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Kristin Hannesdottir
Kristin Hannesdottir has been Vice Consul for Iceland in Edinburgh since 2005. An architect and a painter, she studied at the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh College of Art and has chosen to make her home in Edinburgh for the past 39 years.
"I arrived in the Port of Leith very early one morning in May 1964 on my way to Denmark.
"At that time there was an overpowering smell of the breweries and the stone city was lit with orange streetlights, so my first impressions were of a very strange and mysterious place.
"I came to Edinburgh to study architecture as there was no Department of Architecture in Iceland at the time. Choosing Scotland had more to do with friends staying here than anything else."
"Growing up in Reykjavík, we were taught a fair bit about Scotland at school so it did not really come as a surprise. Over the years I've travelled all over Scotland and love the scenery and diversity."
Kristin has been practising architecture with her husband Nicholas Groves-Raines since 1972. The firm specialises in the restoration of old properties, many of them listed and has won numerous awards for architecture.
"I have grown to love the architecture of Scotland. I much prefer the older buildings and try to ignore some of the later ones. Mavisbank is an absolute gem. It's now derelict but there's development work underway to explore ways for its restoration. I love the Scottish laird's house and in particular Liberton House, our home and office, and its garden. There are some wonderful gardens in Scotland.
"There are around 150 Icelandic people in Edinburgh and probably 250 in Scotland. Initially I found integrating into Edinburgh society fairly difficult. In Edinburgh you had to fit in a slot determined largely by class. As a result most of our friends are of foreign origin, have lived abroad or are widely travelled. However I find people here very friendly and generally helpful and always polite.
"If you plan to come to Scotland to study or work, see as much of the country as you can. If you have time, try to get involved with your local community be it drama, singing, walking..."
Information correct at July 2007
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