Walpole: In a world where we’re always available, how do you separate your personal time from your work time?
Damian Riley-Smith: It's very difficult to achieve a separation – my personal and work lives are often one and the same. I enjoy the challenge of the balance, and when work can be hosting guests at Rothes Glen or chairing the Whisky Magazine Awards dinner, work can often feel like a personal pleasure. It's the joy of hospitality!
What’s one thing you do after the work day to help you unwind?
Enjoy a whisky.
What activity do you do in your time away from the office that helps you relax and recentre after a stressful week?
Plan the next development within the garden at home or at Rothes Glen - and sometimes put a spade in the ground. I always travel with a pair of secateurs as a neat hedge is one of life's essential pleasures!
What’s something you’ve read, listened to or seen in your spare time that’s helped you at work?
I love historical biographies of leaders. I'm currently enjoying two the extremes of a biography on Saladin and one on Wellington.
After home and the office, where’s your favourite third space ?
The garden, whether in Norfolk or at Rothes Glen.
On Sunday night, how do you prepare yourself for the week ahead?
Sunday is the only evening with my perfect triumvirate of television; country coverage with Countryfile, a David Attenborough spectacular and the Antiques Roadshow. I watch these while reviewing my calendar for the week ahead.
Best reason you've had to turn your out of office on recently?
I've never had a reason - my out of office isn’t something I ever use.
