ROBBIE WILLIAMS GLASGOW REVIEW AS LOVE AFFAIR WITH SCOTLAND CONTINUES

LET Me Entertain You sang Robbie as he romped around the stage of Glasgow’s Ovo Hydro in his glittering gold lame and sequin suit - and he never failed. 

We didn’t need to be reminded as he told the audience: “Allow me to reintroduce myself. I’m Robbie f***ing Williams.”

Robbie and Scotland share a special affinity. 

He later told us: “There is something about you lot up here, something different.” 

The prodigal son has filled stadiums like Hampden and festivals like T in the Park with his showmanship, touring both solo and with Take That, celebrating his birthday here at the now defunct Strawberry Fields and launching his fashion range at Fraser’s in previous years. 

The crowd love him and he loved us. 

Whether he was strutting, sitting  on his stool or cavorting on stage, we got all that Robbie Williams could give. 

Anthems like Kids and I Love My Life were delivered with aplomb while childlike graphics were projected from the screen, and Rock Dj showcased Robbie’s rapping. 

The huge pair of Angel wings for the final song saw an emotional Robbie singing in a kimono style gown as the audience joined in.

Embracing the saltire was the perfect end to a perfect evening from the master. 

Robbie himself said afterwards: “Glasgow you never disappoint me. That was incredible.”

TURIN REVIEW - THE PARIS OF ITALY WITH HUGE HISTORY

ON arrival at Turin airport, once past customs, you will be greeted by a row of taxis. 

They are identical and they are part of the cities living history - as they are all made by Fiat. 

Of course Turin is the home of the famed automobile company and I was lucky enough during my visit to be staying at the stylish NH Lingotto hotel, former Fiat factory and living museum complete with a fine vintage specimen in the lobby and its own car test track on the roof. 

NH Lingotto room 

The hotel has a certain panache that only the Italians can master with its tasteful marble interior, delicate floral arrangements in the foyer, classic leather stools and seating thoroughly the lobbys and high ceilinged modern rooms with double showers. 

The food on offer is second to none with the breakfast buffet incorporating a selection of cold meats, fruits, cereals and pastries complete with Turin created Nutella spread (in nearby Alba) , as well as hot breakfast with sausage, bacon and egg for the less adventurous traveller. 

They are also knowledgeable when it comes to the gluten free or vegetarian/ vegan diet and are more aware and cautious of cross contamination than many hotels in the UK. 

Bev with Eataly pizza 

For those who wish to eat outside the hotel, the nearby Eataly complex is a great place to hang out and try out some freshly made Italian favourites including pizza, pasta, risotto and the round farinata from Liguria, made with chickpea flour. 

It has its own supermarket on site selling freshly made delights that would make any chef equal with delight from the local white truffles to the balsamic glaze. 

A card can be purchased at the nearby tube stop for ten euros which allows three days of unlimited travel and fifteen minute journey will take you into the centre. 

Turin centre boasts a wealth of manufacturing history and museums and is often referred to as the Paris of Italy. 

Indeed walking along the grand boulevards and arcaded pavements with its vast squares and monuments you will understand why. 

As well as the magnificent architecture of the Porta Nuova station with its recently restored arches and distinctive red interiors and frescos, there are other museums and sights to please.

The national museum of cinema in the Mole Antonelliana tower was  initially built as a synagogue before its overzealous architect and his ceiling height blew the budget. 

It  is a must see for all the family with its history of the moving image from shadow puppetry and zoetropes to modern day cinematic achievements like Dracula and Tweetie Pie. 

Porta Nuova station 

It holds a labyrinth of rooms and each floor promises a new immersive experience. 

The National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento is the first, the biggest and the most important among the 23 museums in Italy dedicated to the Risorgimento the unification of Italy also boasts magnificent frescos and a Garibaldi room too. 

And the Egyptian museum is the is the only museum other than the Cairo Museum that is dedicated solely to Egyptian art and culture.

National Museum of Cinema  

For those who like to shop Turin has plenty to offer form three big name global fashion houses like Gucci and Dior to the locally owned urban stores like Hannibal. 

As you wander through the arcades it’s a must to experience the local gelato and im still salivating over the Gelato di Latte at Biraghi. They only sell one flavour - milk - made with milk, sugar and cream - and it has a full creaminess to it that would challenge any urn in Devon. It’s only 2€ and it is huge.  

For those who love a further bargain, the Saturday market at Porta Pallazo won’t disappoint with its sample sales, cheap Italian designed jeans, bags and sunglasses as well as local produce. 

Bev with the mayor of Turin 

There are more than 300 stalls as well as fifty shops bars and restaurants max but it is best to take a taxi from the nearest station in the centre.

Turin may be known for the shroud,  a length of linen that for centuries was purported to be the burial garment of Jesus Christ which has been preserved since 1578 in the royal chapel of the cathedral of San Giovanni Battista in Turin, Italy but it is gone go so much more. 

