Article from The Girlguiding Scotland website.
BARBARA DICKSON OBE - SINGER & ACTOR
Barbara is a singer/songwriter, actor and presenter. Awarded an OBE in 2002 for Music/Drama, she is from Dunfermline, Fife where she was a Brownie.
Which Scot do you think an excellent ambassador for Scotland?
I'm a great admirer of Billy Connolly as I think that he's a most talented person and truly 'great'.
If you could have exactly the same meal again - what would it be and where?
I'd like to have the meal I had at Gleneagles on New Year's Eve some years ago.
What are the proudest moments of your career so far?
My proudest moments have been receiving an OBE from Her Majesty, the Queen, receiving two Olivier Awards for my work in the theatre and having a No. 1 record with Elaine Paige.
Which part in a musical would you love to play?
I'd love to play Mrs Lovatt in Stephen Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd'.
What was your Girlguiding uniform like?
My uniform was lovely. I think it was much nicer than the subsequent ones! We had cotton clothes and a lovely tie, which became a sling for rescuing people! The hat was a fetching beret and we looked completely unique, yet female.
Do you think it is a good thing that Guiding is still just for girls?
I do think it's good that Guiding is just for girls. I'm a huge believer in the sexes developing their own interests. I don't want to be part of many things which men do! The ethos of Guiding is a maturing influence on young girls at a vital stage of their lives.
Which famous woman do you most admire and respect?
I think I admire St. Teresa of Avila for her great spirit and dynamism...plus she could levitate!!!
If you could change one thing to make life easier for women - what would it be?
If I could, I would like to make sure that all girls were educated. Learning is the great liberator and wise use of knowledge would give all women a greater 'say' in the world.
If you won a million pounds to help other people what would you like to do?
I'd like to send girls in the Third World to school!
If you were only allowed to act OR sing for the rest of your life - which one would you choose?
I'd sing
If you could teach one lesson in life to your children - what would it be?
The value of courtesy.
What is your favourite album at the moment?
My favourite album currently is 'October Road' by James Taylor.
