My Favourite Place, Graham Norton, Edinburgh’s Acropolis
Where is it?
Edinburgh’s Acropolis - the National Monument of Scotland - at the top of Calton Hill.
Why do you go there?
It's a bracing walk and on a fine day you are rewarded with the most spectacular view of the whole city and the countryside and coast beyond. I had always thought San Francisco had the most beautiful setting for a city, but the vista from Calton Hill changed my mind. It really is world-beating.
How often do you go?
I try to go at least once a year, usually during the Edinburgh festival, to clear my head after the night before.
How did you discover it?
Years ago, I think in the early 1990s, some producers erected a marquee at the top of Calton Hill during the festival and used it as a venue. One of the shows they put on was a live lunchtime version of Radio 4’s Just A Minute.
I was hired to be on the sub's bench each day to step forward in case any of the “celebrity” players they had booked failed to turn up. As you can imagine, because of the way things often go of an evening during the festival, I ended up going on nearly every day.
What’s your favourite memory?
I just remember standing in the sun (it must have rained too, but memory doesn't seem to favour bad weather) at the back of the marquee, chatting to Nicholas Parsons, or to players like Tony Slattery, Jenny Eclair and Tony Hawks.
I was very green, so it was thrilling to be invited into the inner sanctum of show business in this place that felt like the top of the world.
Who do you take?
I normally head up there solo, with just the voices in my head.
What do you take?
A takeaway coffee and an umbrella.
What do you leave behind?
Nothing.
Sum it up in a few words.
Beautiful, breathtaking, unique and inspiring.
What other travel spot is on your wish list?
There is so much of Scotland I've yet to see. I'd love to spend more time on the islands, maybe start with Tiree or Barra.
The castles of Scotland also hold a romantic appeal. I've visited a few but others on my list might include Dunnottar up on the northeast coast. It looks spectacular. Also Dunvegan Castle in Skye, sitting on the banks of the loch, looks like a rugged time machine.
An Evening with Graham Norton is at the Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow, on September 12. For more information and tickets, visit socomedy.co.uk/artist/graham-norton
Frankie by Graham Norton (Coronet, £20) is published in hardback on September 12
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