From Juventus to its location overlooked by the nearby Alps, it is a real undiscovered gem. 

It also recently hosted the Eurovision sing contest and is twinned with Glasgow - and from the warm and friendly reception I received its easy to see why. 

I flew by Air France from Edinburgh via Charles de Gaule to Turin (return from £210)  and stayed at the Hotel NH Lingotto Congress (prices from £99 per night off season). 

For full disclosure my trip was sponsored. 

SCOTTISH INFLUENCER AWARDS SHORTLIST OF SOCIAL MEDIA STARS

The first ever SCOTTISH INFLUENCER AWARDS  takes place this Sunday with a who’s who of Scotland’s social stars. 

The major new awards ceremony which  is being held at Glasgow’s Radisson Red hotel will be announcing the winners following the it’s shortlist of nominees in the running to be named the country’s Influencer of the Year this weekend.

The 75-strong shortlist of nominees, across fifteen categories, will represent the country’s diverse and far-reaching spectrum of social media excellence, in a real life gathering this Sunday afternoon.  

BBC Radio 1 presenter and broadcaster Arielle Free will host the inaugural Scottish Influencer Awards at the city’s Radisson RED Glasgow this Sunday 23rd October, 2022 between 2pm and 4pm, with organisers promising major levels of lights, cameras, action, and Scotland’s biggest social media stars in attendance.

A headline VisitScotland: Year of Stories - Influencer of the Year award will honour the country’s mostdistinct and original storytelling around the Year of Stories 2022 theme, while other Influencer of the Year award presentations will recognise excellence in the categories of Food, Drink, Health & Wellbeing, Family and Lifestyle, as well as Travel, Interiors & Design, Arts & Culture, Style, Beauty and Visual. A special award will honour those influencers whosesocial defines Inspiration.

A Superinfluencer award will be presented to Scotland’s biggest social media star, Emily Shak. The accolade is in recognition of Emily’s formidable commitment in creating a social profile which consistently exudes style, digital creativity, transparency and positive engagement with her international community of over 1.5 million dedicated followers.

A surprise grand finale announcement on Sunday will reveal one individual who has made such a truly inspirational impact across their social media…and will be named Scotland’s overall Influencer of the Year for 2022/2023.  

Each winner will receive a covetable and 100% sustainable art-collectable sculpture by renowned Argyll design innovators Midton, plus a magnum of Whispering Angel.

A panel of illustrious judges including Michelin Star UNALOME Chef Patron Graeme Cheevers, Creative Director and Designer Iona Crawford, international beauty gurus Marc Elrick and Dylan Brittain, CEO and Co-Founder of Future Beauty Labs, and a four-member VisitScotland Themed Years team including Amanda Thomas, Global Influencer Marketing Manager, have undertaken the difficult task of choosing the finalists from thousands of entries received.

Flashbulbs will pop as guests on the day - after walking the Graypaul Ferrari Glasgow red carpet - arrive to a dramatic digital photo wall; a truly insta-worthy moment.

 

A reception presented in celebration with Whispering Angel; the world’s most glamorous rosé,will welcome the influencer cognoscenti thereafter.

The much-anticipated awards ceremony hosted by Arielle Free and supported by sponsors Moet Hennessy, Laings and Overgate, will follow.

The SCOTTISH INFLUENCER AWARDS celebrations will continue in style into the evening at a hot-ticket Whispering Angel Official After Party with Special Guests Illyus & Barrientos.

There’s still some tickets on sale for the much anticipated event  at £45 per person which include red carpet arrivals, Whispering Angel reception, awards ceremony with Arielle Free and Whispering Angel Official After Party with Illyus & Barrientos. Available via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/scottish-influencer-awards-tickets-390972608597

 

SCOTTISH INFLUENCER AWARDSNOMINEES

SUPERINFLUENCER

@emilyshak – Emily Shakarji

 

VISITSCOTLAND: YEAR OF STORIES - INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR 

@andythehighlander – Andrew McAlindon – 273k

Scottish actor, charismatic tour guide and highlander.

@scotlands_stories – Graeme Johncock and Molly the Lab – 63k

A man and his dog exploring Scotland’s extraordinary stories.

@myprettycotland – Sayra Perkins – 84k

Scottish wanderings through Edinburgh, mostly looking up.

@traveltwo_ - Tom and Laura – 118k

Exploring the great outdoors, Guide to Scotland’s East Coast

@mylittleedinburgh – Zoe Stewart – 290k

Come a wee wander with this rain-loving, tea-drinking creator of beautiful content.

 

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR - FOOD

@hebrideanbaker - Coinneach MacLeod – 76k

Traditional family recipes reimagined and wee stories from the Scottish islands.

