Ten minutes with. . . Forbes Robertson.

May 22 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

Reporter Edwin Lawrence launches a new column by chatting with Ayr businessman Forbes Robertson.

Forbes has never been far from our headlines as he bids to bring a pole dancing club to the Auld Toun. But who is the man behind the bold plan?

Tell me a little about your early life, Forbes.

I initially attended Holmston school in 1960 and went from there to Mainholm Academy in 1966. I grew up in the Craigie area of Ayr and had a very happy childhood.

I understand your first venture into business was as a DJ?

I started off in life washing windows for 50p a time on my day off from a full time job, to gain extra money. From there I started going around local scrap yards, and purchasing unusual log books in exchange for a bottle of whisky, and then made profits selling these on.

By doing this I arranged enough funds to build home made disco equipment, which was the beginning of my It’s a Secret disco. The company expanded and we eventually ran discos from Girvan all the way to Perth.

What are your all time five favourite records?

My all-time favourites, in reverse order, are: 5, A Million Love Songs, Take That; 4, Best of My Love, The Eagles; 3, Stranger on the Shore, Acker Bilk; 2, Always and Forever, Heatwave; 1,To Where You Are, Josh Groban.

What are your current businesses in Ayr?

I have Rozelle Holm Farm Care Home, Millionayr Casino, 19th Hole Golf Theme Bar, various property rentals and soon to go into the vintage wedding cars. This summer I am also planning to film a documentary on employment within Ayr, which hopefully then will be sold on to a national network.

People might not know you're a world record holder Forbes?

I am the current Guinness World Record holder (since September 1, 2005) for the most brands of whisky available to the public. This was done to coincide with the 800th anniversary of Ayr becoming a Royal Burgh.

You're a bit of a collector by nature, aren't you?

People have described my nursing home as being similar to a museum, and I have a great interest in historical items, many of which I have collected from local auctions, car boot sales and antique fairs. Two weeks ago my day was made by purchasing for 50p a 2007 Guinness World Records book which I was featured in.

You once featured on TV show Come Dine With Me, didn’t you?

The Come Dine With Me show was a wonderful experience. I took part in this with four local women, all of whom possessed excellent culinary skills. Although I had not cooked before I managed to show that you do not need a huge amount of money to produce a substantial meal. My entire menu only cost £15, and the odds were always against me winning. However I still managed to obtain 43% of the British votes online, despite losing, and the winner only managed 18%, so overall I was pleased with this.

Ironically, I still have people approaching me nationwide about this show, as it has been the most successful under that title that they ever filmed.

Through it I managed to secure three days filming with Big Brother 9 for their documentary, which then led to a couple of episodes on River City. I also featured as a councillor in The Old Guys, and starred with Jane Asher and Rodger Lloyd Pack, alias Trigger from Only Fools and Horses. This was shown on BBC1. Within the next month or so I will be back in River City for a two part show, however I cannot disclose the plot, and you will need to watch this space.

What is your favourite food if you go out to a restaurant?

I find dining out far too expensive, but if I had to my favourite meal would be a Chinese or Indian curry. However I would rather spend my £60 on a picture, or have something to show for my money.

If you could sit down to dinner with six people, living or dead, who would they be?

If I was to sit down to dinner with six people Winston Churchill would be at the top of the table. Opposite him Enoch Powell, then Margaret Thatcher, Robert Burns, Alan Sugar and myself.

What one thing would immediately improve life in Ayr in 2009?

The reopening of the Gaiety Theatre would make a huge difference to Ayr. This has been the hub of the community and the fact that it has been closed is deplorable.

What do you think of the credit crunch, and who is to blame?

I feel that there are many people in society who have contributed to the credit crunch by living off the system and never having been employed. Furthermore there is so much red tape nowadays with employment law, political correctness, environmental health and moving and handling, that for any young entrepreneurs setting up a cost-effective business is now nearly impossible. People would rather be employed, than be an employer.

What would people be surprised to know about Forbes Robertson?

People would be surprised to know that I have always supported my local community, including the Craigie Colts football club, and many charities. It is most important never to forget your roots and where you came from.