Alex Kinnear

Creative Space

Name: Alex Kinnear
Age: 33
Born: Manchester, England
Lived in Scotland: 23 years

“I’ve lived in Hong Kong, the United States, Israel, England but Edinburgh has everything I want. There’s nothing you can’t do here.”

So says Alex Kinnear, self-confessed culture vulture.

“I defy any urban sophisticate to find a city to beat Glasgow or Edinburgh.”

Voice Over

As an actor, singer and voice over artist (you may have heard her dulcet tones on recent Scotland on Sunday ads on TV), Alex believes that Scotland is the sexiest place for the arts.

“Edinburgh hosts the greatest arts festival in the world. Last year I performed in a 15th century chapel, to packed audiences every night. Where else can you do that?”

Volcano

“And what other city has a volcanic mountain smack in the middle of it? It’s extraordinary to be able to walk up Arthur’s Seat, to feel like you’re in the middle of a wilderness, and then you get to the top and there’s all this vibrant culture – the whole of Edinburgh – laid out at your feet.

“Maybe it sounds corny, but I feel so privileged to live here.”

Roots

Alex moved to Scotland when she was ten years old and although she’s done her share of travelling she confesses to feeling a deep connection with her Scottish roots.

“My father is Scottish and we used to spend every Christmas and Hogmanay in a log cabin near Blairgowrie in Perthshire. I’ve always associated Scotland with this magical, exotic place, so moving to Gullane aged ten was incredibly exciting. I couldn’t wait to be Scottish!”

Freedom

And she believes that living in Scotland gives her the freedom to live out her philosophy.

“I believe in contributing to the community. I work for Soil Association Scotland and outside work I do a lot with local community theatre groups, directing shows. Last year my father and I volunteered for the Voice of the City project and got to perform at the Usher Hall with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. That was really something.”

Diversity

Alex gets up to go. “You know, we Scots are a tough breed, a bit gruff sometimes, a bit anarchic and rebellious. We’re stoical and inventive, we have sticking power and dignity. But we’re tolerant too. We embrace diversity.”

And with that she races off to audition for a part in this year’s Festival Fringe.

Insider Info:

Alex says: “Every year a Japanese family come over from Japan to open a temporary sushi restaurant at a Fringe venue near the Usher Hall. They serve the best sushi outside Japan and I look forward to it every year.”