walking tour of the city, I’m sure there are lots of beautiful buildings I haven’t even noticed.
I know all the ones that make top 10 lists but am sure there are hidden gems I don’t know about.
Your Glasgow music?
I absolutely love Paul Buchanan’s voice, so the Blue Nile and Texas – live they are just superb.
Favourite Glasgow neighbourhood?
Broomhill, where I live. It’s peaceful, friendly, green, has lots of little independent shops and cafes/restaurants, geographically it’s a great location for me for work and play it has it’s own community council. The local people are open, thoughtful and kind, I love my neighbours – both residents and local businesses.
Your Glasgow hero?
Without a doubt Sir Billy Connolly. I’d like there to be an International Billy Connolly day, laughter is the best medicine.
When you are with friends in Glasgow, what do you like to do?
A mooch round the west end, a walk in Kelvingrove Park, weather permitting ice cream or cuppa al fresco anywhere greenish then dinner and a gig.