TED - Eligible - The Scotsman

SPECTRUM
MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
MST
O2003
WAN
TED
SCOTLAND’S TOP 100 ELIGIBLES

MOST ELIGIBLE
It’s time once again to reveal the identities of the most
eligible men and women in Scotland. Get ready to
meet the most fascinating, funny, intelligent and
creative individuals we could find. And despite their
wide range of backgrounds, professions, romantic
histories and hobbies, every one of them has
something in common: none is currently enjoying a
committed, long-term relationship.
1 NEW
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
8
CAMERON STOUT
FISH TRADER, 32
Lives Orkney.
Who he? The jovial and well-behaved Orcadian became the most unlikely winner of
Big Brother when he emerged victorious from the fourth series in July. The public voted
overwhelmingly for the 32-year-old virgin, who chose the Bible as his one allowed book
for the duration of his stay.
Despite his mild-mannered appearance, Cameron is just as ambitious as his TV
presenter brother, Julyan Sinclair, and says his dream job would be designing cars.
That’s a far cry from his current job as a fish trader for US company North Landing,
which involves travelling to Japan, Africa and New York on a regular basis. Luckily he’s
got a talent for languages. He speaks Norwegian, is also fluent in Spanish and French,
and modestly admits to “a little” Japanese and Italian.
He is currently deciding which fast car to spend his £70,000 prize money on.
Conquests Two long-term relationships which “just didn’t work out”. Recently tabloids
linked him to both his fellow UK Big Brother contestant Steph, and the winner of Big
Brother Africa, Cherise Makubale, but he denies that any relationship exists.
Haunts Currently writes an opinion column for the Sunday Post, but you can also catch
him sporting a rather attractive eye patch as Starkey the Pirate in pantomime Peter Pan,
opening soon in Aberdeen. He’ll also be appearing on top of Mount Kilimanjaro next year,
when he climbs it for an as yet unnamed charity.
Pluses Fast cars, trips to New York (he’s considering buying an apartment there), an
idyllic island home and a man who can say “I love you” in five different languages.
Minuses You may have to invest in some earplugs – apparently Cameron often laughs
and sings in his sleep.
Do Read your Delia Smith. On his BB application form, Cameron’s list of ideal traits in a
woman included a sense of humour like Chandler’s, and culinary skills to match his mum’s.
Don’t Obsess over your health. There’s nothing he hates more than a hypochondriac who
can’t stop talking about herself.

THE MEN
Best in his field: Big Brother
winner and fish trader Cameron
Stout is Scotland’s Mr Eligible
PORTRAIT ROBERT PERRY
2 NEW
JAMES MCAVOY
ACTOR, 24
Lives London. Born and bred in
Drumchapel, Glasgow.
Who he? Hollywood’s Next Big Thing.
He first came to our attention playing
the middle-class Josh Chalfen in the
television adaptation of Zadie Smith’s
bestseller, White Teeth. Now he’s on
the big screen in cinemas nationwide,
capering through Stephen Fry’s directorial debut, Bright
Young Things. Early next year he’s starring in the drama
series Shameless, which Channel 4 hopes will be one of
its biggest hits for 2004. He also filmed the upcoming
romantic comedy Wimbledon, with Paul Bettany, and
spent this autumn filming Inside I’m Dancing, in which he
plays an Irish teenager with muscular dystrophy. In all,
he’s the veteran of 11 films and ten TV series – not bad
considering he graduated from the Royal Scottish
Academy of Music and Drama just three years ago.
Conquests Newly split from his childhood sweetheart of
nine years, James is free and single.
Haunts Hollywood, any day now.
Pluses James can serenade you with his guitar or leap to
your defence, if need be. We mean that literally – he’s an
acrobat and grade-four fencer.
Minuses He’s often away filming – but when he is around,
you’ll have to fight off the competition. With those big blue
eyes and floppy hair, he’s unlikely to stay single for long.
Do Take him to a Celtic game.
Don’t Freak him out. He’s a bit alarmed at the fan mail he’s
been getting, and – bless him – can’t quite believe how
many James McAvoy websites exist.
3
7
DARIUS DANESH
SINGER, 23
Lives His heart belongs in Glasgow,
but he moves all over the world –
most recently to LA.
Who he? Almost a Popstar, almost a
Pop Idol, Darius finally made it big in
his own right in 2003. Over the past
year, he’s released a double-platinum
album, which was followed by a
sell-out tour, he has appeared in Hollyoaks and written a
book entitled Sink or Swim, describing his experiences in
reality TV. All in all, it looks as if turning down Simon
‘Hear’Say’ Cowell’s record deal in order to take up Steve
‘U2’ Lillywhite’s offer was exactly the right move for this
talented young man. When his second album comes out
in the next few months you won’t be able to leave the
house without seeing his image.
Conquests Darius has been connected with the occasional
model, as well as a student who scared him away by being
“too full-on”, but is currently enjoying the bachelor life.
Haunts Book signings, awards shows, movie premieres,
TV spots, radio interviews… If there’s somewhere he can
be that’s in the public eye, he’ll be there.
Pluses Smart, good-looking, he finally seems to have the
style thing under control. And he has got the potential to
go a very long way.
Minuses He’s constantly on the move and whoever he
ends up with is going to take second place to the music.
Do Compliment him on his acting – he’s on record as
fancying himself as the next James Bond.
Don’t Tell him what you think of his favourite football
team – Partick Thistle.
➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
9

NEW
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
10
Ready for action: Scotland
rugby player Simon Danielli
(number ten) may have
become a pin-up lately – but
with a degree from Oxford, he
has brains to match his brawn
PORTRAIT DAVID GIBSON/FOTOSPORT

4
DOUGLAS MURRAY
WRITER, 24
Lives? London. Spends summers
fishing on Lewis, his home turf.
Who he? The youngest published
biographer in history, he wrote the
bestseller Bosie: A Biography of Lord
Alfred Douglas during his gap year.
Having read English at Oxford, he is
working as a freelance political
journalist and researching a book about Bloody Sunday.
His play, Nightfall, heads to London’s West End next year.
It centres on a real-life dinner party in 1944, when
Swedish diplomat and humanitarian Raoul Wallenberg
tried to persuade his guest, Nazi Adolf Eichmann, from
implementing the Final Solution.
Conquests Admits he’s not great at long-term relationships.
Haunts He’s spending five days a week sitting in on the
Bloody Sunday hearings. He eschews noisy clubs and
pubs, but you might catch him at Bonaventure, a remote
French restaurant tucked away on a cliff in Uigg.
Pluses He’s a talented bassoonist and used to sing choral
music, so will feel quite at home at a prom or the opera.
He also loves Coldplay, and is a “mad” CD collector.
Minuses Too clever by half. Can you match him for
intellectual chit chat over dinner?
Do Say, “Can I be in your play?” They haven’t chosen
the cast yet.
Don’t Make him wear trainers. He can’t stand them.
5
PRINCE WILLIAM
STUDENT, 21
Lives St Andrews and London.
Who he? As if he needs any
introduction! Prince William Arthur
Philip Louis, son of Prince Charles and
the late Diana, Princess of Wales, is
second in line of succession to the
throne. After debating whether or not
to quit the University of St Andrews,
he decided to stick it out and has two years to go. Had a
lavish African-themed 21st birthday party, notable for
being gate-crashed by ‘comedy terrorist’ Aaron Barschak.
Conquests Has yet to step out officially with anyone.
Haunts Local tearooms in St Andrews or at Edinburgh’s
Opal Lounge or Ricks.
Pluses The royal stamp of approval.
Minuses A busy schedule of geography lectures, water
polo, football, rugby, and a royal engagements.
Do Take him for fish and chips – he’s a devotee of fast
food, and a fan of cider. What would his granny say?
Don’t Mention Paul Burrell, poisoned letters or small
African antelope. All three have plagued him this year.
6
NEW
3
4
MARTIN COMPSTON
ACTOR, 19
Lives Despite his increasingly global
lifestyle, Martin still lives in the
family home in Greenock.
Who he? A modern-day fairytale made
real. Persuaded by his PE teacher to
attend a film audition, Martin was
plucked from obscurity for the lead
in Ken Loach’s award-winning film,
Sweet Sixteen, turning him into a star overnight. In the past
year he’s appeared on The Royal and Rock Face. You can
also catch him playing the part of Ewan in Monarch of the
Glen, a new regular character.
Conquests He’s only 19.
Haunts Red carpets everywhere, or at home in Greenock.
Pluses Has youth and talent on his side; he should go far.
Minuses As he builds success upon success, the chances of
meeting him on neutral ground grow ever smaller.
Do Say, “I love Ken.” Martin has enormous respect for the
director, and says he owes all his success to Loach.
Don’t Mention his early ambition to be a professional
footballer. Martin always dreamed of a life spent on the
pitch. He admits, “It was a bit of a tearjerker when I
handed my notice in.” But he is committed to acting now.
7
SAM HEUGHAN
ACTOR, 23
Lives London.
Who he? After making a hit at last
year’s Festival in Outlying Islands, this
Edinburgh boy appeared at the Royal
Court in London, the Toronto World
Stage Festival and in New York,
before the traditional Traverse trip
around the Highlands and Islands.
Only a week after graduating from the RSAMD this
summer, he began rehearsals for Island at War, a six-part
drama for ITV, due to be aired in 2004. He’s in the
enviable position of having several offers of work for
when the project finishes and hopes to assay the Bard, or
embark upon a “sword and sandal film. Anything with a
sharp object would do”. Hollywood, get ready for him.
Conquests His rising profile has only increased his circle of
admirers, but Sam is “still searching for that perfect
eligible lady”. Just turn to page 22, Sam!
Haunts Any of the “great clubs and pubs” in Soho.
Pluses Check out the “wet long johns” scenes in the
upcoming series and all will be revealed…
Minuses Can you really compete with the actresses,
models and female fans starting to swarm?
Do Buy him a pint while he’s home visiting.
Don’t Moan about the price. Sam’s current complaint is
how much dearer it is in London, compared to Scotland.
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15
LORNE BALF
Composer, 27
Lives LA, London and Inverness.
Who he? A musical prodigy who
composed the theme tune to River
City, Lorne’s a graduate of Fettes
College in Edinburgh. He performed
with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra
and the Edinburgh Symphony
Orchestra whilst still at school,
before going on to study percussion and composition.
He has written hundreds of commercial tracks for TV
and radio, worked as musical assistant to composer Guy
Michelmore, and made his mark with Hans Zimmer in
Hollywood. Has his own music production company,
Metrophonics, that exclusively represents Scottish
composers and just opened a studio in Glasgow. Lorne
has also created his own film company, Fragmented Films.
You will have heard his music on ITV’s William and Mary
with Martin Clunes, the latest Hellraiser film and the
upcoming The Night We Called It A Day, starring Dennis
Hopper and Melanie Griffith.
Conquests His main relationship is “with my keyboard”.
Haunts Halo in Edinburgh and the Heathmount, up north.
Pluses Red carpets, A-list stars, swanky film parties – need
we say more?
Minuses The man is his music, so be prepared to be pushed
to the sidelines when inspiration strikes or LA calls.
Do Tell him about your recent scientific discoveries.
Lorne loves talking cold, hard logic when he needs a
break from the emotional world of music.
Don’t Be tone deaf.
9 NEW
STEPHEN ANDERSON
DIRECTOR, 27
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? A quiet and modest man,
who is one of the major players in the
Scottish film industry because of his
production company Kelpie Films,
and editing service, the Post Facility.
Born in Edinburgh, he became
interested in film as a child actor.
In the three years since setting up shop, he has worked for
a range of corporate clients and made acclaimed short
films on his own. Chosen as one of 12 representatives of
Scottish production to travel to London for the Best of
Scotland event hosted by Channel 4. Also runs a web
design company, directs the odd music promo and
dabbles in property development.
Conquests An “on-off” relationship with a beautiful
European lawyer from Brussels, but longs to settle down
and share his life with someone full time.
Haunts Enjoys pubs on Glasgow’s Byres Road, “where you
can talk”, and snowy holidays in Europe for skiing.
Pluses A good listener, charming and creative.
Minuses Work, work, and er, more work.
Do Practise your vampire killing. Stephen holds a torch for
teen telly icon, Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Don’t Say, “Are you gay?” During his teens Stephen’s mum
was convinced he wasn’t sexually attracted to women, as
he had many female friends but no girlfriend.
10 NEW
SIMON DANIELLI
SCOTLAND RUGBY PLAYER, 24
Lives Bath.
Who he? Edinburgh-born Simon
started playing rugby at the precocious
age of six. He progressed through the
school teams, was picked for the
county and division teams, and
eventually for England’s schoolboys’
side. While studying at Oxford, he was
awarded two Blues and played for England Students’ and
Under 21s, before opting to play for Scotland last January.
The winger hasn’t looked back, and his performance in the
World Cup in Australia is to be applauded.
Conquests Two long-term relationships, but now single.
Haunts Pubs, bars and clubs. Like most rugby players,
Simon is fond of his drink. He likes to get away whenever
possible and recently had a three-week holiday in Florida.
Pluses He has brains to match his brawn.
Minuses Since his muscular torso was beamed via satellite
to the four corners of the globe this autumn, Simon has
become an international pin-up. There’ll be plenty of
ladies waiting to snap him up on his return to the UK.
Do Cook him spaghetti bolognese. It’s his favourite
carb-loading dish.
Don’t Assume he drinks Guinness. Cider’s his tipple.
➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
11

