The most eligible women: 1-25

Published on Friday 6 February 2009 12:36

1 NIEVE JENNINGS

Miss UK, 21

Glasgow

Unique selling point

First she was Miss Scotland 2007, then she was Miss UK 2008, so let's just say she has spent much of the past couple of years in a swimsuit and sparkly crown. She has travelled to Japan and China, and had tea with the mayor of Kyoto. Then it was back to Scotland to play Princess Jasmine in pantomime at Edinburgh's King's Theatre. This year, she'll be handing over her crown but says there are plenty of exciting projects in the pipeline, including a "top-secret" TV opportunity.

Fantasy Valentine

The Celtic player Georgios Samaras. "He'd definitely be my dream date. We'd go out, paint the town red and finish up with a candlelit dinner."

Turn-on

A sense of humour. "For me, that's the most attractive thing."

Turn-off

Don't act like one of the lads – "someone who always puts his mates first."

In another life…

"I wouldn't change my life for anything. I'm fulfilling all my childhood dreams – singing, dancing, acting, modelling and representing my country."

2 ISLA TRAQUAIR

Newsreader, 29

London

Unique selling point

Nominated as the girl who could fill Natasha Kaplinsky's Five News shoes while she went off on maternity leave, Aberdeen-born Isla proved more than a match for her twinkle-toed predecessor, with viewing figures rising by nearly 25%.

Fantasy Valentine

"I have two – I'm greedy. Anthony Kiedis (the lead singer of Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Brad Pitt. Anthony because he's quirky and has an incredibly hot body, and Brad – well, I don't usually go for blondes but I'd make an exception for him. My ideal date would be something fun. I was ice-skating at a rink in Hyde Park before Christmas and thought that would have been a nice date. I love skiing, so a date on the hills sipping hot chocolate would be perfect."

Turn-on

Good conversation and a sense of humour. "I like to be intrigued and challenged."

Turn-off

Poor manners.

In another life…

"I'm quite happy with what I am doing now."

3 FLURE GROSSART

Gallery assistant, 26

London

Unique selling point

Our own blossoming heiress is 25-year-old Flure Grossart. Her father, Sir Angus, ranks as one of the most powerful businessmen in the country, having set up his own merchant bank in 1969. In this year's Rich List, the 65-year-old's fortune was estimated at 70 million. But Flure is making her own way in the world. "I work in one of the world's oldest art dealerships, London's Fine Art Society. I'm also pursuing work in fashion, fuelled by the buzz and energy of London life. I try to stay close to my roots with monthly visits back to Scotland."

Fantasy Valentine

"Valentine's Day should be about time and thought. A bunch of flowers that have been hand-picked or a handmade card would win me over. I'm looking for something exciting, imaginative, different… maybe being whisked away for a picnic in a jungle treehouse by Superman? Or Josh Hartnett would do. Or even just up Arthur's Seat with someone special."

Turn-on

Quick wit, creativity and intelligence.

Turn-off

Chat-up lines.

In another life…

"Ask me in 50 years.

I hope to do most of it in this life."

4 KATIE LEUNG

Actress, 21

Motherwell

Unique selling point

Leung beat off 4,500 others to become the recipient of Harry Potter's first kiss and will star in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince this summer. "I don't have a boyfriend at the moment but I want one. Because of Harry Potter, everyone seems to assume I'm 16, which I don't think really works in my favour."

Fantasy Valentine

Might it be Daniel Radcliffe, or since she's mad about R&B and hip-hop, what about Ne-Yo?

Turn-on

Being treated well. Take, for example, the Potter premires. "They are brilliant occasions; people are shouting your name and you always get pampered and put up in a great hotel."

Turn-off

Being unfaithful. Katie admired Cho Chang when she stuck with Cedric after Harry asked her out.

In another life…

When she's not acting, Katie has been studying photography so a career as a celebrity snapper might be in order.

Gail Porter

TV presenter, 37

London

Unique selling point

She loves comedy and clubbing, and can also keep you entertained discussing female anatomy since doing the Vagina Monologues in Edinburgh this month.

Fantasy Valentine

Johnny Vegas, Ricky Gervais, Eddie Izzard – anyone who would make her laugh; and she likes a premire, but is equally happy down the local tapas bar.

Turn-on

A sense of humour. Men who like high-maintenance, manicured girls in high heels need not apply. They'll have to take her as they find her.

Turn-off

Anyone who doesn't like children, as she loves spending time with her daughter Honey, aged six.

In another life…

She would love to be a nurse after doing the reality show So You Think You Can Nurse for Channel Five.

6 LUCY TANAT-JONES

Erotic boutique owner, 26

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

As the woman behind Organic Pleasures, Edinburgh's most glamorous and eco-friendly sex shop, Lucy Tanat-Jones knows what she's talking about when it comes to matters of love and lust.

Fantasy Valentine

"If you're single on Valentine's Day, you should spoil yourselves mercilessly – go out on the town in a big group of single friends and have a ball. In an ideal world, I'd go sailing round Capri with a strong, capable man. We'd have a bottle of Bollinger on board and tickets to the opera or a jazz club back on dry land. Actually, if I was with someone special, it wouldn't matter where we were because we'd bring the romance with us. Champagne always makes a good accompaniment, though."

Turn-on

"Big, strong arms and kind, twinkling eyes."

Turn-off

"Self-confidence is very attractive, but I cannot tolerate arrogance."

In another life…

"I feel pretty lucky and happy right now. I'd quite like Beyonc's career, though, as an alternative."