 

@rebeccacooks_ - Rebecca Gerrard – 11.5k

 

A sustainability-focussed celebration of Plot life with top tips for beginners and delicious recipes.

 

@hey_renu – Renu Bhardwaj – 36k

Imaginative and inspiring food waste recipes and delicious vegetarian cooking reels.

 

@scotlandedit – Sonya Walos – 8k

Indulgent but easy to follow food recipes with a strongseasonal focus presented in exceptionally slick, aspirational and beautiful reels.

 

@sarahrankincooks – Sarah Rankin – 5k

Face-stuffing, belly-filling glorious gluttony by Masterchef 2022 finalist.

 

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR – DRINK

@beerhooligans – Beer Hooligans – 2.5k

Five-strong team willing to fight for those epic brews.

@onthesauceagain - Inka Larissa – 23k

Glassware obsessed whisky enthusiast, co-founder of @whiskysisters podcast.

@scottishmixology - Jack Jamieson – 38k

Inspired cocktail recipes and dreamy reels with a tartan twist, home bartender.

@liquidgoldie – Liquid Goldie – 7k

Sipping and mixing on a cool insta-worthy grid with quirky #soundtrackmyfriendsdrink challenge.

@withgrape - Tabitha Watson – 4k

Wine consultant, advisor and Grape Goddess.

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR – HEALTH & WELLBEING

@bodyby_amy – Amy Hill – 9k

Personal trainer, fluent in BSL, healthy life lessons, and honest conversations about being a CODA.

@beccamariawatson – Becca Watson – 10k

Wellness and positive mindset messaging delivered in high quality reels to 125k Youtube subscribers.

@caldamac – Calum MacLean – 24k

Wild swimming enthusiast, challenger to sea monsters, champion of Gaelic language, presenter.

@frazermcglinchey – Frazer McGlinchey – 3k

Vibesmith, mindfulness meditation teacher, creator, yogi, bibliophile, pal, lover of kindness.

@ronamcmillan – Rona McMillan – 11.5k

Exciting, empowering adventures, soaking up nature, with the slickest of reels and most stylish grid.

 

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR - FAMILY

@catqb – Cat Cubie – 15k

Family blogger, published author and host of award-winning podcast @thesleepmums.

@coleandabbie – Cole & Abbie – 2.9 million

Fun, informative, honest family stories, and journey through IVF, to 2.9 million TikTok followers.

@a_mothers_tale – Emma O’Donnell – 54k

Keeping it real, wholesome family stories with charmingimagery and chatty interactions.

@winging_mamahood - Jasmine McInnes – 34k

Family fun, cooking demos and recipes, kids clothing reels, and things to do on a budget.

@mylittlewildlings - Zoe Stewart – 76k

Gorgeous profile celebrating the ordinary magic of everyday motherhood with four super cute kids.

 

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR – TRAVEL

@ontheroadagaintravels – Ashley McAfee & StuartConway – 30k

Engaging, well-soundtracked reels and informative Places to Visit in Scotland eight-part series.

@alittlebitofclaire - Claire Ferguson – 24k

Heavy on character, low on carbon footprint travels. Also runs the wonderful @honestlyscotland, devoted to Scotland’s best honesty boxes.

@marisa.vogiatzi – Maria Vogiatzi – 13k

Digital nomad, budget travelling Scotland and the world solo on public transport.

@megbeaudry – Meg Beaudry – 11k

Canadian ex pat exploring the best of Scotland, story series including Epic Scottish Filming Locations, Seven Reasons Why You Need To Visit, 24 Hours In…

@theweewhitedug – Samantha Grant – 51k

Harris Tweed-wearing dandy dug, castle lover, hiker, lover of treats.

 

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR – LIFESTYLE

@amybell – Amy Bell – 146k

Glamorous, humorous stories to make your heart sing.

@the.lifestyle.hunter – Gemma Hunter – 39.5k

Fashion, food and life by the seaside.

@theeverydayman - John Robertson – 25k

Dynamic curated mix of all things fashion, fitness, travel, culture and honest product reviews. Also runs The Everyday Man, the UK’s leading online magazine for men.

@blublazerguy – Scott McGlashan – 8k

The go-to digital creator for aspirational travel, skincare and lifestyle. Also @blublazerguy_fragrances; serving up Face with Fragrance.

@thankfifi – Wendy Gilmour – 21.6k

Scottish style menagerie of fashion, interiors and travel. Daily outfits @thankfifiwears.

 

 

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR – INTERIORS & DESIGN

@annacampbelljones – Anna Campbell-Jones – 19.5k

Charismatic interior designer and Homes of the Year presenter, bringing interiors and design into the mainstream national conversation.

@casalawson – Alex Lawson – 221k

Empowering others to try DIY, sharing all thing power tools, styling and making a house a home. Grand Designs Live speaker.