Finger on the pulse: Jay
Feeney (number 16)
opened Edinburgh music
venue Cabaret Voltaire last
year and it is now one of
the coolest clubs in town
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
12
11 13
CATHAL MCATEER
FASHION DESIGNER, 31
Lives London.
Who he? Runs the fashion agency
Macandi. With designer Zakee Shariff,
he has just launched the menswear
range Folk, in Japan. He’s optimistic
about success: “They welcome new
ideas, new ways and also cherish the
underground.” He originally entered
the industry via a Saturday job at Glasgow shop Ichi Ni San,
and later worked with Nicole Farhi.
Conquests A few good serious relationships.
Haunts Find him on the football pitch – he plays weekly
and wanted to become a professional. In Scotland, he
always hits the golf course.
Pluses A fabulous new wardrobe.
Minuses He describes his style as Taxi Driver’s Travis
Bickle meets Samuel Beckett at the Drovers Inn for
Sunday roast and a chin-wag. Do you dare dress him?
Do Play him Mary J Blige. He’s a huge fan.
Don’t Tell him how fickle fashion is. It’s his lifeblood.
12
14
MICHAEL ANTHONY JACKSON
ENTREPRENEUR AND AUTHOR, 33
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? Owner of Wild Day, a multimillion-pound
outdoor equipment
centre with the biggest website of its
kind in Europe. His book Life Lessons
from History’s Heroes, was released in
June and has been listed for the WH
Smith People Prize Literary Award. It
explores the lessons we can learn from the giants of
history such as Alexander the Great. Has also launched a
technology company called Mobiqa, a paperless ticketing
system allowing customers to receive tickets in the form
of bar codes on their mobile phones that are checked via
scanner at the venue.
Conquests Mountains and Munros, mainly.
Haunts At book signings up and down the country.
Pluses He’ll be your very own Mr Motivator and you’ll get
all the latest outdoor gadgets free.
Minuses Cosy nights in will be few and far between. He
has off to New Zealand to spend six weeks climbing
Mount Cook, the highest mountain in Australasia.
Do Be a water baby. This year he’s been scuba-diving in
Zanzibar and is heading off shark-diving (in a cage) soon.
Don’t Ask him about K2. He entered record books for the
world’s highest e-mail, from a height of 6,000m, but it
was a near-death experience he finds hard to talk about.
13
NEW
GLYN PARTRIDGE
ENTREPRENEUR AND CLUB FOUNDER, 44
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? Together with business
partner Fiach Maguire, Glyn has been
directing his energies into the launch
of the Hallion, Edinburgh’s first
members-only club. The swanky £2m
venue has already attracted a range
of celebrities, including novelist
Irvine Welsh and actor Alan Cumming. But Lancashireborn
Glyn is no stranger to big-budget enterprises – he
made his first million in his mid-20s, while living in the
Middle East during the oil boom.
Conquests Glyn separated from his second wife earlier this
year. He has three children and is currently single.
Haunts The Hallion and the ski slopes.
Pluses He can make a party happen in minutes.
Minuses Can you keep up?
Do Take him to a gallery. Glyn collects paintings and rugs.
Don’t Say, “I wouldn’t want to belong to any club that
would have me as a member.”
14
5
TONY KEARNEY
ACTOR, 31
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? Best known as Scott Wallace,
the graphic designer in BBC
Scotland’s twice-weekly soap, River
City. Tony’s having a great time
portraying this character, and tips
us off that there is some high drama
ahead that is sure to keep us glued
to the series for the foreseeable future. But Tony is no
stranger to the small screen. He was in the Gaelic soap
Machair for six years and has made guest appearances
on Taggart. Or perhaps you recognise his voice from
numerous plays on Radio 4? According to Tony, this year
has been “the fastest in my life” – namely because he has
been out and about at “far too many parties”.
Conquests As luck would have it, he has fared far better
on screen than off. “Scott has been enjoying a torrid,
rampant love life, so I’ve been living life vicariously
through him.”
Haunts Barra, visiting his mum. Back in the Central Belt,
favourite coffee shops include Glasgow’s Café Gandolfi
and Little Italy for some serious engine oil.
Pluses He employs a personal trainer and is well en route
to acquiring a six-pack.
Minuses Unpack your sunscreen, he’s thinking about
selling his Florida holiday home.
Do Say, “Amor y amistad.” Florida might not be on the
cards, but how does the Costa del Sol take you? Tony
PORTRAITS PETE GODDARD; DEE KEARNEY

takes Spanish classes twice a week, with the long-term
plan of moving to sunny Spain.
Don’t Pay your cat more attention than him. He’s not
impressed with people who treat their pets like humans.
15
10
JOHN AMABILE
DESIGNER AND PRESENTER, 39
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? As resident designer for
GMTV’s This Morning, John is a
familiar face on television and loved
by housewives everywhere. He also
appears on Better Homes, with Carol
Vorderman. It was voted Britain’s
most popular design programme, and
a recent series was repeated twice this year. Has also been
pooling resources with Carol Yates. The result? A new
design consultancy, ADC, offering fans the chance to set
John loose on their own homes. “We want to make sure
the design-hungry of Scotland get exactly what they
want,” he says.
Conquests Still single – much more eligible.
Haunts B&Q on a Tuesday, when he can browse in peace,
Gamba and Etain in Glasgow, or having a drink with mate
John Leslie, who he has loyally stood by throughout a
difficult year for the presenter.
Pluses A quiet(er) life beckons. He has been to Spain six
times this year to work on a property, and has fallen in
love with the country. “If all else fails, I just want to go
and grow oranges.”
Minuses His home is a constant work-in-progress and has
been streamlined once again. This time it is “cool creams,
glamorous greys, sumptuous silvers and a cheeky splash
of red to match my cheeks”.
Do Take John shopping. He’s quite partial to Gucci.
Don’t Say, “Another Sambucca?” Overindulgence at a
recent charity ball turned John and his table into a ball of
blue flames. “We spent the next day picking cocoa beans
out of our cavities.”
16
NEW
JAY FEENEY
CREATIVE DIRECTOR, CABARET VOLTAIRE, 26
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? One of Scotland’s most
original entrepreneurs. After
re-inventing his university radio
station he established Freak Music,
an agency for DJs, live music and
entertainment. Then he formed
Dynamic Blue with a group of
talented computer programmers. A year ago, Jay opened
Cabaret Voltaire in Edinburgh’s Blair Street, a venue that
already has a reputation as the first port of call for music
enthusiasts. Its diverse programme of edgy music,
exhibitions and events reflects his vision perfectly.
Conquests A few “semi-serious” girlfriends, but his pals
are beginning to despair at his single status.
Haunts Cabaret Voltaire is more than just a place of work,
Jay is often down there relaxing.
Pluses Free tickets at one of the coolest venues in town.
Minuses Jay burns the candle at both ends, and you may
have to become a gig regular just to spend time with him.
Do Something crazy. Jay once abseiled down a building
on Princes Street to generate publicity.
Don’t Play with matches. Cabaret Voltaire only narrowly
escaped destruction in last year’s fire, just one day before
it opened.
Love action:
Tony Kearney
(number 14) is
having a ball
playing River
City’s Scott,
and partying
hard off screen
17
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16
GEORGE MITCHELL
BOOKMAKER, 37
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? A bookie who travels to
wherever the races are: Ascot,
Kelso and Glasgow’s own Shawfield.
Luckily, he doesn’t wear a set of
tweeds, garish gold jewellery or
use old-school hand signals.
Conquests Hopes there might still be
a fine pedigree filly out there for him.
Haunts Dublin every weekend; or at what he reckons is the
best Chinese restaurant in Glasgow – Chow’s.
Pluses Buying a hat for Ascot’s ladies’ day.
Minuses You won’t get any tips. He’s so tired of his friends
pestering him that he refuses to give anything away.
Do Make him take the night off and go somewhere nice to
celebrate his birthday later this month.
Don’t Say, “You’ve really gone to the dogs.”
17
NICK WALTER
POLO PLAYER AND INTERNET DEVELOPER, 31
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? Polo star turned project
manager for UniTech, a software
development company. Surrounded
by horses as a kid, Nick won a
scholarship to New Zealand at 18,
where he played on a private polo
team for two years. On his return he
managed the Beaufort Polo Club – where Prince Charles
has played. Decided to get a “real” job, but this year he
also played for Scotland, beating England nine to five.
Conquests Two big loves in the past.
Haunts Iglu or the Opal Lounge when socialising, or the
Dundee and Perth Polo Club on a Wednesday night – Nick
is one of the highest-ranked players on the Scotland squad.
Pluses Just think about those thighs…
Minuses A keen sportsman who also skis and does a bit of
rock climbing, leaving precious little time for romance.
Do Admire his scar from a polo accident.
Don’t Call him a snob. A member of the landed gentry he
may be, but Nick couldn’t be more down-to-earth.
19
DEREK MARSHALL
CHEF, 36
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? Chef and partner at Gamba,
and winner of numerous catering
awards. His reputation as one of
Scotland’s best chefs was obvious at
one charity dinner, when someone
bid £10,000 to have Derek cook
in their home.
Conquests Nothing he’ll discuss.
Haunts Taking a busman’s holiday at Rogue in Edinburgh,
his favourite Scottish restaurant. He’s also a big movie
fan, so check the cinema queues.
Pluses The best breakfast in bed.
Minuses He works all the time. A hazard of the profession.
Do Cook for him, for a change.
Don’t Ask to see his six-pack. “It’s more of a bag of tatties at
the moment,” which he is fixing at the gym as we speak.
20
STEFAN KING
PUBLICAN AND PROPERTY MAGNATE, 40
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? One of Scotland’s biggest
private leisure operators. Since
taking over the pubs once under Ron
McCulloch’s Big Beat umbrella, his
G1 Group has continued to expand.
This year he added Tusk, Switchback,
the Edge, the Social (in Dundee and
Glasgow) to his belt, refurbished Babez and the
Corinthian, and added a second hotel in Aberdeen. He
has also turned Glasgow’s Grosvenor cinema into an
entertainment complex.
Conquests Your guess is as good as ours.
Haunts Any of his own watering holes.
Pluses Dinners, drinks and visits to glamorous hotels.
Minuses Stefan rarely has the time to enjoy himself.
Do Tell him about your inspired, original idea for a new bar.
Don’t Pick a fight about the Grosvenor cinema. The
conversion of the 1920s art deco building has been
controversial and plagued by protests from locals.
21
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19
20
GREIG SCOTT
BUSINESSMAN, 42
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? Deals with international
real estate for NCR, an American
company. Because he’s such a man
of mystery, we’re no clearer on this
than we were last year, but we’re
certain it involves jet-setting.
Conquests He meets plenty of highflying
businesswomen (and, one presumes, any number of
comely flight attendants) but no one has caught him yet.
Haunts Atop a mountain peak in Utah – he’s going ice
climbing in December – or heliskiing in Alaska.
Pluses If you love to travel, he can make it possible. An
‘air mile millionaire,’ he’s happy to give away free flights.
Minuses He’s a season ticket holder for Celtic Park, so
if you hate football…
Do Be nice to his golden retriever, Storm.
Don’t Expect a lie-in. He works all hours and there’ll be
conference calls from 6:30am.
➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
13

