THE Scottish Influencer Awards took place over weekend – with 16 gongs handed out.
The glitzy event, which launched in 2022, was hosted by BBC presenter and broadcaster Amy Irons at the city’s Radisson RED Glasgow on Jattvibeday, May 3.
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Scotland’s influencers of the year have been revealed for 2026 Credit: Scottish Influencer Awards
Amy Irons hosted the glitzy event Credit: BBC
Categories included food, health and wellbeing, travel, and style. A special award also honoured an influencer who epitomises ‘inspiration’.
And a ‘Superinfluencer’ gong was presented on the day to a Scottish icon whose global social audience reach best represents the country.
A grand finale announcement at the end of the night was also made ti single out Scotland’s overall Influencer of the Year for 2026.
Judges included Michelin star chef Patron Graeme Cheevers, creative director and designer Iona Crawford, and Marc Elrick, CEO and Co-Founder of Future Beauty Labs.
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Here, we reveal the 16 social media stars who triumphed over their competition to bag the awards.
SUPERINFLUENCER
Interior design firm Timorous Beasties – which creates eclectic wallpapers, fabrics and homewares – took the superinfluencer gong at this year’s awards.
The business was described as an icon which significantly enhances Scotland’s reputation as a country of exceptional creativity.
Timorous Beasties represents the pinnacle of excellence, generating a global social reach running into the billions.
Over 35 years, the brand – founded by Alistair McAuley and Paul Simmons – has built a legion of fans worldwide.
The Glasgow-based firm said: “This recognition is of great significance to us as a studio.
“Since our inception, we have remained committed to challenging convention—reinterpreting traditional design languages, exploring narrative through pattern, and creating work that is both distinctive and thought-provoking.”
INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR
David Duke was awarded the overall influencer of the year award as one of Scotland’s greatest champions for social mobility.
Judges noted he is a remarkable individual; visionary, inspiring, and immensely respected.
He is a force of nature who has helped countless men and women to turn their lives around, inspired by his own life-changing experience.
Using football as a force for social change with Street Soccer, David is a regular speaker on the world’s biggest stages and television.
He works with Prince William as an advocate on The Royal Foundation’s Homeward initiative to make homelessness rare, brief and unrepeated, as well with Governments, UEFA, and NIKE.
He an ambassador for UNICEF and was named a CNN Hero.
David enjoys immense support from countless superstars globally, all who greatly admire and support what he has created.
David Duke, founder of Street Soccer, was awarded influencer of the year Credit: Andrew Barr
Paula Gaughan was picked as family influencer of the year Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
FAMILY
@wildchildwander – Paula Gaughan – 47k
Solo parenting mumfluencer Paula promotes slow childhood and real-life skills and experiences. Inventive and highly resourceful travel content on a tight budget, and with accessible WildChildWander app.
She also shows the no-days-off, sleep-optional reality of motherhood.
LIFESTYLE
@howeydon – Howey Don – 100k
Howey offers up fashion, skincare and hair hacks for the metrosexual gentleman.
The entrepreneurial dad-of-one, based in Dundee, shares good energy, positive vibes and kindness messaging – delivered with his signature megawatt smile – one well curated post at a time.
He has recently opened his own Afro Caribbean unisex hair salon in Dundee, and said winning his influencer gong is a “day he’ll cherish forever”.
INTERIORS & DESIGN
@ourhonestdiy – Phoebe Green – 13.3k
Edinburgh duo Phoebe and Ralph are DIY couple goals.
The husband and wife duo document the good, the bad and the ugly with budget-friendly home design, woodworking, garden glow ups, genius tutorials, and inspired storage solutions.
They are the creators of the Secret Storage Shelf which racked up 40 million views.
ARTS & CULTURE
@kennyboyleofficial – Kenny Boyle – 395k
The actor and writer, from the Isle of Lewis, promises to treat followers to vibrant, funny, educational, sometimes silly fun, and always thoroughly entertaining reels.
Kenny said he was “delighted, in shock, and totally overwhelmed” by his win.
Kenny Boyle beat off competition to bag arts and culture influencer of the year Credit: Scottish Influencer Awards
Pete Reid is this year’s sports influencer of the year Credit: Scottish Influencer Awards
STYLE
@chloejade_story – Chloe Robertson – 210k
Chloe delivers beautiful musings on all things neutral style and quiet luxury with aspirational photography, slick reels, and conversational audience engagement.
The Aberdeen-based fashionista boasts an accomplished YouTube channel and popular TikTok presence.
Speaking on Instagram after her win, Chloe said: “WOW! I still can’t believe this happened?! Being awarded the Scottish Influencer of the Year for ‘Style’ honestly feels surreal.
“The best part was being surrounded by such passionate, hardworking creatives who genuinely want to bring more positivity to the industry, so inspiring to be in that room.”
