Don, 76, who works in television and film, and Claire, 63, a counselling charity manager, met for lunch at Tapa in Edinburgh as part of the Guardian's Blind Date column. Both described their first impressions as relaxed and friendly, with Don noting Claire's easy conversational manner and Claire appreciating Don's interest in asking thoughtful questions.
The pair discussed family, work, religion, and current events over their meal. During the conversation, Claire discovered she knew one of Don's daughters, and learned that his sister had been a close friend of his mother's many years earlier. Don described the moment as bizarre but noted that "Scotland is a small but beautiful nation."
Don said he would introduce Claire to his friends, describing her as thoughtful, empathetic, and compassionate. Claire rated Don 8 out of 10 and described him as "bon vivant, warm and interesting," though she noted the absence of a romantic spark. Both ended the date with a continental farewell kiss, exchanged numbers, and discussed the possibility of meeting again in different circumstances — Don suggested a film or walk, while Claire expressed a preference for an evening meeting rather than a daytime lunch.
