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WHERE IS YOUR STAR?
CONTINUED

years ago I decided to combine these two interests by learning to
read Buddhist scriptures in the original languages. I started with
Sanskrit, and eventually began to produce my own translations,
some of which have been published. In 2018 I moved to Taiwan
to study Chinese, and after three years of fairly intensive language
study, I will be enrolling on a Chinese-language MA programme in
Buddhist Studies this autumn. For more on my translation work, IN CONVERSATION WITH
see my website at www.sraddhapa.com
Paul Macleod (1988)
DAVID LESLIE OBE
United Arab Emirates

David Leslie (1979) retired from The City of Edinburgh Council after more than three decades in city planning.
During his tenure in the planning department, Edinburgh has seen huge developments take place, such as the acceptance
of the development framework for Leith Docks, which is currently the largest planning application ever granted in the city.
He has helped safeguard some of Edinburgh’s architectural treasures, particularly in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Quadrangle caught up with David to chat all things city planning, and how Heriot’s impacted his career choices beyond
the gates of Lauriston Place.
Based in the UAE for more than two decades, I am a freelance
photographer working within the corporate and government
How did your Heriot’s education impact and my contribution to planning reforms. weekends at the old activities centre at
sectors. My work has taken me to more than 70 countries and
your decision to go into planning? Caddonfoot in the Borders and rain-soaked
I have been witness to the dramatic growth of the UAE. As well A fantastic achievement! How did this
as photographing Presidents and CEO’s I have continued the My interest in geography, particularly urban impact your career? hikes for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. And of
school motto by working with many charities and foundations, geography, and the enthusiasm of my teachers The honour underlined the value which others course, various sports at Goldenacre, although
working a lot in Africa and parts of Asia. As a Foundationer, I have Mr Cowan and Mrs Currie led me towards a see in voluntary work with community groups I think the coaches gave up on me ever
also tried to return the gift I was given by helping to finance career in planning. The development of and made me even more determined to catching a ball in cricket!
education for some children I have met along the way. Edinburgh had always fascinated me and there champion the importance of community Do you have any ‘takeaways’ from Heriot’s
isn’t a better location from which to understand days?
William J M Alexander (Class of 1954) that than at Heriot’s, right in the city centre. engagement in the planning system.
Cape Town, Republic of South Africa I used to go out from school and explore the Upon retirement, what do you miss most Now my first thoughts here was do you mean
takeaways from the school canteen tuckshop or
Old Town with friends. When I went on to about working in the planning sector?
did I go off-campus for my lunchtime chips?
Heriot Watt University to study town planning, My former colleagues at The City of Edinburgh
I think I did both! But I guess the correct
I quickly realised that my school education had Council are a great team and I really miss all
answer would be the strength of the Heriot
given me a great insight. their ideas, enthusiasm and energy. The
culture which I think stays with us throughout
city’s strong economy has led to a lot of
What are your top achievements our post-school years. A sense of community
development challenges over the last few
throughout your career in the planning and of fairness. A concern for others. These
decades and it was great to be working with
industry? values have been important to me in my career.
development teams to help shape their
I spent my whole career in the public sector Top tips for current pupils wanting to go
investments to deliver the city’s needs. I also
working for a number of local planning into planning?
worked at national level on many projects and
authorities. It is tremendously rewarding to
I miss the challenges of improving planning If you have an interest in places, how they work
Deciding on a career that offered lifelong satisfaction was not work with local communities to plan practice with Scottish Government colleagues and how they change, then there’s never been
easy in the Class of 1954, but an offer from a large printing improvements to their environment, to their and the shared experience of other heads of a better time than now to think about a career
group was welcome and after commissioned National Service, quality of life and to capture their aspirations planning across Scotland. in planning. The pandemic has made everyone
I joined an advertising agency group as a trainee account and ideas in project plans. I’ve always Thinking back, what are your fondest more aware of how the environment around
executive. Marketing proved to be a fascinating subject as well considered myself a champion of community memories of your time at Heriot’s? them affects their wellbeing. Planners work to
as a substantial challenge working in various UK cities and after engagement in planning and was proud to address inequalities in health and wellbeing, in
some twenty years I decided to set up my own advertising have been part of the team which founded the Of course, it’s the people who I remember transport and access to services through plan-
agency. I eventually retired in 2010 to seek warmer climes in charity Planning Aid for Scotland. Now known most. From my classmates, some of whom are led solutions for our communities. Planning
Cape Town, South Africa after 50 years in business. Looking as PAS, after more than 30 years it is still a life-long friends, to the inspiring teachers I had helps to drive better outcomes. It is always a
back, it was a stressful but an entirely rewarding experience - major force in supporting active citizenship and from Junior School right through Senior School. dynamic working environment and you will
thankfully before the start of the present digital age. If I had enabling communities to shape their future. I The school clubs and excursions, from geology work with a wide variety of people from all
one wish today it would be to thank my late parents for sending suppose my biggest career surprise was when I field trips to collect samples of rocks and fossils professions. I strongly recommend it!
me to Heriots as it helped to prepare for an incredible journey. was honoured with an OBE for this charity work (that’s probably not allowed nowadays!) to

David Leslie