BEAUTY
@nicholajoss – Nichola Joss – 52k
Honoured as the world’s top facialist, Nichola Joss is one of the industry’s most revered skincare experts, using cruelty-free and ethically produced products, and sharing hacks for great skin.
Creator of the miraculous Buccal Inner Facial, her A-list clients include Gwyneth Paltrow, Gisele Bündchen, Margot Robbie, Scarlett Johansson, Hilary Swank and Victoria Beckham.
She is also the co-founder of wellness brand Hopothecary which is stocked in Harrods.
FOOD
@foodieholly – Holly Dingwall – 707k
Holly is an amateur cook from Glasgow who creates easy, delicious, unique recipes.
The 25-year-old has even released her own book Dinner, Solved which features quick dinners and over 90 recipes that can be made in 10, 20, 30, or 40 minutes.
It also includes exciting twists, clever meal planners, flavour wheels, leftover lunch ideas, build-your-own charts and customisable variations.
Holly, who has no formal culinary training, was presented with her award by Michelin-starred chef Graham Cheevers.
DRINK
@swedishwhiskygirl – Moa Nilsson Reynolds – 23k
Moa, originally from Sweden, now lives in Edinburgh and shares compelling journeys through whisky, spirits and wine.
She is passionate about exploring how drinks of various cultures bring people together.
Followers are treated to dreamy photography and relatable reels with an engaging slant on whisky education.
HEALTH & WELLBEING
@georgiaadelenoble – Georgia Adele Noble – 10k
Georgia says she finds joy in the small moments, and real life human optimisation stories.
She is an ultra marathon runner, multiple hip surgeries survivor, and founder of The Supper Club – wellbeing dinner parties filled with warmth, connection and nutrition.
The humble social media star said she “was a little teary” when her name was announced as the category winner.
TRAVEL
@talesbyjosh – Joshua Adeyemi – 190k
Joshua is the tech savvy founder of Black Scottish Adventurers, and treats his followers to sweeping landscapes and iconic scenes.
He also promotes diversity in the Scottish walking community.
INSPIRATION
@the_widowdiaries – Lisa Marshall – 12k
Lisa is an inspirational solo mum of three navigating life after loss.
Lisa became a widow at 31 after her husband Alan took his own life.
She shares grief, growth and everything in between through powerful, personal and honest social media storytelling.
Lisa admits winning the award was “bittersweet” but finds comfort in how many people she has reached.
She said: “Emotionally, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster.
“I feel so happy and grateful to be nominated alongside such incredible people who are all doing amazing things for causes close to their hearts. I genuinely couldn’t believe it.
“But at the same time there’s a sadness there too. Because the truth is, my path to being here came from losing my husband.
“We’re showing up, raising awareness, being recognised because something awful happened. But none of us would ever have chosen this path.
“That’s what makes it so so bittersweet.
“But I also know that connecting with others, sharing my story, and helping people feel less alone has been a huge part of how I’ve coped. It’s helped me process what’s happened in a way I never expected.
So if I feel happy and also a little bit sad and that’s fine. Both things can exist at the same time.
“That’s what I’ve learned is grief, gratitude and heartbreak, all mixed into one.”
VISUAL
@libby.penman – Libby Penman – 66k
Libby is a filmmaker, storyteller and charismatic on-screen presenter from Kirkcaldy, Fife, who showcases the amazing work of conservationists fighting to save wildlife across the world.
Her work combines fast-paced action and extreme environments to deliver incredible wildlife cinematography.
Posting on Instagram after her win, Libby said: “I loveeee filming and photographing the Scottish outdoors and all its incredible wildlife, so a huge thank you to everyone who comments, likes, shares, and engages with my posts!!
“I’m constantly amazed at how much this page is growing and feel so motivated to keep thinking up new ways to showcase the INCREDIBLE nature this bonnie wee country has to offer.”
SPORT
@mckallaster – Allaster McKallaster aka Pete Reid – 820k
Pete’s alter ego Allaster is a social media sporting sensation providing ‘unbiased’ Scottish commentary since 1966.
His global audience of followers includes Ryan Reynolds, Gerard Butler, Gary Lineker, Lewis Capaldi, and the Scotland National Football Team.
He has featured on BBC, ITV, Apple TV, and CBS Sports.
Speaking after his win, he joked: “Next up, we win the World Cup.”
BUSINESS
@madebrave – Made Brave – 20k
A dynamic global brand and creative agency led by Andrew Dobbie, Made Brave inspires creativity to bring the best ideas to life.
The firm is spearheading an ambitious campaign to transform, through Andrew entrepreneurial thinking, Glasgow’s iconic but much neglected People Make Glasgow sign in time for the Commonwealth Games.