NOVEMBER 9, 2003
14
22
NEW
DARREN FLETCHER
FOOTBALLER FOR MANCHESTER UNITED, 19
Lives Dalkeith.
Who he? A Scottish football prodigy,
Darren is a phenomenally talented
midfielder who turned professional in
February 2001. His star is on the
ascendant at Manchester United,
where he has played since catching
the eye of Sir Alex Ferguson. He has
been compared to David Beckham and Lothar Matthaus,
the captain of the 1990 German side that won the World
Cup. Will he give Scotland a chance of reaching Euro
2004? Here’s hoping.
Conquests At the tender age of 19, plenty lies ahead.
Haunts Old Trafford, obviously, or the Rowan Tree Bar
in Mayfield.
Pluses A salary of £400,000 a year, which he doesn’t
hesitate to splash out on his nearest and dearest – Darren
bought his sister a Mini Cooper for her 18th birthday.
Minuses His head is firmly on his shoulders at the
moment, but will fame and fortune lead him astray?
Do Say, “Great goal!”
Don’t Think it’s all Footballers’ Wives. Playing a real-life
Chardonnay isn’t the way to win Darren over.
23 NEW
CRAIG CHALMERS
SINGER, 22
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? Although failing to make
it to the final ten on Pop Idol, this
Corstorphine boy is en route to a
successful career. Nicky Chapman
admitted that judges felt he was
guaranteed success anyway. Craig
became interested in performing after
entering karaoke competitions on holiday, wowing the
crowds with Michael Jackson songs. Answering an ad for
a vocalist placed by strip group G Force, he became the
first non-stripper they hired in more than a decade. He
performs with them all over Edinburgh – clothes firmly on
– although he took time out to compete in Pop Idol and
has just finished touring with the other contestants.
Conquests Two long-term relationships since age 15.
Haunts Musical venues around the country.
Pluses Cute, charming, ambitious, he can take you out to
all the hippest parties before serenading you to sleep.
Minuses Did we mention ambitious? He’s an intelligent
self-promoter, so weekends are pretty full until 2010.
Do Make a donation. He gave all his profits from Pop Idol
appearances to the Moonbeam charity.
Don’t Mention VAT returns. As a self-employed
businessman, he hates poring over the books.
24
NEW
GRAEME NEILSON
FALCONER, 30
Lives Bearsden, Glasgow.
Who he? Graeme had embarked on a
career in the hotel industry when an
ex-girlfriend bought him a falconry
lesson. Despite a fascination with
birds of prey, he assumed that “only
very special people” were able to
work with them professionally. But
three and a half years ago he joined their ranks, after
binning work as duty manager at Turnberry Hotel. A year
ago he founded Strathblane Falconry, on the grounds of
the Strathblane Country House Hotel.
Conquests Several “love affairs” in the past.
Haunts You’re most likely to find him wandering the
countryside around Strathblane. Look for a small speck
in the sky following along after him.
Pluses It’s not just the falcons that are in great shape.
Minuses Graeme admits that spare time is a rarity, plus
he’s already in love with several other “birds”.
Do Tell it like it is. He’s a no-nonsense chap looking for a
down-to-earth gal. Oh, he prefers brunettes.
Don’t Become starstruck. Graeme’s served millionaires on
the Royal Scotsman train, and played golf with Michael
Douglas and Jack Nicholson during his hotel career, but
keeps quiet about any famous visitors to the falconry.
Cheers: Craig Harkness
(number 28) mixes business
with pleasure as brand
manager for Tennents
25
NEW
ATTA YAQUB
ACTOR/COUNSELLOR, 24
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? The unlikely star of Ken
Loach’s latest production, Ae Fond
Kiss, Atta’s only previous acting credit
was as the king of the jungle in a
school production of The Lion, the
Witch and the Wardrobe. A part-time
model since the age of 17, he has been
seen on the catwalk for Red Or Dead at London Fashion
Week and in campaigns for the Royal Bank of Scotland and
Cruise. Atta prizes his education above all else, however,
and studied for a BSc in technology and business studies at
Strathclyde, then a post grad in information management.
He works for a youth counselling agency, helping black
and ethnic children work through a range of problems,
from drug abuse to incest. He was head-hunted by the
organisation after they saw his work with the local football
team Glasgow Ansar – Arabic for ‘to help’. The group now
has sponsorship from local businesses, and has won oodles
of trophies at an amateur level.
Conquests One long-term relationship so far.
Haunts Wherever there’s “a good vibe, good music,
good company”.
Pluses Tall, dark and handsome, with a big heart.
There’s not an insincere bone in his body.
Minuses If his current CV is anything to go by, you’ll
soon have to compete with Hollywood’s A-list.
Do Take him out for sushi. Atta’s a recent convert and
can’t get enough.
Don’t Say you never want children.
26
NEW
DOUGIE ANDERSON
TELEVISION PRESENTER, 27
Lives London.
Who he? Co-presenter of Channel 4’s
RI:SE with Kate Lawler, every weekday
morning. It’s getting axed at the end of
the year, but Dougie has plenty of
projects up his sleeve, which –
surprise, surprise – he can’t give away
just yet. This involves more work for
Channel 4 and his own ideas for new TV shows. Since
graduating from Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh
with a degree in communication studies, Dougie has barely
paused for breath, presenting T in the Park for BBC
Scotland, a BBC2 music show, plus Boys & Girls and The
Game. Looks like there’s lots more to come.
Conquests Describes his history as “run of the mill”.
Haunts Catch him at a Hibs match or watching stand-up
comedy at any of the London clubs.
Pluses Showbiz hasn’t gone to his head.
Minuses Snap him up quick or he might disappear to NYC.
Do Say, “Wasn’t Columbo the best detective ever?”
Dougie’s such a fan he even wrote a song about him.
Don’t Squish him into a window seat. His lanky frame
causes massive problems on public transport and in the
cinema, so if he’s getting fidgety mid-film, you know why.
27 24 22
RICHARD MCLELLAND
DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE, 26
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? Richard markets Red Bull in
Scotland’s bars and nightclubs, which
might seem a strange career choice
for a former English and philosophy
student. Working for a company
called Liquide, his job takes him all
over, but lately he’s been doing a lot
of “cocktail consultancies”. You’ll more than likely find
him in places such as the Metropolitan bar, testing lethal
concoctions of champagne, vodka and Red Bull.
Conquests Currently single but this might not last –
he also featured as an ‘eligible’ in last month’s New
Woman magazine.
Haunts In Glasgow’s Rococo or Rogano, or, more
probably, at a Red Bull event. These take place
everywhere, from the Tall Ship in Glasgow harbour
to Austria’s ski slopes.
Pluses A cool pad: he has just bought a converted church,
which he describes as “old, but modern on the inside”.
Minuses Also a part-time model, so you’ll have to fight
off competition from numerous ‘laydees’.
Do Take him on a city break. He tries to head out of
Scotland at weekends to “do something different”, but
usually ends up in Manchester.
Don’t Ask him what kind of music he likes. Richard writes
and produces his own. Is it indie? Is it rock? Who knows?
He doesn’t.
PORTRAITS ALAN PEEBLES; IAN RUTHERFORD

30 38
PHILIP HOWARD
TRAVERSE THEATRE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, 40
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? The creative mind behind
the Traverse Theatre, currently
celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Philip trained at the Royal Court
Theatre in London before becoming
associate director at the Traverse in
1993, then artistic director from
1996. He has helped turn the theatre into a major player,
with a single-minded commitment to new writing and an
increased international profile. Philip himself directed
several Fringe Firsts and London transfers, and is about to
embark on Cuttin’ a Rug, the second part of John Byrne’s
infamous Slab Boys trilogy. An intelligent risk-taker, there
are few discussions about the future of the Scottish arts
scene that do not involve his input.
Conquests An international man of mystery – notoriously
loyal and private.
Haunts The new booths in the Traverse bar, slogging it out
at the Caledonian Hotel gym or flat on a table at Robert
Stone Therapeutics – “for the best massage ever”.
Pluses Philip’s stamina keeps him going into the wee small
hours. He is always energetic, lively and full of quietly
witty chat.
Minuses His success is due to hard work, and he is out of
town more and more with the Traverse’s increasingly
heavy touring schedule.
Do say “I really loved your last show!”
Don’t say “Are you casting for the next one?”
28
One to treasure: Jeremy
Gow (number 32) is one
of Scotland’s finest and
very modern antiques
restorers, who believes
antiques are there to be
enjoyed, not hidden away
24
CRAIG HARKNESS
BRAND MANAGER, 31
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? After joining Tennents as a
sales trainee seven years ago, Craig
has flourished. Now brand manager,
he was part of the team that launched
tripTych and enjoyed himself at this
year’s tenth T in the Park. Has also
been involved in creating the new
Tennents adverts, set in India and Iceland.
Conquests The odd fling this year, but still happily single.
Haunts Craig reckons he’s “settled down a bit”, and now
claims to favour the cinema or Café Gandalfi over a night
down the pub.
Pluses Tickets to any musical act going, and a cracking
sense of humour.
Minuses He’s currently trying to give up smoking and is
at the “fidgeting” stage.
Do Take him to the gym. Craig hasn’t been since February
and needs someone to lend him some willpower!
Don’t Forget to say “Awwwww”, when he flashes pictures
of his new nephew Aaron. He’s a very proud uncle.
29 26
AAMER ANWAR
LAWYER, 35
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? Works for Beltrami,
Scotland’s biggest criminal defence
firm. He has had what he calls a
controversial year, representing
everyone from alleged terrorists and
the Vampire, to asylum seekers at
Dungavel. Indeed, he is one of
Scotland’s premier human rights lawyers, and has been a
keen activist for the anti-war movement, representing all
the anti-war protesters arrested in Scotland this year.
Conquests He’s not giving much away. Every few months
Aamer’s mum asks when he’s going to settle down, so if
you do end up as his other half, you’ll have the most
grateful mother-in-law ever.
Haunts All over. On the slim chance that he’s not out
spreading the word, look for him at Glasgow’s Sub Club.
Pluses Instant legal advice and a brand new flat to share.
Minuses He’s on call 24/7.
Do Be his gym buddy. He has yet to use his membership.
Don’t Be a Tory.
31
NEW
CRAIG WRIGHT
SCOTLAND CRICKET CAPTAIN, 29
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? Like most men, Craig’s love
of cricket began when he was a wee
boy, but he’s lucky in that he’s
making a successful career from it
now that he’s grown up. After
graduating from Glasgow Caledonian
University, he spent four winters
playing and coaching in Australia. But he’s home now,
and as Scotland’s cricket captain, he’s gearing the team up
for the second season in the national cricket league next
summer, when he hopes they’ll gain World Cup
qualification – and, one day, international status. He’s also
the newly appointed marketing manager for Scottish
cricket, and as such is busy raising the sport’s profile. It
looks like he’s succeeding, since the team has just signed a
deal with Lloyds TSB Scotland.
Conquests “Nothing to write home about. Still waiting for
Kylie to knock at my door.”
Haunts If he isn’t on the cricket pitch he’ll be dividing his
time between Edinburgh and Glasgow, or popping home
to Arran to visit his parents.
Pluses Pimms, sunshine and the sound of leather on
willow – that’s what cricket’s all about, isn’t it?
Minuses Unless you’re a die-hard fan, you’ll be hard
pressed to catch his every game – the team has played in
Canada, Holland, Ireland and Sharjah, and the players
will be sweating it out in Dubai in February.
Do Offer him a round of golf. All that cricket means his
swing gets a little rusty.
Don’t Light up in front of him. This 6ft 4in sportsman is
extremely health-conscious (and rightly so) and won’t
appreciate a smoker.
➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
15

NOVEMBER 9, 2003
16
32
NEW
JEREMY GOW
ANTIQUES RESTORER, 38
Lives Forfar.
Who he? One of Scotland’s finest
antiques restorers, whose 18-year
career has seen him working in
Europe and Australia. Fluent in
French. Now based a little closer to
home, he divides his time between
restoration and teaching Britain’s
only ‘introduction to antiques’ course. Believes antiques
should be used, not locked away.
Conquests He’s keeping schtum.
Haunts Jeremy is in demand by museums and stately
homes around the country. You’re most likely to find
him in Forfar, however, where he lives just down the
road from his parents.
Pluses Ruggedly handsome, a passion for history, good
with his hands and isn’t short of gorgeous furniture.
Minuses Not so hot at other aspects of decorating. When
asked how he created the colour of his dining room, he
admitted, “I threw together all the paint I had left over.”
Do Admire his prized continental furniture.
Don’t Wax lyrical about the merits of Ikea.
33 32
JAMIE HERIOT MAITLAND
FILM PRODUCER AND ENTREPRENEUR, 25
Lives Moved “back to the land” this
year, to the family estate in Perthshire.
Who he? A cowboy with blue blood,
he spent a year on Australian ranches
and almost failed to return. After a
couple of years in the stockmarket,
he decided the rat race wasn’t for him
and is now forging a career in film
production and business. Among his rural development
initiatives, he is working on the creation of a UK centre for
extreme skateboarding and BMX-ing. He is still involved
in the world of horse training and plays polo regularly.
Conquests His is a life as yet untouched by any kind of
serious relationship. Admits he’s “not one to commit”.
Haunts Tends not to adopt one place for too long.
Pluses An easy-going lad who considers himself a good
listener, Jamie prefers to find a woman who’s also a pal.
Minuses He treasures his time alone and can be a
little unpredictable, so don’t try holding him to a
romantic schedule.
Do Say, “Let’s go to Outer Mongolia this weekend.”
There’s nothing Jamie likes better than spontaneity.
Don’t Say, “Let’s move to London.” He’s far too in love
with the Scottish countryside.
34
27
OLI NORMAN
ENTREPRENEUR, 26
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? An entrepreneur whose
company, Dada, holds the golden
ticket for all the glamorous
gatherings in the UK. Originally a law
graduate from Edinburgh University,
Oli worked as a lawyer, then took off
to Singapore and Thailand, where he
worked in a shipping company handling multi-milliondollar
takeovers. Back in Scotland, he became an ideas
man with Ideal World Productions, creating and writing
programmes for television before setting up his own
company. Dada now conducts many of the major launch
parties throughout Scotland. Oli’s stamp on an event is a
sure recipe for a venue’s success.
Conquests “None of your business. Modesty is a virtue.”
Haunts “It’s who you’re with, not where you are.”
Pluses Access to the hottest parties in town, with a
successful, charming gent as your date.
Minuses Unsociable working hours and competition
from beautiful socialites.
Do Say, “Were you on TV?” Oli was a contestant on Five’s
series The Mole, and keeps in touch with his team mates.
Don’t Be scared of exercise. The best way to spend time
with Oli is to join him when he’s indulging in a bit of
snowboarding in Glencoe or kite surfing in Spain.
35
NEW
JEREMY PURVIS
MSP, 29
Lives Galashiels, in his constituency –
Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale.
Who he? Cutting a stylish dash in
the chamber, he is Scotland’s bestdressed
MSP, with sharp-tailored suits
and a neat line in ties from Turnbull
and Asser. Has worked in London and
Brussels, and is a former aide to Sir
David Steel. With business partner Sam McEwan, he set
up and ran a communications consultancy in Edinburgh
before being elected to the Scottish Parliament this May,
for the Lib Dems. He is the youngest constituency MSP.
His other passions are classic cars – he drives a 1972
Jensen Interceptor – and painting, which he calls “the best
way of getting away from it all”.
Conquests Too much of a gent to say.
Haunts The city’s art galleries and fine local restaurants.
Pluses His star is on the rise. He also has a quirky sense of
humour and impeccable taste. Spend weekends touring
the countryside before settling in to good home cooking.
Minuses Divides his time between the Borders and
Edinburgh, so you’ll only get him for half the week – plus
you have to share him with 50,000 constituents.
Do Fake an interest in classic cars.
Don’t Say, “What’s a Jensen Interceptor?”
36
NEW
JOHN MITCHELL
FARMER, 24
Lives Lanarkshire.
Who he? Runs a 3,000-acre farm
with his brother and dad. Early
diversification helped along a
successful farm business, which
includes Scotland’s first wind farm.
But his talents stretch beyond the
farm gate – at this year’s Young
Farmers Talent Quest he sang and danced in front of
3,000 people and won the award for best individual.
Conquests A ladies’ man by nature, he’s still looking for
the right gal to share his life on the farm.
Haunts Catch him wakeboarding on Loch Lomond, on a
night out in Glasgow or Edinburgh, or in Chamonix.
Pluses A natural entertainer with his feet on the ground.
Minuses John’s driving might leave you a little queasy.
Do Buy him a bottle of Buckfast. He is from
Lanarkshire, after all.
Don’t Expect to get him via mobile phone. It’ll be lost
in the fields somewhere.
37 35
NICK HADDOW
PHOTOGRAPHER, 36
Lives London.
Who he? The international fashion
photographer is famous for stopping
traffic in Edinburgh with his risqué
Goddard campaign. Last month he
broke into British Vogue – having
already worked for its Australian,
Greek and Spanish counterparts. He
is best friends with Laura Bailey, but despite finding his
life glamorous, hasn’t forgotten his Glasgow roots.
Conquests Too busy behind the camera to catch the eye
of anyone special.
Haunts Try the tennis court. He plays three times a week.
Pluses A great party-goer who will burn up the dancefloor.
Minuses Can you match him for fashion? Nick shops for
clothes in Harvey Nichols and Selfridges or in New York.
Do Be naughty – he loves cheeky chappies. And a bottle
of Italian red wine will go down a treat.
Don’t Say, “Shall we have a look in British Homes Stores?”
38 29
COLIN BARR
BAR OWNER, 43
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? Colin has an eye for spotting
a niche in the market, and has been
setting trends in Glasgow’s bars for
more than a decade. His Republic
Bier Halles, two European-style
eating and drinking venues in
Glasgow, will be joined by a third,
PORTRAIT IAN RUTHERFORD

