It’s long been heralded as the most stylish night in the Scottish events calendar and the Scottish Style Awards returns to it’s home in the spectacular surroundings of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery for another celebration of the very best Scotland has to offer. Hosted by actress (and previous style award nominee) Pollyanna McIntosh, the style awards will be presenting 10 awards across the evening spanning everything from Most Stylish Bar (so keep an eye out where to earmark for your next tipple) to taste maker of the year. Partnering with iconic Champagne house Moët & Chandon, the Scottish Style Awards continue their legacy of championing the crème de la crème of Scottish talent. It’s basically a who’s who of who to know, what to know and where to go. With the nominees now out and the clock counting down to the big night, I’ve rounded up the shortlist with my picks.
Most Stylish Bar
Bird and Bear, Dundee
Grape and Grain, Aberdeen
The 158 Club Lounge, Glasgow
The Citizen, Glasgow
The Voyage of Buck, Edinburgh
My top pick: A tough one to call! Dundee adds another reason why it’s one of the top places to visit in 2018 with Bird and Bear’s legendary hip hop brunch and The Voyage of Buck in Edinburgh’s cocktail list is an utter dreamboat, however The 158 Club Lounge is getting my vote here. With their impressive Champagne list, oyster happy hour every Friday and being the home to the parma violet cocktail for me it’s a bit of a no brainer.
Most Stylish Restaurant
A’Challtainn, Glasgow
The Coach House, Bridge of Weir
The Machair Kitchen, Tarbert, Isle of Harris
The Spanish Butcher, Glasgow
The Tayberry, Broughty Ferry
My top pick: Another incredibly strong category and if we’re going on (well-earned) hype alone The Spanish Butcher should walk away with this in the bag. You don’t end up on CNN’s hottest new openings for nothing. That said, A’Challtainn has been a gorgeous addition to the Glasgow scene and if it’s going outside the central belt there’s every chance The Coach House could grab this one.
Most Stylish Hotel
Dakota, Glasgow
Fonab Castle, Pitlochry
Strathaven Hotel, Strathaven
The Craigellachie, Speyside
The Lane, Edinburgh
My top pick: Dog friendly, legendary whisky bar and pictureque surroundings? It’s got to be The Craigellachie for me.
Most Stylish Venue
BAaD, Glasgow
DCA, Dundee
Talla na Marra, Niseaboist, Isle of Harris
The Byre at Inchrya, Glencarse
Verdant Works, Dundee
My top pick: So many of the spaces on the list have had a focus on community and revitalization and growth. The stand out among a sensational shortlist for me is Talla na Marra. Living in the central belt you can end up with your blinders up to some of the spectacular venues we have around the country, and Talla na Marra is like nothing else on this list. This contemporary multi-purpose venue hosts everything from weddings to art exhibitions and would certainly be a worthy winner for this year.
Most Stylish Retailer
Abandon Ship, Dundee
Forty, Glasgow
Niche Bazaar Studio, Glasgow
Quarters, Edinburgh
18 Montrose, Glasgow
My top pick: Niche Bazaar Studio. In a heartbeat. The studio space down at SWG3 is eye candy for any eye wear enthusiast and their impeccably curated collection of vintage frames is worth the visit alone.
Most Stylish Male
Aldo Kane, Adventurer
John Byrne, Artist and Playwright
John Robertson, Blogger, The Everyday Man
Kayus Bankole, Musician
Philip Colbert, Artist and Designer
Sam Heughan, Actor
My top pick: The boys leading the charge with a mix of rock n roll, classic tailoring, contemporary cool and pop art. Of course my heart is on The Everyday Man, John Robertson who’s effortless style has made him one of the leading voices in the British Menswear blogging scene. If not him though I would adore to see artist Philip Colbert walk away with this, if for his fried egg suit alone.
Most Stylish Female
Be Charlotte, Musician
Chloe Pirrie, Actress
Christina Jansen, Managing Director, The Scottish Gallery
Emily Shakarji, Blogger and Model
Eunice Olumide, Charity campaigner, model and actress
Rachel Maclean, Artist and Filmmaker
My top pick: We’ve got everything from street wear, minimalism, maxamilism and everything in between for the ladies. Artist Rachel Maclean gets my vote here with her off-beat mix off “high-brow meets high-fashion.” Delightfully quirky her style gets my vote, though actress Chloe Pirrie’s effortless and timeless style is also a strong contender.
Tastemaker of the Year
Andrew Fleming-Brown, Cultural Entrepreneur and Owner, SWG3
Ciara Barry and Rosie Crerar, Film Producers, barry crerar
Hoskins Architects
Jackie Wylie, Artistic Director, National Theatre of Scotland
North Highland Initiative, Founder, The North Coast 500
Rubadub
My top pick: Any of the taste makers here would be an astounding choice for the cultural impact they all have had in Scotland alone. I’m throwing my hat in though for Andrew Fleming-Brown, as SWG3 continues to be one of Scotland’s most exciting venues across fashion, music, art and night-life.
The Scottish Style Awards will announce their winners on the 31st of March so keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for when the official winners are announced.