@formandbalance – Emma Carberry – 11.5k

Telling stories through thoughtful design, beautiful objects. Slow renovation with a dose of reality.

@ourkelvinsidecorner - Stuart McCondichie & Roger Campbell – 7.2k

Two men, one 1880s Glasgow renovation. Dreamy period revamps and design empowerment.

@homewiththemarks - Mark Strachan – 24k

Documenting the renovation of Mark's grandparents house in Aberdeenshire. Started 2017.

 

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR – ARTS & CULTURE

@clydebuiltradio – Andrew Thomson and Claudia Ioana Vasiliu – 11.5k

 

Bringing Glasgow to the world, from a broadcasting home in The Barras.

 

@scotlandhistorytours - Bruce Fummey – 153k

 

Unique History of Scotland storytelling from Bruce’s Scottish perspective, to an audience of 153k YouTube subscribers.

 

@edinbugh_jazz - Fiona Alexander – 4.5k

 

Producer of world class jazz and blues festival with inclusive, accessibly priced streaming focus and strong digital and social engagement.

 

@glasgowist – Paul Trainer – 26.6k

The best people and places in Glasgow, filtered. Wandering aimlessly with intent, bringing fast news on events and trends.

@thebrawandthebravepodcast - Lisa Kennedy – 3.8k

A podcast about people and their passions. Lisa blethering to #brawbrave humans who do what they love.

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR – STYLE

@carolinestylehacks – Caroline Cook – 115k

Champion of considered fashion, sustainable labels, pre-loved style and indie boutiques. 

@louisahatt - Louisa Hatt – 14k

Curated style must-haves in slick reels by this former international fashion model.

@jillyisabella - Jilly Isabella Cross – 114k

Youthful, fun and engaging style content with original and creative twists across reels. 

@shaunamcgregor - Shauna McGregor – 12k

No fuss, hip urban cool, slacker chic style reels with hot soundtracks to match.

@thegentlemanselect – Peter Gemmell – 8k

Stylish content for men, framed within slick, aspirational photography and tasteful, minimalist reels

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR –BEAUTY

@Hannah Lou Robinson/@_sundaybest_ - Hannah Lou Robinson – 26k

Renowned Edinburgh manicurist, lover of colour, nail art, and founder of Sunday Best hand painted press on nails.

@jamiegenevieve – Jamie Genevieve – 1.4 million

Globetrotting beauty YouTuber and blogger, professional artist to the stars, founder of vegan Vieve cosmetic range, devoted army of fans. 

 

@mmaddiehill – Maddie Hill – 500k

20 year old Orcadian, sharing her astonishingly creative makeovers and content to half a million highly engaged followers in a refreshing youthful style. Content creator for BBC Social.

 

@baby.skin - Ruby Rose Harrigan – 24k

Skincare reels, beauty tutorials, honest product reviews, safe tanning, self care.

 

@sarahillmakeup - Sara Hill – 81k

Celebrity makeup artist with an international reach. The go-to for international red carpet premieres, magazine covers and global runway shows. Loves Glowing Skin.

 

 

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR – VISUAL

@artpistol – Art Pistol – 3.5k

Art gallery nailing the ‘gram with the UK’s most progressive emerging and mid career artists.  

@franmart – Fran Mart – 194k

Exquisite, moody, quintessentially Scottish images by this Spanish observer and photographer based in rural Scotland.

@jessicarosebird – jessrosebird – 15.5k

Artist and award-winning fashion illustrator with clients including Harrods, Armani, Samsung, M&S, Edition Hotels and WeTransfer.

@openclosedundee – Open Close Dundee – 3.6k

Local artists brightening up the streets, alleyways and forgotten corners of Dundee with street art.

@whimsicallush – Suzanne Scott – 7k

Illustrator, artist, storyteller, inky adventurer operating under the name of WhimSicAL LusH with works found on Dundee’s Discovery Walk, Oor Wullie’s Bucket Trail and Ninewells Hospital Children’s Operating Theatre.

INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR - INSPIRATION

@graemes91 – Graeme Sutherland – 337k

A heartwarming and heartbreaking openconversation, led by Graeme on Tiktok, on living with his mother’s Alzheimer’s and the devastating impacts of the illness.

@lesswastelaura / @lesswastewarriors - Laura Young – 52k

Climate activist, environmental scientist, sustainability and ethical influencer using the power of social to help save the environment.

@jojofraser – JoJo Fraser

Podcaster, vlogger, motivational speaker and author smashing the stigma around mental health.

@refuweegee - Selina Hales – 26k

Founder of community-led charity welcoming people in true Weegie style with upbeat and engaging reels highlighting Selina and her team’s work.

@weareherescot – Ica Headlam – 4k

Founder of a dedicated social space supporting and raising the voices of Black People and People of Colour creatives, with digital #ScotlandBites podcast.