Pluses Happy, easy-going and sociable, Roger can cook
you dinner in a castle, take you climbing the Stelvio Pass
in the Alps, or pour you champagne in his seaside cottage.
Minuses You’ll have to compete with his near-obsession
for all things motor-related, and environmentalists in
particular should steer clear, as “they would have to be
very broad-minded to accept eight mpg on race days”. Oh,
and his taste in interior design may leave something to be
desired. Roger is still hoping that 1980s kitchens and
purple bathrooms will make a comeback.
Do Compliment him on his roaring engines. Roger
currently owns a BMW motorsport car and a bright
yellow Ducati SuperLight motorbike.
Don’t Say “What was that noise?” Roger lives in a haunted
tower at Finavon Castle, and is good friends with the
ghosts sharing his space.
41 NEW
on Sauchiehall Street, next March. But his latest venture
is Salty Dog, a new cocktail bar and restaurant serving
“beach-style seafood” that’s due to open in Princes Square
on 27 November. He has fingers in a few other pies too,
with property in Aberdeen and Edinburgh.
Conquests Since separating from wife and fellow eligible
Kelly Cooper, Colin has remained single, and settling
down again is really “the last thing” on his mind.
Haunts The Republic, Bloody Mary’s or the Zinc bar.
Pluses A keen chef, Colin will cook every night of the
week if you let him. A favourite is baked sea bass with
rosemary, sea salt and lemon.
Minuses It’s hard to keep him from talking about work.
Do Compliment him. He has lost two and a half stone
this year – although he is still partial to the odd pint
of Staropramen.
Don’t Ask to have a quiet night in. Having been a “social
recluse” for the past two years, Colin is back in action.
39
NEW
BRENDAN SUGARS
CHEF, 30
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? Head chef at Fishers in the
City, in Edinburgh. Brendan
(otherwise known as Dan) is a
Geordie, but came to Fishers six years
ago from a job in the Borders, working
at Tillmouth Park Hotel in Coldstream.
He’s been at the branch on Thistle
Street since its opening two and a half years ago. This year
the restaurant was runner-up for best newcomer of the
year, awarded by the Scottish Chefs Association.
Conquests “Not too bad” a love life, with one or two
serious relationships in the past.
Haunts Watching football – he’s a big Newcastle fan. You
Fast mover: Psychiatrist
Roger A Blake (number 39)
lives in a haunted castle and
has a penchant for racing cars
might catch him doing the odd cooking demonstration,
but he’s too shy to tackle very many.
Pluses Beautifully prepared food whenever you want it.
Minuses When will you see him? Brendan works every
weekend and three or four nights a week.
Do Ask about Thailand. He’s heading there on a
three-week holiday, and has been upping his chilli
tolerance in anticipation of a strong red curry.
Don’t Stare. He still finds the open-plan kitchen at
Fishers a tad off-putting.
40 NEW
ALAIN BAXTER
ROGER A BLAKE
PSYCHIATRIST, 32
Lives Finavon Castle, Angus.
Who he? Now working in Tayside as a
psychiatrist for older people suffering
from dementia, depression and
schizophrenia, Roger landed his first
job while still at school. He moved
from the peat bogs, through the
cheese factory, past bar-tending to
Edinburgh medical school, where he trained as a general
practitioner. He became a member of the Royal College of
Psychiatrists earlier this year. A man of many names –
Dr Dodge, the Admiral, Baron Blake of Finavon – Roger
breaks the stereotype for his profession by being a bit of
party animal, and is always up for “revelry” with friends
who share his need for speed down at the racetrack.
Conquests Has had “various and diverse” relationships
and remains open-minded about finding his Mr Right.
Haunts Any racetrack in the country. You’ll often spot him
through clouds of smoke at Crail drag strip or in the sand
traps at Knockhill. “Any pub nearby is also a fair bet.” Has
also been seen silently drifting through Kelty town centre
after running out of petrol on occasion.
ROLLO CAMPBELL
TRAIN DRIVER, 28
Lives Bedford.
Who he? Last year, Rollo jacked in a
high-flying job at a marketing agency
in London to become a train driver.
He hadn’t always hankered after
Thomas the Tank Engine, but city
life was getting him down and a
conversation over a pint led him to
Thameslink. He currently works a four-day week with five
days off every three weeks, allowing plenty of time for
him to dabble in property development and invest in art.
Conquests Several long-term relationships attest to the
fact that he’s not commitment-shy, though settling down
is looking iffy. “The older I get the harder it’s going to be.”
Haunts Born and bred in Midlothian, Rollo is fond of
Edinburgh. You’ll find him tucking into a plate of seafood
at Fishers or Skippers, or in a pub in the Old Town.
Pluses Not a workaholic. He’s more likely to whisk you up
a Munro or away skiing than volunteer for extra shifts.
Minuses As part of his year-long training scheme he still
has two eight-hour exams to get through.
Do Buy him a pug dog. He loves their crazy mannerisms.
Don’t Crack any Fat Controller jokes.
42 41
SKIER, 29
LivesAviemore.
Who he? Britain’s top alpine skier. The
son of a British ski-team couple, Alain
climbed on to his first set of skis at
the age of four. This year his Olympic
Bronze was reinstated by the Court of
Arbitration. With his sights on the
next Olympics, he’s training harder
than ever. Became the first Briton to win a Europa Cup -
skiing’s answer to the Champion’s League. Also appeared
in the BBC series Superstars. Tune in on November 20 to
catch what’s guaranteed to be a nail-biting final.
Conquests Alain’s a bit of a man-about-town.
Haunts Aviemore, the Cairngorm ski slopes or training in
Austria. He spent the summer skiing on Europe’s
shrinking glaciers and returned to the Alps to open his
World Cup campaign in Austria last month.
Pluses Incredibly fit, dedicated and well-travelled.
Minuses A punishing training regime.
Do Call him ‘the Highlander’. It’s a favourite nickname.
Don’t Deprive him of fresh air. He gets withdrawal
symptoms if he’s away from the mountains too long. ➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
17

That’s entertainment:
Not afraid to strut his stuff,
there’s more to farmer
John Mitchell (number 36)
than meets the eye
PORTRAIT ROBERT PERRY
43 NEW
BRAD STEVENS
BAR OWNER, EVENTS ORGANISER, 32
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? Serial entrepreneur who
started in sales and marketing on
newspapers. Went on to found a
clothing shop, then a publishing
company, he moved into event
management and during one festival,
organised a party notable for its array
of Asian food and drinks. From this, Glasgow’s Bar Soba
was born – now one of the city’s trendiest locales. Many
Glasgow venues follow in Soba’s footsteps and now in
those of the Local – his newest venue in the city centre.
Brad’s ambitions don’t stop there: he envisages continued
expansion throughout the UK. Expect big things. 46
Conquests “Let’s just say the job has its perks.”
NEW
Haunts His bars, and Sketch in London or China White. RICHARD BRAIDWOOD
Pluses One of Scotland’s wildest party boys.
Minuses Unsocial working hours.
Do Say, “Vodka Martini straight up with a twist.” Brad
prides himself on knowing everything about cocktails.
Don’t Take him on at pool. With a table in his apartment
and several in his bars, you may get more than you
bargained for.
44 NEW
ALEX BUCHANAN
JOURNALIST AND PUBLISHER, 26
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? A motoring writer and
freelance journalist. He and pal
Gordon Clark formed Drive Media,
and bought the magazine Catering In
Scotland. Their first issue is hot off the
press, and they’re launching the
Catering In Scotland awards.
Conquests Newly single; admits his workload is a problem.
Haunts Nipping out of his flat to borrow milk from Ricks
bar at 3am, or walking his dog in Queen Street Gardens.
Pluses You’ll cruise town in a spanking new car every
week – Alex test-drives them all the time.
Minuses Finding a window in his diary is tough.
Do Help train Jack, his beloved five-month-old Border
terrier puppy.
Don’t Scratch his Alfa Romeo.
45
44
MURRAY FARQUHARSON
BUSINESSMAN, 33
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? General manager of the
systems integration at Graham
Technology, Scotland’s largest
privately owned software company.
Conquests Engaged once but “failed
at the final hurdle”.
Haunts Glasgow’s west end or out on
the water. He spent last summer yacht racing, and took
part in the Rolex Fastnet Race. Or, scuba diving in Asia.
Pluses Affectionate and romantic, loves parties and travel.
Minuses Hasn’t “managed a quiet night in
this millennium”.
Do Be prepared to get wet.
Don’t Hassle him about the startlingly bright hue of his
kilt socks. Just don’t go there.
SOFTWARE ENGINEER, 28
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? Involved in the development
and support of the world’s number
one software for traffic planning,
Quadstone Paramics. Spends at least
three months of the year travelling.
Owns properties in the capital and is
contemplating buying in Spain.
Conquests “I don’t kiss and tell.”
Haunts His work involves socialising “in some of the best
restaurants and clubs in the world”.
Pluses Successful with a bit of a wild streak.
Minuses Is thinking of moving to New York.
Do Shake your thang. He’s involved in a re-mix group.
Don’t Say, “Did you see EastEnders?” He says, “TV is crap.”
AINSLIE HENDERSON
47 NEW
DANIEL BEE
PR GURU, 30
Lives Born Edinburgh, lives London.
Who he? Works for Avalon, which
manages, promotes and makes telly
for the likes of Jenny Éclair, Harry
Hill and David Baddiel. His big
project at the moment is the West End
run of Jerry Springer; the Opera, first
seen at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Pluses A charmer and a looker with great connections.
Minuses Surrounded by a bevy of beautiful babes.
Do Say, “Pass the haggis.” He throws a popular Burns
supper – the last was attended by Cat Deeley and
gatecrashed by Boy George.
50
Don’t Shout, “Foul!” He plays in a media football team. NEW
ALEX CLARKE
48 PHILOSOPHER, 27
NEW
RICHARD O’CONNOR
COMPANY DIRECTOR, 35
Lives Stockbridge, Edinburgh.
Who he? A founder of Scotland’s
second-largest entrepreneurial
network, he’s expanding the
Weentrepreneurs concept, and
hoping to branch out of the Central
Belt. He’s also a co-founder of
Ambergreen Internet Marketing, a
company that specialises in search engine marketing, and
he’s also a director of the software company Maximedia.
Conquests “I’m far too well brought up to kiss and tell.”
Haunts Bars near his George Street office.
Pluses Full of enthusiasm and a real lust for life, with
a wonderful sense of humour. And tall – 6ft 5in.
Minuses He might exhaust you.
Do Say, “Do you know...?” A social animal who’s very
well connected, Richard is bound to share some mutual
acquaintances with you.
Don’t Say, “I can’t.” There’s no such word as ‘can’t’
in Richard’s vocabulary.
49 NEW
SINGER/SONGWRITER, 24
Lives Brought up in Denholm, in the
Borders, but now lives in London.
Who he? Became a household name
last year by coming fourth in the first
series of BBC1’s Fame Academy.
Finishing his debut album, written
with Saul and Mark from the band
James, and is on the brink of signing
a new publishing deal. Definitely one to watch.
Conquests Recently split from long-term girlfriend.
Haunts Lives in Maida Vale but hangs out in Camden by
day and “nowhere too pretentious or swanky” by night.
Pluses Passionate and open.
Minuses Can be a real mummy’s boy, with a tendency
to want everything done for him. Plus, he is also
extremely forgetful.
Do Be honest. He hates people who aren’t straight
with him.
Don’t Say, “Are you that guy from Fame Academy?” and
expect him to make all the conversation from then on.
Lives London.
Who he? One of the few remaining
Scottish eccentrics, he spends as
much time as possible in his family
home, a 15th-century tower in the
Ettrick Valley writing screenplays.
Does a bit of modelling, too,
including posing for Mario Testino.
Conquests Still looking for Rapunzel.
Haunts Libraries in London and Edinburgh.
Do Ask him to tell you about Filthy McNasty’s, that great
creative cult bar in London. He used to work there.
Don’t Pry too much. There’s a lifetime of personal poetry
and diaries stashed away somewhere.
➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
19

Star turn: Despite interviewing
Hollywood celebs and attending
film premieres, Jenni Falconer
(number one) is still not averse
to a pint down the local

