My Yorkshire: Alastair Reid, Taylor&Emmet
Alastair Reid a commercial property partner at Sheffield solicitors Taylor&Emmet.
Where do you live/where are you from?
I was born and raised in Dore, Sheffield and still live there today. I’m hardly what you’d call well-travelled.
What is your favourite place to visit in Yorkshire and why?
Yorkshire covers such a vast area with so many beautiful, spectacular and diverse places, my favourite can change on any given day.
As my wife, Julie and I enjoy walking in the countryside, we’re happy pretty much anywhere there is a hill to go up and a view from the top – preferably with a bench to sit on or pub to rest in and watch the world go by. With the Pennines on our doorstep, it is hard to go wrong, although that can mean crossing the border into Derbyshire.
What is still on your “to do” list in the region?
From a professional point of view, I am a relative newcomer to Taylor&Emmet, so I aim to enhance the excellent reputation the firm already enjoys and ensure we are known as the go-to legal firm for local business people.
On a regional level, I would like to contribute to Yorkshire’s successes and hopefully those of the Northern Powerhouse
Finally, from a personal perspective, I would love to walk the Pennine Way from the top down.
What is the most memorable meal you’ve ever had in Yorkshire?
I am not a great restaurant critic, but I enjoy most types of good food and wine. The company makes the meal for me, however, if pushed, I would have to say my favourite place to eat out in Sheffield is the renowned seafood specialist, The Mediterranean, in Sharrow.
What is your most Yorkshire trait?
Like most Yorkshire folk, I’m hard-working, honest and straight talking.
Favourite piece of trivia about the region.
Sheffield is the true home of football.
I think everyone knows Sheffield FC is the world’s oldest football team, which begs the question who did they play? But did you know the city hosted the world’s first football tournament, the Youdan Cup, in February and March 1867 (played under Sheffield Rules).
The tournament will be 150 years old next year and coincidentally, so will Taylor&Emmet. It was played at Bramall Lane, featured 12 teams and was won by Hallam. It preceded the FA Cup by four years.
Sheffield Rules were used to regulate football from 1857 to 1877 and introduced the concept of corners, free kicks, heading the ball and goalkeepers. They had a big influence on the Football Association rules that finally codified the game.
You have to wonder how today’s millionaire stars would have fared in the days when the game was rather more robust!
What is your favourite cultural icon to come out of Yorkshire?
If, by culture, you include sport, I would say Jessica Ennis-Hill or Joe Root, both from Sheffield and both very good in their respective disciplines. They are immensely talented and great ambassadors for the region, who have worked so hard to make their success look easy, yet they remain grounded and normal.
Sticking with the sport theme, the Brownlee brothers are amazing all round athletes with real Yorkshire grit and strong sibling rivalry, but somehow they manage to maintain mutual admiration, respect and such a dry sense of humour.
Worst experience or thing about Yorkshire?
We seem unable to produce a football team that can keep its place in the Premiership for any length of time.
What is one thing you’d steal from Lancashire (or other UK regions) if you could?
A premiership football team and possibly the acclaimed Liverpool One development to drop into Sheffield city centre.
What is the most overrated thing about Yorkshire?
As we’re renowned for our self-deprecation and pragmatic view on life, I don’t think we are prone to overrating much in Yorkshire. Mind you, it is still known as God’s own County!
