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10-minutes with... Highland Fine Cheeses director Rory Stone

The Stone family have been creating artisan cheeses since 1951, using milk from the only two dairies north of Inverness.

Highland Fine Cheeses came to life on Blarliath Farm – 80 acres running along the coast of the Dornoch Firth and to the west of Tain.

In 1994, Rory joined his mum and older brother in the family business, and has headed up the company ever since.

Now focused on mould-ripened cheese - with brie, blue and washed rind styles - the farm's Crofters Crowdie has become a firm favourite with shoppers at Aldi.

Insider grabbed him away from cheese inspection duties for 10 minutes to ask him the following questions:

What five words would friends or colleagues use to describe you?

Indiscreet. Whistled. Obstreperous. Defective. Avoidable.

If you could choose anyone, who would be your fantasy board members and why?

Julia Roberts. Seriously?

If you could choose anyone, who would be your fantasy dinner party guests and why?

See above - does she have sisters?

What is your favourite way to unwind during time off?

My motorbike. I bought a BMW GS 1250 - my wife was livid - “what if you kill yourself on it?” Well...

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given, or what advice would you give to the next generation of business leaders?

Great fortunes seldom made from doing uncommon things, but from doing common things uncommonly well.

If you were in charge of Scotland, what would you change and why?

Flatten Holyrood and make sure the doors were locked with them all in it at the time.

What sport are you interested in?

I loathe team sports because I was so utterly crap at them, so I never got picked - never an opportunity to sing with the big boys in the showers after a rugby match - pathetic that 40 years later it still rankles.

What was the first record you bought?

Oh no! My children will hate this. Either Mr Blue Sky or Mull of Kintyre. Cringe.

What is your earliest childhood memory?

A dirty protest from my cot. My brother convincing me to sit on my potty whilst he took a photograph - that’s illegal now, right?

What is your favourite memory from your schooldays?

Watching Sophie Upton in the 100 meters.

Describe a perfect day?

I wake up early to desert my wife, walk the dogs, pack a flask and wet suit and head to Achmelvich on the bike for a swim - will be there by 8am at the latest. Home by 10:30am, so she hasn’t a clue. Then a big lunch with as many as I can squeeze around my table.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

Must I? I’m still receiving therapy.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Think I’m beginning to look a bit like Gandhi with hair, so Ben Kingsley, but in a silent role.

What is your signature dish to cook?

Anything by Ottolenghi - he’s incredible.

If you could choose your last meal on Earth, what would it be?

Anjum Anand’s chicken curry, but remember to use chicken on the bone for depth of flavour.

What is your karaoke song or party piece?

Tone deaf so that’s not happening. Probably sitting at a table quietly undermining everyone.

What is your favourite shop/clothing brand/restaurant?

Any off-license/Shoes like Tod’s, Gucci, Bally/ Rocpool in Inverness.

What is your favourite part of/place in Scotland?

The west coast (all of it) and the beaches of Harris.

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