THE WOMEN
1
JENNI FALCONER, 27
TELEVISION PRESENTER
Lives London.
Who she? As co-presenter of GMTV’s Friday show
Entertainment Today, Jenni’s job involves interviewing the
top Hollywood stars. The Glaswegian’s first official
encounter was with Clint Eastwood, her best was Tom
Cruise and chances are she’ll have charmed the pants off
any big shot of the moment. It’s all thanks to her
appearance on Blind Date in 1994, which led the former
language student to a series of jobs in television. She’s
presented Big Country, Holiday, We Can Work It Out and
Drop the Celebrity and was posted Down Under to give
daily GMTV reports on this year’s I’m a Celebrity – Get Me
Out Of Here.
Conquests Justin Timberlake famously asked her out live
on air and gave her his number – but she was going out
with someone else at the time and turned him down.
With that two-year relationship now behind her, she’s
2
1
NEW
DAWN STEELE
ACTRESS, 28
Lives Glasgow
Who she? We know and love Dawn as
Lexie, the housekeeper-turned-Lady
in Monarch of the Glen. The Sunday
night series has gone from strength
to strength, routinely attracting
some eight million viewers. Keen to
move on from her role as ‘sexie
Lexie,’ Dawn’s been busy broadening her portfolio with
other projects too. Her recent BBC series, The Key, a
Scottish historical drama penned by the redoubtable
Donna Franceschild, in which she played union leader
Mary Corrigan, received critical acclaim. Not content to
rest on her laurels, she’s also branching into theatre, and
appears in John Byrne’s The Slab Boy Trilogy at
Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre from November until
January. “I want to get that fright again,” she says,
“where you’re standing at the edge of the stage
absolutely sh**ing yourself before you go on and
wondering why you put yourself through it.”
Conquests Archie, Laird of Glenbogle? You mean, it’s not
real life?
Haunts Bamboo, St Judes and Cube. When she’s not
holed up in Ardverikie Estate in Invernesshire filming
Monarch, Dawn is quite the holiday jet-setter. She’s just
returned from a safari in Kenya. Last year’s big
destination was Australia.
Pluses Free haircuts – Dawn used to work in a
hairdressing salon.
Minuses Monarch of the Glen means she’s based in a
Portakabin in the Highlands for seven months of the
year. Long term, she’s planning to move to London.
Do Buy her a Justin Timberlake CD. She’s a major fan
and even named her car after him. And do tip
generously – like all the best actresses, Dawn used to
work in a restaurant (Glasgow’s Rogano) and knows
first hand what it’s like to be a waitress.
Don’t Miss the opportunity to show her around
Edinburgh now she’s performing at the Traverse. Having
lived and worked in Glasgow for most of her life, Dawn’s
new to the capital.
enjoying every minute of singledom, although she claims
her younger brother “has more success than me”.
Haunts Premières, launches and VIP parties are part and
parcel of the job, but she’s not averse to a pint in her local
either. When in Glasgow, she’ll head to mate Kelly
Cooper’s bar or to Quigley’s, Fire Bird and a selection of
drinking holes along Byres Road.
Pluses Gorgeous with a figure to die for. Being a bit of a
sports fanatic obviously helps – an hour on the ski
machine and a 5km run form part of her daily routine.
Minuses She’s go, go, go and you’ll have to match her for
speed. Black marks if you take longer to get ready than
she does and woe betide you if you need your hand held
at a party.
Do Buy her something red. Jenni’s superstitious and
believes it brings her luck.
Don’t Ask who was her favourite interviewee. She can’t
stand the question. And if you’re eating crisps, do it very,
very quietly.
RI:SE and shine: Nothing stops TV presenter Edith Bowman (number four)
3 NEW
SUSIE STODDART
RACING DRIVER, 20
Lives Born and bred in Oban and
based in Northampton – to be near
Silverstone, naturally.
Who she? The world’s top female
racing driver. Last month, Susie made
headlines when she became the first
woman to make the final of the
McLaren Autosport award, the most
prestigious young drivers’ competition in the UK –
designed to find the F1 stars of tomorrow. She’s now
taking part in the British Formula Renault Championship,
the most competitive single-seater championship in the
world. Susie also advises leading car manufacturers such
as Mercedes, Audi and Vauxhall on their new models, testdrives
new models and gives presentations at launches. It
all started when she was just eight, after her dad gave her
a couple of laps kart racing at Knockhill – and now there’s
no stopping her.
Conquests Too busy burning rubber to have a boyfriend,
but she’s not ruling it out.
Haunts Oban’s seafood restaurant Eusk and Mondo’s
nightclub.
Pluses Life’s not all jumpsuits and high-speed cars. Join
her for a holiday on the beach in Dubai or Majorca and on
the ski slopes in Val Thorens.
Minuses During racing season she’s a reluctant teetotaller.
But you could buy her a drink next month, when she’ll be
going wild for her 21st birthday party on December 6 –
the day before the winner of the McLaren Autosport
award is announced.
Do Play Christina Aguilera’s ‘Fighter’ or Madonna’s ‘Ray of
Light’. Both hit the spot.
Don’t Race her. Susie has her sights set on Formula 1 by
2006. You’ll fare better behind the wheel of her Golf TDI.
4 NEW
EDITH BOWMAN
TV AND RADIO PRESENTER, 28
Lives Despite being born in Fife and studying at Queen
Margaret University College in Edinburgh, she has
relocated to London for work.
Who she? If you missed her on Channel 4’s breakfast show
RI:SE, and you’re not currently tuning into her Radio One
show, then you’re surely bound to make her acquaintance
when she hosts Channel 4’s upcoming show Ex-Rated, a
clone of Temptation Island. Since leaving RI:SE, she’s
going from strength to strength, receiving strong reviews
and settling in for a long career in media.
Conquests Edith’s private life mostly stays that way.
The only real exception is her friendship with Kylie’s
ex, James Gooding. Despite the rumours, she maintains
that they are “just good friends”.
Haunts She’s constantly on the run, engaging in weird and
wacky stunts to drum up the figures for her radio show.
You’ll definitely have seen her at Glastonbury.
Pluses Somebody who knows what she wants, she’s got
the charisma and looks to be a television presenter, plus
the charm and wit to hold her own on the radio. And she
definitely knows how to have fun, as the photos of her
larking about with The Darkness clearly prove.
Minuses Another one who’s wedded to her job. Goodness
knows where her career will take her next, but she won’t
hesitate for a moment when the next opportunity opens up.
Do Say something that’s both outrageous and amusing.
Don’t Ask about her friendship with Cat Dealy. They’re
sick of all the lesbian rumours, and remain best mates. ➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
23

NOVEMBER 9, 2003
24
5 NEW
9 NEW
ALISON MCRAE
ZEVI WATMOUGH
TV PRESENTER, 33
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? Born in Aberdeen and
raised in the Highlands, Zevi is one of
the biggest successes to emerge from
the BBC New Talent Competition of
2000. Graduating from Edinburgh
University with a degree in English,
she was working in recruitment when
the BBC named her a finalist, so she chucked her job to
work at the Press & Journal’s Inverness office. It was there
that she heard she had won. Within months, she was
presenting Artwork Scotland. Zevi has covered the goings
on backstage at Scottish Opera’s Wagner Ring Cycle,
attended the Venice Biennale and, by the time you read
this, will have done a live broadcast from the MTV Europe
awards in Edinburgh. She also joined The Art Show on
BBC Radio Scotland last year.
Conquests Believes she will meet ‘the one’ when the time Good karma: Marketing consultant Helen Briggs (number 43) does yoga every day
is right, and has been single now for over two years.
Haunts Loves socialising over dinner at the Tower in
Edinburgh or Rogano in Glasgow, and attends art 7
openings all the time.
NEW
Pluses You’re ensured tickets to all the latest cultural RACHAEL STIRLING
events with a slim, sassy brunette on your arm.
ACTRESS, 26
Minuses Known for her “very healthy appetite”, so eat fast
Lives London.
or her fork will come creeping over to your plate.
Who she? You’ll remember her from
Do Send flowers; Zevi’s a sucker for bright pink roses.
Tipping the Velvet, which made her
Don’t Insist on talking about a film the second you leave
every gay woman’s pinup. Has also
the cinema. One of Zevi’s favourite ways to unwind is to
starred in Five Little Pigs, a Hercule
visit the cinema, and her pet hate is people who begin
Poirot TV drama screening on 30
dissecting the show as soon as it’s over.
November (“it’s brilliant – I get
hanged”), and the yet-to-be-released
6 Framed, a dark, controversial film about paranoia. Now
NEW
LINDSAY BANNERMAN
BUSINESSWOMAN, 30
Lives Glasgow.
Who she One of Scotland’s most
influential businesswomen. Born in
Glasgow, she was educated in Hong
Kong, Durham and at Newcastle
University before working her way up
the sales ladder in the personal
finance industry. She set up the
websites CallCentreVoice.com and ContactSkillsVoice.com,
providing a forum for those involved in the call centre
business. Noting a gap in the market, she launched
NewBusinessVoice.com 18 months ago, a forum for
discussing ideas and “war” stories. Customised versions
have been produced for such organisations as the Scottish
Law Society and the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and
Stelios Haji-Ioannou of Easyjet fame is a regular visitor to
the site. She recently became the youngest ever director on
the board of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, and
picked up the award for New Business of the Year at the
National Business Awards of Scotland.
Conquests Single for just over 12 months.
Haunts BamBu, Opus, the Attic or the Dining Room.
Learning to sail, so check out the Clyde on sunny days.
Pluses Friends don’t call her “the networking queen” for
nothing. You’re guaranteed quality laughs and chat, plus
at 6ft tall, she’s “no retiring wallflower”.
Minuses You’ll have to make an appointment to see her.
Do Keep your passport up to date – after living in the
Orient for six years, Lindsay returns as often as possible.
Don’t Cook her crème brûlée. She creates new recipes to
relax, but also out of necessity, due to lactose intolerance.
performing in Wilde’s A Woman Of No Importance in
London until January, in order to learn from seasoned
pros such as Prunella Scales and Samantha Bond. Not
that she needs much expert guidance – a history of art
graduate from Edinburgh University, Rachael gets sound
advice from her mother, Dame Diana Rigg. Her father is
the Scottish landowner Archie Stirling.
Conquests Recently split with her soulmate and boyfriend
of two years, DJ John Lycett Green.
Haunts Los Angeles from January – until then, try her
dressing room at the Theatre Royal or her Victorian
cottage in west London, which she’s busy decorating.
Pluses A Hollywood star in the making, she took several
months off after Tipping the Velvet, claiming that “life
outside work is just as important”.
Minuses Since wearing nought but bodypaint and a dildo
for TTV, she has had to fend off many dubious offers.
Do Take her riding. She’s a natural.
Don’t Call her Tiff. She’s mistaken for actress Martine
McCutcheon all the time.
10 NEW
CLAIRE BRADY
8 NEW
PORTIA SIMPSON
GAMEKEEPER, 24
Lives Aberdeen, for now.
Who she? One of Scotland’s few
female gamekeepers. Spent two years
working at the Ardverikie estate
(which features in Monarch of the
Glen) and just finished a stag season
at Letterewe estate in Carn More,
near Inverness. Starting work at
Conholt estate, west of London. Modelling also beckons.
Portia has been asked to endorse Barbour clothing.
Conquests Nothing to speak of.
Haunts Crawling across sodden heather.
Pluses Drab? Nah. She always wears make-up.
Minuses No chance to impress her with fine wining and
dining. Her most recent accommodation lacked electricity,
and she bunked down to read each night by candlelight.
Do Cook her venison, which she adores. And be outdoorsy.
Don’t Be queasy. Disembowelling deer is part of the job.
And no smelly feet, she hates that in a man.
PR, 33
Lives West End, Glasgow.
Who she Originally from Dunoon,
Alison has had a wide and varied
existence. She became the first
woman to study architecture at
Trinity College, Cambridge, before
working in tourism – she pioneered
Sail Scotland and the Argyll &
Islands Food Initiative, among other projects. Oh, and
she studied e-commerce at Harvard University. She
spends much of her spare time racing yachts around the
Scottish coast, and two years ago left the security of a
well-paid job to go diving in Australia. Upon her return,
she set up Blue Toucan, an arts and tourism project
management company.
Conquests A few long-term relationships, but no one has
impressed her enough to distract her from work.
Haunts Always “trying out new places”, but favours the
Wee Chip in Glasgow, and the Living Room in Edinburgh.
Or catch her at any of the major sailing events.
Pluses Energetic and ambitious, Alison is an adventurer in
the truest sense of the word. You’ll never be bored.
Minuses Alison hasn’t achieved her goals by doing things
by halves, and maintains extremely high standards for
herself and others.
Do say “Voulez-vous couchez avec…” Alison is proficient
in French, and has been described by friends as the
“Scottish Sophia Loren”.
Don’t Be afraid to try new things. Alison is an
accomplished musician and an aspiring artist, practices
yoga regularly and recently started dance classes.
SOCIAL ENTERPRISE DEVELOPER, 29
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? Arrived in Edinburgh from
England, ten years ago to study
psychology. She fell in love with the
city, graduated with a 2:1 and landed
a job as a department research
associate. She earned an MSc in
human ecology, writing her thesis on
people’s psychological relationship with nature, using
Arthur’s Seat as the subject matter. Was business manager
for Robin Harper MSP before taking her current job with
Community Business Scotland Network on the Bridge to
Social Economy project. Has held many posts in charitable
organisations and runs a monthly networking event for
people interested in sustainability issues. Recently
awarded a Donella Meadows Fellowship award for her
work in sustainable development. Not surprisingly, she is
heavily involved with the Scottish Green Party, and
handled the production of their manifesto during the last
PORTRAITS IAN MACNICOL; GAVIN RODGERS

election – all on top of her full-time job. Also an
accomplished piano player and artist.
Conquests Claire’s last serious relationship was more than
four years ago. A few “flings” since but no one special.
Haunts Loves wandering up and down Arthur’s Seat, to
“breathe the mountain air”, but try the Bongo Club in the
evenings. She recently appeared there as the incognito
piano player La Mysterieuse.
Pluses She’s intelligent, beautiful, talented, and a
passionate campaigner for ecological and social justice
with a wide circle of friends in high places.
Minuses You’ll have to offer more excitement than any of
the above to commandeer this girl’s time.
Do Keep fit. Claire fractured three vertebrae during a
snowboarding accident and now practises yoga and
walks at least four miles a day.
Don’t Say, “Slow down!”
KEIRA MACDOUGALL
ENTREPRENEUR, 27
Lives West end, Glasgow.
Who she? The daughter of a Scottish
entrepreneur, Keira has inherited her
father’s get up and go, and was
educated at Dollar Academy before
gaining a degree in marketing. The
owner of KJM Management, a
specialist legal and pharmaceutical
recruitment company, she also runs an events/training
company and is a major shareholder in one of the UK’s
largest financial software houses. A finalist for this year’s
Young Entrepreneur of the Year award and a finalist in the
Rachael Stirling (number
seven) wore just gold
paint in a recent TV role
11 NEW
Naked ambition: Actress
Shell Live Wire Business Growth Challenge. Has also
raised over £100,000 for charity over the last six years.
Conquests Couldn’t possibly say as she’d “get into too
much trouble”, but is “not averse to finding Mr Right”.
Haunts In the VIP section of the Tiger Tiger club, Bar
Budda in Glasgow or the Living Room in Edinburgh. On
the party A list, and attends many black-tie charity events.
Pluses Knows all the right people. Good fun, always up for
a laugh and will try anything once.
Minuses Constantly buzzing with ideas, so you will
undoubtedly come second to the wonderful world of
entrepreneuring. This gal’s just getting started.
Do Make her laugh and try to surprise her. And you need
to keep fit, she is in the gym at 6.45am every morning.
Don’t say How much you’re worth. Keira finds it “soooo
off-putting – if I want something I will work to be able
to get it myself!”
➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
25

12 NEW
ROSIE KANE
MSP, 42
Lives Glasgow, where she’s an MSP
for the Scottish Socialist Party.
Who she? None other than the gal
sworn in to parliament in – gasp! –
jeans. She’s the MSP sentenced to
community service for protesting
against nuclear submarines at
Faslane. She’s the MSP who protested
against swearing allegiance to the queen and wrote on
her palm, “My oath is to the people” when she was sworn
in. She’s the MSP who wants us to stop using the word
‘ned’ because it’s hurtful and disrespectful. She’s the MSP
who protested against ill-treatment of asylum seekers at
Dungavel and in Berlin, and took an asylum seeker into
her home. And she’s the MSP who appeared in The Vagina
Monologues at the Fringe. One thing she’s not is meek,
mild and quiet. Well, she wasn’t until September, when
doctors ordered her to lower the volume a little, or
permanently damage her vocal cords.
Conquests Rosie’s love life is not open to the public, but
she has two daughters from a previous relationship.
Haunts When not in parliament, you’ll find her protesting
at Dungavel, Faslane or anywhere else that triggers her
sense of injustice. She has already declared that the
community service she’s currently doing won’t stop her
returning to future demonstrations against Trident.
Pluses Strong social conscience, always willing to help
people, and always has something fascinating to discuss.
Minuses Passionate, yes, intellectual, no. Rosie admits to
having only ever read five books – and she can get a bit
carried away when you disagree with her.
Do Tell her how much you care.
Don’t Tell her it’s the Conservatives you care about.
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
26
13 8
RHONA CAMERON
COMEDIENNE, 38
Lives London.
Who she? Musselburgh born and bred,
this comedienne has been riding the
wave of her success in I’m a Celebrity,
Get Me Out of Here! and we’ve seen
her as the narrator in the Rocky
Horror Show and as a guest on Friday
Night with Jonathan Ross and Ant &
Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. A performance as Judy
Garland on Stars in Their Eyes was followed by The
Luvvies, a spoof award show for LWT, and a second series
of game show Russian Roulette. She has been touring
extensively to sold-out crowds. It’s all part of promoting
her autobiographical book 1979: A Big Year in a Small
Town, based on her teenage diaries. Candid and revealing,
it discusses her sexuality, being bullied and sexually
assaulted, and the death of her beloved adoptive father.
Conquests The infamous relationship with Sue Perkins – of
Mel and Sue – is well over, and Rhona is happily single.
Haunts Book now for her next Scottish performance at
Glasgow’s Tramway Theatre at the end of November.
Pluses Intensely loyal, passionate and affectionate
underneath the rough exterior, but…
Minuses …has a prickly temper and aggressive nature.
Do say “Nice shoes.” She believes it is important to look
good on stage, and after a long quest is ecstatic over
finding the perfect footwear for those stints of standing.
Don’t Ask her about 1969, when she was crowned the
Rosebud Princess. Stop sniggering – she was only four!

Twinkle toes: Dancer Diana
Loosmore (number 17)
wants to snare a Scotsman
– one who doesn’t mind
her singing in her sleep
14
NEW
MORAG CALDER
ACTRESS, 26
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? Plays nurse Ruth Rossi in
BBC1’s River City. Not long ago she
was a real A&E nurse in Glasgow’s
Victoria Infirmary. She applied to be
an extra and “fell into acting”,
claiming it’s “the best job” and,
“a million times better than nursing”.
Conquests Single for the last two and a half years.
Haunts Out most weekends with Tony and Alison, her
colleagues on River City, at Tusk in Shawlands, Bamboo,
and the Metropolitan bar for cocktails.
Pluses This bubbly brunette from Barra is lots of fun.
Minuses She’ll ruin all the good bits in ER and Casualty
by pointing out any inaccuracies.
Do Take her somewhere hot. This year she’s been to
Palma, Corfu and on a Caribbean cruise.
Don’t Hog the remote control. It’s a pet hate.
15 5
disaffected teenagers.
Don’t Ask for film premiere invites.
17 NEW
DIANA LOOSMORE
DANCER, 29
Lives Glasgow’s west end.
Who she? A modern dancer with the
Scottish Ballet, the sunny Aussie has
danced her way from Brisbane and
Sydney to London, and arrived in
Glasgow at the start of the year.
Conquests Single, but excited by the
prospect of snagging herself a wee
Scottish lad – preferably dark and unshaven.
Haunts Air Organic for breakfast, lunch and dinner (does
this girl cook?) and Oblomov for a sneaky glass of wine
after work. As for a coffee fix, try the Offshore Café.
Pluses Extremely loveable, feisty, funny and always right.
Minuses A tendency to sing the wrong lyrics to songs
when she’s fast asleep.
Do Keep her laughing, call her, bake her a cake and paint
her a picture.
Don’t Try too hard.
PORTRAIT IAN MACNICOL
DIANE MAIN
ARTIST, 35
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? A fine artist and creative
spirit extraordinaire. Her paintings
have wide inspirations, “from the
looming landscape of the skies, to
psychedelic colour blips”. Teaches life
drawing and painting at Glasgow
School of Art, and has been working
on interior design projects and a range of children’s
T-shirts. Summer holidays were spent at the Findhorn
community, but the highlight was visiting Peru, where
she walked the Inca Trail, camped in the City Above the
Clouds, and practised her fire-dancing skills.
Conquests Divorced from comedian Phil Kay, she enjoyed
“a lovely friendship with a Dutch gentleman”, but is too
busy for anything serious.
Haunts Prefers visiting friends to heading out on the town.
Pluses A laid-back, funky, quirky woman.
Minuses You may become just one more project.
Do Swot up on the Himalayas. She’s keen to visit soon.
Don’t Mention interest rates, as Diane is currently in the
process of selling her house.
16 28
GILLIAN BERRIE
FILM PRODUCER, 37
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? Producer and co-founder of
Sigma films. Her biggest triumph to
date was working as associate
producer on Young Adam. She also
runs casting agency Big Fish, and
founded Film City Glasgow, a “media
cluster development” that will provide
space for Scottish film-makers and facility companies.
Conquests “Mind your own business.”
Haunts Cannes, of course, but when she’s home look for
her in the Kelly Cooper Bar.
Pluses She works hard and plays hard, she’s one of the boys.
Minuses Never chills out, always on the go.
Do Volunteer. She runs Starfish, a charitable organisation
providing access to media and film facilities for
18 NEW
COLETTE SADLER
CHOREOGRAPHER, 29
Lives Glasgow and Paris.
Who she Recent recipient of an SAC
Creative Scotland Award, to “explore
and redefine the boundaries between
visual art and new dance”, she’s a
choreographer, performer and
teacher. A freelance dancer since
1995, she won a place with the
acclaimed Spanish-based Vincente Saez Company,
becoming the first Scot to do so. Fluent in French and
Spanish, she toured with them for three years, also making
her first dance film. On her return, she founded Body
Document, which has performed at the Tramway and the
Festival Fringe. Now preparing a solo show for the
international festival the National Review of Live Art.
Conquests Has dated a variety of men – a photographer,
an architect, and a Sylvester Stallone lookalike.
Haunts Café de l’Industrie, Paris, where she is working.
Pluses As a dancer, Colette is in great shape, and
recommends using the occupation as a chat-up line, as
“it really gets men’s imaginations going”.
Minuses You’ll have to be equally fit to keep up.
Do Invite her for a spin on your Harley – she’s a sucker for
a man on a motorbike.
Don’t say “I’d like you to meet my mum…” Her experience
with Spanish men and their mums means that she has
had her fill of controlling mamas.
19 NEW
KAHLEEN CRAWFORD
CASTING DIRECTOR, 24
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? The youngest casting
director ever, she works at Big Fish
Casting. A graduate of Glasgow
University’s film and television
department, her portfolio includes
Young Adam, Wilbur Wants to Kill
Himself, and the second series of ➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
27

NOVEMBER 9, 2003
28
➤ Book Group. Now working with Ken Loach.
Conquests Three wonderful, stable relationships, but
currently single.
Haunts King Tut’s, the Riverside Club and CCA in Glasgow.
Pluses Catch her in action at a hip hop dance class.
Minuses She’s always scanning crowds for new faces.
Do Pledge your support – and a couple of million quid, if
you’ve got it – to Scottish films.
Don’t Lose your temper in an audition. She and Des were
nearly attacked when an actor got “exceedingly angry
over a misunderstanding”. Happily, he calmed down.
20
NEW
TANYA BUCHANAN
PHOTOGRAPHER, 29
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? Helps run Sporting Estates,
which stage manages weekend parties
in Scottish castles and country houses,
with George Goldsmith. Over the
years she has played host to Atomic
Kitten, Blue, Gary Barlow and brands
such as Rolex. Now organising venues
for next year’s golf Open at St Andrews. Briefly worked as a
model, gracing such glossies as Harpers & Queen and
Country Life. Named one of Elle’s 50 most beautiful women.
Conquests Separated last November, but snap her up
quickly, because she admits that “people have started to
come out of the woodwork”..
Haunts A passionate rider, you’ll find Tanya charging
around John Muir Country Park or along an East Lothian
beach every day after work. She has qualified for the
British National Dressage Championships, so if you really
want to earn brownie points, offer to drive her horsebox.
Pluses Got a 40th birthday party, a Burns Night supper or
corporate weekend to organise? Tanya can get you access
to some of the most magical venues in Scotland.
Minuses Feigning illness is nigh on impossible. She is a
qualified occupational therapist with seven years’ practice.
Do Ask her to sing a bit of Carole King. She hopes to
release an album next year. Watch this space.
Don’t Take her shopping – it’s her “epitome of a bad day”.
Taffeta dresses are not her thing. Try wellies instead.
21
2
LULU
SINGER, 55
Lives International.
Who she? The Glaswegian singer who
has been making us all ‘Shout’ for 39
years. Voted Britain’s Most Promising
Newcomer in Showbusiness by
Melody Maker in 1965, she has toured
with Roy Orbison, acted with Sidney
Poitier, won the Eurovision when it
still had kudos, and swapped quips with Dudley Moore –
all before the age of 23. Over the next four decades, her
star has waxed and waned but never died. Awarded an
OBE in 2000. Though she recently collected a doctorate of
music from the University of Westminster, Lulu has had a
quiet year – and who could blame her?
Conquests Divorced both Bee Gee Maurice Gibb and
hairdresser John Frieda; single now for eight years.
Haunts Hanging out with Posh and Becks or Elton John.
Pluses Pint-sized, but fizzier than a bottle of champagne.
Minuses The paparazzi.
Do Keep it stylish. Lulu has received numerous ‘best
dressed’ awards, and always looks fabulous.
Don’t say “Shouldn’t you be retired by now?”
22
LAURA MCINNES
EVENTS ORGANISER, 34
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? Her firm Lollipop, is behind
most of the country’s big gigs,
festivals, concerts or corporate dos.
Organised this year’s tour for Fame
Academy contestants, bussing them to
Glasgow, Dublin and London in a
single day. She spent four days in
Australia with Bon Jovi, and has orchestrated concerts for
Craig David, Darius and James Dean Bradfield.
Conquests Admits to adoring Johnny Depp from afar.
Haunts Firebird in Glasgow, or any music festival.
Pluses A concert’s sold out? Laura can fix it.
Minuses Travels a lot. It’s part of the job.
Do Take her pole dancing. She had a wonderful time with a
bikini-clad man wearing a cowboy hat this year – until the
halogen lights at the bottom of the pole burnt her ankles.
Don’t Mention diva Grace Jones, whose nonstop requests
for oysters and champagne at tripTych made her “the
most difficult person I’ve ever worked with”.
23
21
13
LYNN FORBES
BUSINESSWOMAN, 39
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? After working as a bar
manager she started the Basement
with her brother, on Broughton
Street. Three years later they set up
the Smoke Stack restaurant and
catering company. Then, fancying a
change, Lynn decided to turn one of
her hobbies into a business and created the Bachelor Pad
– a shop selling funky, retro furniture. This year, she went
online with the venture. Brother and sister also opened a
second restaurant, Smoke Stack On The Water, which is
proving enormously popular.
Conquests Thought one relationship “would come to
something”, but became happily single not long ago.
Haunts Any one of her successful businesses.
Pluses Your own personal interior designer.
Minuses With such an independent spirit and heavy
workload, she’ll expect you to be able to look after
yourself – and may well stand you up should she hear
of a great bargain.
Do Get your tool belt on. Lynn is in the process of
re-furbishing her apartment, and is desperately looking
for a good plasterer.
Don’t Say, “How about dinner at the Smoke Stack?”
CLAIRE CHAPMAN
FILM EXECUTIVE, 39
24 NEW
FIONA LAMONT
MARKETING EXECUTIVE, 25
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? Marketing executive at the
Townhouse Company, a collection
of luxurious hotels; the Bonham,
Channings, the Edinburgh Residence
and the Howard. She has been there
less than a year, after graduating with
a degree in hospitality from Robert
Gordon University in Aberdeen, and working as trainee
manager at the Bonham. Not a fan of the job’s long shifts,
she jumped at the chance to move into marketing.
Conquests One long-term relationship.
Haunts Try Halo or the Living Room in Edinburgh.
Pluses Bubbly, energetic, friendly and honest.
Minuses A gentle reminder every now and then would be
helpful. Fiona admits to being dippy and “a bit blonde”.
Do Have a cute kitty. She loves cats but hasn’t got any
of her own at home.
Don’t Ask her if anyone famous has stayed at the hotels.
She has taken a vow of silence.
25
31
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? Head of production at
Scottish Screen, Claire is responsible
for promoting Scotland as a film
location. In fact, she has just returned
from escorting culture minister Frank
McAveety around LA, with a view to
enticing Hollywood to our fair shores.
This year’s projects have included Young Adam and Wilbur
Wants to Kill Himself. Look out for Dear Frankie and One
Last Chance next year. Claire started in theatre, producing
shows for both the Fringe and the West End. She began
her movie career at Renaissance Films, and was executive
producer on Rogue Trader before setting up her own
film consultancy.
Conquests Work doesn’t leave much time for relationships.
Haunts Film festivals. Cannes, Toronto, Locarno, Rotterdam
– she has done them all. When in Glasgow, try St Jude’s,
where the film crowd hangs out, or the Kelly Cooper Bar.
Pluses Despite her glitzy, glamorous lifestyle, Claire has
PORTRAIT IAN MACNICOL

her feet firmly on the ground.
Minuses She is forever travelling or working late at
the office.
Do Explore the Highlands with her. Claire has only been in
Scotland a year and still needs to be shown the sights.
Don’t Say, “Introduce me to Ewan McGregor.”
26 27
LADY SIAN BIDDULPH
PA, 41
GILL MILLS
RADIO AND TV PRESENTER, SINGER AND DJ, 31
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? Tune into Radio 1 Scotland
at 8pm on a Thursday, and you’ll
catch her co-hosting the Vic and Gill
show. Gill also presents T in the Park
on BBC1, writes for The Scotsman and
various glossy magazines and runs
Hooverdam, a venture promoting
Scottish-based musicians for international soundtrack
collaborations. Her club night, Period, starts at the Sub
Club on 17 November, and – as if that’s not enough – she’s
also juggling book development deals and US-based
projects. Phew.
Conquests Just split from the boyfriend she thought was
‘the one’, so she’s starting over.
Haunts Stravaigin and Nice ’n’ Sleazy for drinks, and the
basement of Selfridges, where she could “spend days”
running up her credit cards.
Pluses Room service, champagne and king-size beds when
you least expect it. Gill’s a big fan of playing tourist and
checking into hotels in her own home town.
Minuses She has got satellite television, but you won’t be
allowed to watch it. She only uses it to listen to the radio.
28 NEW
DR RHONA COUSIN
DOCTOR, 28
Bridle party:
Horse-lover
Tanya Buchanan
(number 20)
says shopping
is the “epitome
of a bad day”
29 NEW
CARA GILLESPIE
27 NEW
Do Buy her a Celtic season ticket. She usually manages to
make it to the game by hustling her various contacts, but
it’s always “a last-minute scramble”.
Don’t Take her to a coffee shop. Life’s too short.
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? Works for Edinburgh’s new
Hallion club. Originally Sian Gibson-
Watt, she was born in Wales and is a
descendent of inventor James Watt.
Starting off with political intentions,
she stood for the council in the
Harbour ward during the last Scottish
elections. She was unsuccessful, but is still heavily
involved in the political scene. Formerly married to Lord
Biddulph, they divorced two years ago and she moved
from Makerstoun House near Kelso to live in Edinburgh
with her two young sons.
Conquests Nothing serious since separating. Looking for
someone to sweep her off her feet.
Haunts The Hallion – obviously – Oloroso, the Dome at
weekends, Number 80 Queen Street and her local caff.
Pluses She’s always singing. Sian trained to be an opera
singer – until she discovered she had “a beautiful voice
but no talent musically”.
Minuses Two cute kids means any holidays are childorientated,
unless you can persuade her to run away for
an adults-only weekend.
Do Buy her fresias, her favourite flower.
Don’t Express political indifference.
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? A doctor at the Royal
Victoria Hospital, Edinburgh. Rhona
is based in psychiatry but has spent
the past three years on rotation,
taking a turn at everything medical –
from A&E to surgery. A graduate of
the St Andrews/Manchester
programme, she is originally from Campbeltown, Kintyre.
She has just returned from a year-long trip that combined
work and travel to far-flung locations, which included
“being on call from the beach” at a rural hospital in New
Zealand. That sounds nice, but as the only doctor on call,
she was forced to endure countless long nights on her
own – it got a bit lonely.
Conquests A few serious relationships and a few that
were just “lots of fun”. Snap her up before next summer,
when she’s set to be a bridesmaid for the third time...
Haunts Last year found her in the Amazon jungle and
hiking the Inca Trail. This year, look for her at restaurants
in Edinburgh’s New Town, such as Cafe St Honore.
Pluses An outgoing girl who loves to party.
Minuses Doctors’ hours are long. She sometimes works
right through from Friday night to Monday morning.
Do Be an adrenalin junkie. She’s been diving, canyoning,
sea-kayaking, mountaineering, jet-boating and skiing.
We’re tired just thinking about it. You could also feed her
West coast scallops - she can’t get enough of them.
Don’t Stay glued to the sofa. At the weekend, she likes to
gt out of Edinburgh and do things.
ENVIRONMENTALIST, 32
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? An Irish lass, Cara has been
living in Scotland since 1990, when
she arrived to study politics at
Edinburgh University. Most of her
professional life has been spent
working for women’s organisations,
primarily Rape Crisis, where she
successfully raised enough money to ensure the group’s
survival for the foreseeable future. After some sterling
work during May’s election campaign, Cara was hired as
the parliamentary group co-ordinator (aka chief of staff)
for the Scottish Green Party, with responsibility for
managing the delivery of their parliamentary agenda,
staff and budgets. A committed feminist and equally
ardent environmentalist, Cara insists she’s “no PC
stereotype” and dislikes “preachiness” in others.
Conquests Single for more than three years after ending a
six-year relationship.
Haunts A keen walker, you’ll find her around the Wester
Ross hills, or in any number of Highland pubs enjoying a
well-earned lager.
Pluses A loyal friend with a social conscience who enjoys
life’s simple pleasures.
Minuses Admits she’s “a bit of a perfectionist”.
Do Say, “An toir thu dhomh pÿg?” (Will you give me a
kiss?) Cara is studying Gaelic, to learn more about the
place names when she goes hill walking.
Don’t Say, “Is that a non-renewable fuel?” About to sit her
motorbike licence test, Cara is planning to “buy a
seriously big bike and turn up to Green conferences
wearing leather”.
➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
29

30
39
YVONNE TAYLOR
ANTI-FUR PROTESTER, 32
Lives
Edinburgh.
Who she?
Campaigns co-ordinator for the
Edinburgh branch of Advocates for
Animals. A vegan, her life revolves
around her work. She has travelled
extensively and donned various
costumes for the cause. At the Paris fashion shows she
jumped on stage behind John Paul Gaultier with a banner
exclaiming ‘Fur Kills’, before being bundled off. No
stranger to jail cells, she was recently arrested in
Aberdeen for protesting outside a meat expo dressed as a
cow. Her biggest victory was the closure of Glasgow’s Zoo
after 18 months of campaigning.
Conquests Married to her work.
Haunts Favours Black Bo’s, as they allow her dog Misty
inside. A former laboratory beagle, Misty, was rescued by
the McCartneys and is “the most eligible bitch in Scotland”.
Pluses An exciting life full of travel and adventure.
Minuses Can’t say no to an animal in need.
Do Take her to Glasgow. A perfect day this year involved
vegan cheesecake from the 13th Note Café then a visit to
Gig on the Green to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Don’t Tell her you’re a butcher.
31
35
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
30
ANNIE LENNOX
SUPERSTAR, 48
Lives London, New York, Spain.
Who she? The daughter of an
Aberdeen shipyard worker, Annie’s
talents for music were spotted at the
age of four. All grown up, she formed
the Eurythmics with former beau
Dave Stewart. Hundreds of songs
later, she’s been a phenomenal
international success and her latest album, Bare, has been
the British success of the year in the US, hitting number
four in the charts. She is performing ‘Into the West’, the
theme song for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the
King, the soundtrack of which goes on sale this month.
Conquests Twice divorced, with two school-age kids.
Pluses That voice. It is perfection.
Minuses Keeping up with her chameleon appearance –
although she has toned it down of late.
Do Buy her a hamburger and chips. Despite her lean,
muscular figure, Annie’s not afraid to eat.
Don’t Mention fish fingers. One of her first jobs was in a
frozen fish factory.
32
38
CAROL SUMMERS
BUSINESSWOMAN, 27
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? Works for the drinks giant
Diageo as premium development
manager, looking after accounts such
as Gleneagles and Oloroso, and
brands such as Tanquery Ten and
Johnny Walker Gold.
Conquests Too busy.
Haunts Pubs on Bath Street, Strata, the Art House.
Pluses A “ridiculously large” booze cabinet.
Great catch: Kahleen
Crawford (number 19)
is Scotland’s youngest
casting director and is
currently working with
none other than Ken Loach
Minuses A self-confessed “celebrity nerd” and a sucker for
trashy magazines.
Do Cook her a nice Sunday roast. And comment on her
lovely tan – she keeps St Tropez in business.
Don’t Buy her a drink from a rival brand. It’s against
company policy.
33 NEW
HEIDI CULLEN
BRAND MANAGER, 31
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? The ultimate adrenalin
chick, promoting all kinds of ways to
risk life and limb in her job as brand
manager of adventure sports for
VisitScotland. Her work involves
surfing in Tiree, mountain biking in
the Borders and dog-sledding in
Aviemore, and she’s constantly touring the country learning
about the latest crazes. Edinburgh born and bred, she
worked in media sales before becoming marketing
manager at Tiso. Along the way, she made backpacking
trips to South America and Australia. Her career with
VisitScotland began a year ago, after her latest jaunt down
under, where she worked as a jillaroo at a cattle ranch.
Conquests Two noteworthy former loves, but single for
about a year.
Haunts This party animal enjoys hanging out with pals
behind the bar at the Fish Tank, or enjoying a big bowl of
mussels at the Shore in Leith.
Pluses Full of energy and fun, she can take you diving in
Australia or kayaking in the Highlands.
Minuses She’s away from home a fair bit, and you’ll have
to be up for a challenge to join in. Also, thanks to her time
as a jillaroo, she knows how to perform a castration.
Do Buy a camper van. Heidi’s looking for a boyfriend to
drive through the Outback with, sleeping under the stars.
Don’t Say, “I’m down here!” At 5ft 10in, she likes them tall.
PORTRAITS ALAN PEEBLES; IAN MACNICOL

34
KELLY COOPER
FASHIONISTA, 42
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? Scotland’s very own It girl,
blonde bombshell, and uber-stylist. If
there’s a commercial or fashion
campaign that needs a touch of gloss,
she’s called in. She styles the fashion
pages for the Herald magazine with
photographer David Eustace, and
also has a popular Glasgow club named after her.
Conquests Separated from husband and fellow eligible
Colin Barr, with whom she has two children.
Haunts The Kelly Cooper Bar, of course. Or glamorous
parties around the world: most recently, Kelly jetted off to
LA for the Dressed to Kilt fashion show, a glitzy event held
to promote Scottish design and culture.
Pluses A little black book to die for. If the party’s worth its
salt, Kelly probably helped organise it.
Minuses She never says no to a job – and you’ll rarely
catch her having a night in.
Do Congratulate her on her supermum powers. With two
school-age kids, Kelly’s an expert at juggling work and
motherhood.
Don’t Ask for stories about such celebrity pals as Bobby
Carlyle or Michelle Collins. Kelly would never tell tales.
35
10
43
RUTH MILLAR
ACTRESS, 28
VRNDA DAKTOR
VISUAL ARTIST, 28
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? An artist who believes
herself extremely lucky to be making
a living doing what she loves best.
After moving up from London at 19
to study at the Glasgow School of Art,
she decided to stay put because of the
city’s atmosphere. Since graduation
she has received sponsorship from private patrons and
commissions from the Tramway. She has worked in a
variety of mediums, including performance art and film.
One short film’s in the can and she’s hard at work on the
next. Vrnda is modest and private, and has gained a great
deal of respect from the Scottish art world along the way.
Conquests “Never you mind!”
Haunts Hanging out in Glasgow’s west end. Also keen on
capoeira – the martial art that is also a dance – as well as
yoga and swimming, but prefers a good sauna.
Pluses Small and perfectly formed, Vrnda’s unique
perspective on the world is both refreshing and charming.
Minuses When it comes to important decisions, she’s sure
of what she wants. Ask her to decide something minor,
and she’ll dither until dawn.
Do Take her to the movies. Especially if they’re French.
Don’t “Pick your nose!”
37 NEW
DR NICKI COLLEDGE
DOCTOR, 44
39
Lives Edinburgh.
NEW
Who she? A hospital doctor trained in JUDITH CRAIG
Edinburgh who specialises in
geriatric medicine and the training of
junior doctors.
Conquests In love with her car.
Haunts Edinburgh festival venues,
Fopp, the Cameo movie house, and
anywhere involving food. You may spot Nicki on a golf
course, but never pounding a treadmill in the gym.
Pluses She can get ready to go out in under 15 minutes
(though she says she may look like it).
Minuses Heavy use of chocolate as a mood-enhancer.
Do Suggest food and wine in faraway locations. Male
support also appreciated on all matters involving
technology – so, if you’re a computer boffin, you could be
in with a shot.
36 NEW
Don’t Propose anything involving physical hardship,
isolation, or prolonged absence from the shops.
38 NEW
Lives London.
Who she? Ruth Millar’s acting career
goes from strength to strength. She
has appeared in Footballers’ Wives,
Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and opposite
Ewan McGregor in Solid Geometry.
This year she has been on television
in Sweet Medicine, the BBC drama
Roger Roger, and ITV’s Serious and Organised. She also
shot the short film Oban.
Conquests Who knows? She’s not saying.
Haunts Glasgow’s St Jude’s is a safe bet, when she’s in town.
Pluses A very brave girl – she got naked with Ewan
McGregor. On film, that is.
Minuses She is always being pestered, because boys just
love her. You’ll have to be extra attentive to keep Ruth all
to yourself.
Do Say, “Roger Roger.”
Don’t Mention Pasty Faces, a film it’s best that everyone
forgets about.
HELENA GALLAGHER
RADIO PRODUCER, 33
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? Helena hails from the
beautiful Arranmore island
(population 600), off Donegal. She
considers her upbringing with mum
and six siblings to be “the most
precious time”, perhaps because at
age 12 she attended a Loreto convent
Sound proposition: Not only is
she the producer of cool radio
programme Air, Helena Gallagher
(number 38) also loves football
boarding school, from which she was suspended in her
final year. Next, she joined the BBC in London in 1990,
transferring to BBC Radio Scotland after seven years. For
the past two years, she has worked for Radio 1 in
Scotland, and produces Air, their alternative music
programme. A keen traveller, she’s journeyed solo to
Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam and Bali,
where she surfed, rafted, climbed glaciers, and partied.
Conquests “Nothing of any consequence.”
Haunts Pressure at the Arches, as well as the Sub Club and
King Tut’s in Glasgow are all favourites.
Pluses That lilting Irish accent, plus she’s a footie fan and
regularly works on Off The Ball and Sportscene.
Minuses A self-confessed “retail therapy habit”.
Do Take her for “chilled-out weekends by the sea”.
Don’t Say anything chauvinistic – she might hit you.
SPONSORSHIP MANAGER, 32
Lives
Edinburgh’s New Town.
Who she?
Despite being brought up in
Peterhead, Judith works for a festival
of culture, which she admits is “an
unlikely journey”. Being sponsorship
manager for the Edinburgh
International Festival is “a slice of heaven”. She’s able to
meet great people from the business community and
artists from around the world. Prior to taking up her
culture-vulture mantle, Judith worked in PR in Paris and
Dublin. But her heart belongs to the performing arts, and
most evenings out involve trips to the theatre, concerts
and chic Edinburgh eateries. Always up for weekend trips
to Europe, she loves learning new languages. When she’s
at home, she curls up with her German grammar book.
Conquests Lost her heart to Jean-Claude on a school
exchange trip, which started a trend for foreigners. “A
gorgeous accent still takes the legs from under me.”
Haunts Lives near Broughton Street, Edinburgh’s ‘East
Village’ and often socialises in the area. During the
summer, you can find her serving and volleying at her
local tennis club.
Pluses Surely she’s ready to try some home-grown talent?
Minuses You’ll be forever forking out for weekends in
Paris, Berlin etc.
Do Say, “Wie heissen Sie, liebling?” (What’s your name,
darling?)
Don’t Say, “Come and meet my folks in Turiff.”
➤
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
31

NOVEMBER 9, 2003
32
40 NEW
42 NEW
EMMA OLERAM
AMANDA CLARK
STAGE MANAGER, 34
CATERER, 42
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? Originally from London,
with Swiss and Indian parents, Emma
studied drama at Aberystwyth before
doing teacher training. She has never
faced a classroom, as she soon found
work as a stage manager, before
returning to Wales to study stage
management officially at Cardiff. Having caught the
“opera bug” early – her mum’s a fan – Emma was ecstatic
to become one of Scottish Opera’s three assistant stage
managers in 2001.
Conquests Nearly moved to Switzerland for love,
but single for the past two years.
Haunts The Station Bar in Glasgow.
Pluses Creative, talented and up for a laugh.
Minuses When your job begins as others are leaving
theirs, it’s not easy to maintain a normal social life.
Do Read her a bedtime story. Emma is an avid collector of
children’s books by Diana Wynne Jones.
Don’t Say, “Opera? It’s rather loud, isn’t it?”
41 NEW
COSIMA SEMPILL
ART STUDENT, 20
Lives Glasgow.
Who she? A third-year student at the
Glasgow School of Art, Cosima’s great
passion is ceramics. She’s in the
studio long hours, and though she
has no fixed plans beyond her degree,
she’ll be using it in some capacity to
“make beautiful things”. Her greatgreat-grandfather
was Glasgow Boy Sir John Lavery.
Conquests Former dates had a tendency to emigrate.
Haunts The studio, her local student union, or the CCA.
Pluses An invite to South Africa, if you’re lucky – Cosima
lived in Cape Town until she was ten, and has family there.
Minuses You’ll have to shout to get noticed. She spends
most of her time wearing headphones.
Do Ask her to paint for you. Cosima does lots of big
canvases for her mother, an interior designer, who uses
them to decorate clients’ homes.
Don’t Mention hot, scratchy kilts. She spent the summer in
one touring the US with her dad, promoting Tartan Card,
a range of tartan-designed credit cards.
KITTY DOUGLAS-HAMILTON
SOCIALITE, 27
Burning rubber: Don’t challenge
Susie Stoddart (number three)
to a race – she hopes to be
driving in Formula 1 by 2006
Lives Stirling.
45 48
Who she? Amanda has spent 22
years cooking for every occasion. ROSEANNA CUNNINGHAM
Her internet catering company,
MSP, 51
www.cooksconnect.com, feeds those
at sporting events, christenings,
parties, weddings and funerals. She
has also whipped up delicacies for
royalty and for Dame Diana Rigg.
Conquests Married twice with two sons. In the words of a
friend, she’s outgoing, oversized, outspoken, outrageous.
Haunts Sushi restaurants, Hyde’s bar or skiing in Glenshee.
Pluses An amazing house in Bridge of Allen converted
from two cottages, with floorboards from the Usher Hall.
Minuses Her requirements are specific: Strong, Humorous,
Independent and Tall – but not resembling the acronym.
Do Get naked. Amanda once catered for a naturist
wedding reception.
Don’t Mention leek and potato soup. An emergency stop
in Kelso town square spilled eight pints of it down the
back of her neck and all over the car.
43 NEW
46 40
HELEN BRIGGS
MARKETING CONSULTANT/YOGA TEACHER, 35
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? An energetic, enthusiastic,
free spirit and contented soul who
believes that life is an extraordinary
mystery. Left behind a successful
corporate career to start her own
consultancy business in marketing
and business development. But
because life is also about balance, she spends a significant
amount of time teaching yoga.
Conquests “Some tough acts to follow!”
Haunts Still testing out a range of Edinburgh venues.
Pluses Perfect if you like a quiet start to the day, as she
spends her first two hours practising yoga.
Minuses Doesn’t stay in one place very long. Working on a
new venture, which may take her to warmer climes.
Do Try to persuade her to stay in Edinburgh – though,
with winter setting in, the Caribbean is looking more
and more appealing.
Don’t Say you’re too busy because you’re working late.
“There is so much more to life.”
44 NEW
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? A blonde aristocrat
who has recently returned to her
native land following adventures
in Europe and beyond. She is
well-connected and culturally
adept, and is now contemplating
embarking on a PhD in
contemporary architectural history.
Conquests Both the famous and nameless. Currently
looking forward to a Highland fling.
Haunts Has lived in Paris and Italy and has spent time
in Istanbul and Kathmandu, as well as the US.
Pluses Can drive a JCB.
Minuses Doesn’t have an ordinary driving licence, so
she may need a chauffeur.
Do Say, “Come here, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty!”
Don’t Ask her to purr.
Lives Perthshire.
Who she? Deputy leader of the SNP
and MSP for Perthshire. Born in
Scotland, her family moved to
Australia when she was eight and
she vowed to return. That happened
when she was 25, and she dove
head-first into local SNP politics.
Conquests Brian Taylor? The BBC journalist rushed up
after her fiery speech at this year’s SNP conference and
blurted, “That was sex, pure sex!”
Haunts Pounding the streets of Perth and Kinross.
Pluses If you’re in trouble, Roseanna can help. She was
once a practising solicitor.
Minuses A self-confessed Star Trek addict. Oh dear.
Do Bring Aussie wine to the table.
Don’t Start an argument. She’ll win.
DENISE WEST
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR, 44
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? Since February, advertising
sales director at the Scottish Daily
Record and Sunday Mail. Previously
MD of the Insider Group and has
spent more than 15 years in media
and marketing, including two years
at The Scotsman. When she landed
her latest role, Denise did an interview with The Drum in
which her post was described as “the toughest sales job in
the UK”. She now admits that this is “absolutely right”.
Conquests She’s keeping schtum.
Haunts The Edinburgh-Glasgow shuttle train; the theatre;
the Living Room, Opal Lounge or the Canny Man.
Pluses Aberdonian by birth, Edinburgh-educated and full
of Glasgow attitude – but she’s a pussycat, really.
Minuses You’ll be competing with four other males: two
Yorkshire terriers and two cross-breeds.
Do Stock up on champagne. Denise treats herself to a
bottle every weekend.
Don’t Wear a pink shirt. She loathes them.
PORTRAIT LOUISE O’GORMAN

47 NEW
48 NEW
GAYNOR GILLESPIE
29
LILLIAN EDWARDS
LAWYER, 41
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she?
Senior lecturer in the law school
at Edinburgh University, specialising
in internet law and regulation. A
self-confessed geek, she studied
computing science to complement
two prior degrees in law. Her books
on internet law are academic best-sellers. Co-director
of the AHRB Centre for Intellectual Property and
Technology Law at Edinburgh, her aim is to devise new
models for e-commerce regulation that will give
consumers trust and confidence.
Conquests Academics, mathematicians and linguists
(Russian and Chinese speakers especially), an Australian
science fiction author and a Seattle-based journalist.
She admits ,“It’s sad but true – Scottish men are still
intimidated by smart, confident, go-ahead women.
Haunts On the east coast, Blue Bar, Oxygen, the Filmhouse
bar, the Water of Leith, or Babbity Bowsters and Café
Gandolfi when in Glasgow.
Pluses Sharp wit, unfailingly entertaining, up to date
on the latest tech trends.
Minuses Thinking of relocating to the Big Smoke.
Do Suggest a last-minute weekend in the Languedoc.
Don’t Ask, “How do I stop getting spam e-mails?”
WEDDING CO-ORDINATOR, 31
Lives Leith.
Who she? Gaynor did a BA in
hospitality enterprise at Queen
Margaret University. Working for
the Caledonian hotel since 2000.
Conquests Engaged a few years
ago, but “things didn’t work out”.
Haunts The pubs and clubs of
George Street, and regular weekends away.
Pluses Romantic weekends in top hotels.
Minuses Admits she can be “too honest”, and often
realises she speaks before she thinks.
LAURA HIRD
AUTHOR, 36
49 NEW
INGRID SAWERS
MUSICIAN, 36
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? English-born Ingrid moved
to Edinburgh in 1985, and has never
looked back. Now one of Scotland’s
most sought-after musicians. Career
highlights include performing for
Jose Carreras and with members of
the Michael Nyman band.
Conquests Describes her love life as “a barren,
featureless wasteland”.
Haunts A jazz lover, she’s often at Henry’s Cellar Bar,
or in any of Edinburgh’s sushi restaurants.
Pluses Bubbly and always up for adventure, possessor
of an infamously dirty laugh.
Minuses Several hours a day of piano practice.
Do Cut the deck. Ingrid is learning to play poker,
“because it’s slightly nefarious”.
Don’t Say, “Amadeus who?”
50
Lives Edinburgh.
Who she? Award-winning writer of
“nasty stories about dysfunctional
people”. Has just delivered a new
story collection to Canongate, and
has had a novel commissioned. Nail
and Other Stories was shortlisted for
the Saltire Society literary awards,
and Born Free was nominated for the Orange Prize.
Haunts Hunt her down via www.laurahird.com.
Pluses A jet-setting lifestyle. She has given readings in
Paris, Amsterdam, the Hague, St Petersburg and Moscow.
Minuses Anti-social writer’s habits.
Do Challenge her to PlayStation games and offer vodka.
Don’t Chase pigeons. She’s fond of them.
OFF THE MARKET
BILLY BOYD (WAS 1) Now happily settled with
a girlfriend who’s “a dancer based in Glasgow”.
SARA DAVIDSON (WAS 15) After years on
our list, we’ve had to drop Sara. The fashionista
has got herself a boyfriend – though quite who
the lucky man is remains a mystery.
SUSIE GRAY (WAS 19) (pictured) Press officer
for the Traverse theatre, Susie Gray met arts
journalist Andrew Burnet at the the Hub, the
heart of Scotland’s art scene. Love blossomed
soon after Susie appeared in last year’s
Eligibles. They visited Amsterdam last Christmas
and were engaged by February – and the
wedding takes place later this month in
Edinburgh’s Royal Botanical Gardens. Guests
have been instructed to wear pink.
JENNY COLGAN (WAS 20) The queen of
chick-lit, Jenny will soon be less qualified to
write about 30-something singletons. On 28
November, she’s marrying a “gorgeous Kiwi” she
met on a yacht in Miami nearly two years ago.
“It was meant to be a summer fling, but now
we’re sailing off into the sunset together,” she
says. “He is wonderful but not posh. My mother
says I am the only person who could get invited
onto a superyacht and pull the ship’s engineer!”
ROSS LAURIE (WAS 47) & LISA SMITH
(WAS 12) When Lisa and Ross saw they were
both on last year’s Eligibles list, they decided to
get in contact via email. They’d known each
other previously, and never contemplated
romance, but one dinner date led to another,
and now the pair are very much in love. They’re
based in separate cities – Ross is in Glasgow,
Lisa in Edinburgh – but have made long-term
plans to settle down in Spain. “We’re hoping to
move to Barcelona in a couple of years,” says
Lisa. “We both love the sunshine.”
NIKI FURLEY (WAS 22) Niki built sandcastles
with Scott Masterton when both were three,
but they didn’t fall for each other until 19 years
later in the run-up to a school reunion. Scott
confessed he’d never forgotten his childhood
sweetheart and they have been an item ever
since. Rumour has it they’ve moved in together
and are looking forward to a life of adventure,
travel and excitement in their VW Camper.
LIZ WILSON (was 23) The BBC music
associate is happily living with Graeme
Maloney, otherwise known as DJ Mal. They
knew each other as teenagers but bumped into
each other again 14 years later when Liz
happened to go to a Radio Clyde gig.
Introducing some warmth
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Tel: 0131 657 5151
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(William Wilson Heat Centre) Tel: 01343 543181
NORTHERN HEATING IS A TRADING ARM OF WILLIAM WILSON
visit our website www.williamwilson.co.uk
NOVEMBER 9, 2003
33