7 HEATHER SUTTIE

Television and radio presenter, 34

Glasgow

Unique selling point

Having just shot a pilot for a TV show in Los Angeles, Heather is now back in Scotland as the face of eco jewellery company Froote. Not one to stay in one place for long, she is off to Dubai soon and continues to be active in her Say No To Plastic campaign. Add to that her ongoing TV and radio work and you'll have to be quick if you want to pin her down.

Fantasy Valentine

A drive in the Highlands to a castle for dinner and drinks, stopping for chips on the way back to Glasgow. But her dog would have to come too.

Turn-on

"Humour every time."

Turn-off

"BO and unwarranted arrogance."

In another life…

"I'd be a doctor if only I had the qualifications."

8 LINNY OLIPHANT

Brand manager, 36

Glasgow

Unique selling point

Super-chic Linny is a former fashion journalist/stylist and director of the London College of Fashion. She has worked with a stream of famous faces in her job as brand manager for cashmere grand dame Johnstons of Elgin. This is the woman who was responsible for the firm's celebrated collaboration with fashion's boy wonder Christopher Kane.

Fantasy Valentine

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith. "I worked with Aerosmith years ago and have been smitten ever since. By day, we'd cruise Route 66 in a 1956 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible, and by night, we'd dance the mambo."

Turn-on

Character, charm, a glint in the eye and a voice that sings.

Turn-off

Greed and vanity – "a man should be able to walk past a mirror without slowing down".

In another life…

She'd choose a life in the saddle. "I'd be a wrangler on a ranch, possibly in Nevada, driving the longhorn cattle north, the scent of sagebrush filling the air."

9 PETRA M WETZEL

Brewery owner, 34

Glasgow

Unique selling point

"A woman who runs a brewery... I get told that's a man's dream!"

Fantasy Valentine

Dinner with George Clooney on the terrace at his house overlooking Lake Como.

Turn-on

"Anyone who can make me laugh is in with a chance."

Turn-off

"A lager lout."

In another life… "I would do exactly what I do now. There is no greater satisfaction in life than seeing an idea grow and become a reality, and to know that you – with the help and support of your team, family and friends – have created something really unique and special is wonderful."

10 JO HAMILTON

Singer, 36

The Highlands and Birmingham.

Unique selling point

Hailed as one of the most exciting and unique female artists to come out of Scotland in decades, Jo Hamilton has been likened to Annie Lennox, PJ Harvey and Kate Bush. Born to a white Jamaican mother and a white Kenyan father of Shetland origin, she writes songs that speak of her travels while tapping into the Gaelic lullabies of her childhood. Her new single 'Winter is Over' is out next month, with the album Gown following in April.

Fantasy Valentine

Stephen Hawking. "He's one of the most interesting people I can think of. What would we do? A bit tricky with Stephen, but if he was up for it we'd do some hard, muddy rally driving. We'd end the day watching some clean slapstick, where no one gets hurt."

Turn-on

The outdoors. "The magical beauty of the outdoors is boundless. I had a semi-nomadic childhood, alternating between a remote house in Ross-shire, two miles from any neighbour, and spells living in Turkey, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka, so I have seen the world in all its beauty."

Turn-off

Most jokes.

In another life…

"I'm told my music is filled with hope and inspiration – it certainly is cathartic for me. It's impossible to imagine a life without music. But in another life, I would hope that I could help people more directly."

11 LIZA ROBBINS

Pole-dancer, 28

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

A girl has just graduated with a degree in sports studies and wants to get radical, so what does she do? She sets up a pole-dancing school, that's what. Robbins established Polecandy in 2006, and it has gone from strength to strength, teaching the artform as a "physically demanding and sexually empowering form of exercise".

In 2008, she joined Edinburgh's Dance Base, bringing pole-dancing to an even wider audience. She even taught Boogie and Arlene from Forth One as part of their Strictly Pole Dancing challenge.

Fantasy Valentine

A hot salsa club in Cuba with plenty of Havana rum, daiquiris, fantastic music and a tall, dark and very sexy partner.

Turn-on

Ambition, passion and a cheeky smile.

Turn-off

Arrogance, vanity and men who don't eat dessert.

In another life…

"I'd be teaching surfing and living out of a mini campervan in Bali, on the east coast of Australia or in Mexico."

12 MHAIRI GIBB

Stylist and consultant, 31

Glasgow and London

Unique selling point

Gibb began her rise to fashion-fame on Dazed and Confused magazine. Since then, she has worked with big-name photographers including David Bailey and Nick Night on campaigns for Agent Provocateur, Mot et Chandon and Wonderbra; as well as Kate Moss for Rimmel. She recently collaborated with Glasgow-based designer Niki Taylor on her label Olanic, and styled her first catwalk show at London Fashion Week in September. This week, she'll be hot-footing it to New York to work on Marc Jacobs's autumn/winter show.

Fantasy Valentine

"Gael Garcia Bernal would take me on holiday to Mexico. We'd travel around on his motorbike, stopping for a picnic of champagne and strawberries."

Turn-on

Ambition.

Turn-off

Arrogance.

In another life…

"I'd love to be a spy."

13 LISA MURRAY

Sales executive, 28

Portree, Isle of Skye

Unique selling point

Now working for Skye Homes, she was previously a letting negotiator in London, sourcing flats for the likes of Chelsea footballer Paulo Ferreira, models Erin O'Connor, Elizabeth Jagger and Lily Cole, and actor Patrick Dempsey. As a child, she was a national horse-riding champion, and her ambition is to ride in the Grand National.

Fantasy Valentine

Bruce Parry from BBC's The Tribe – "We'd go sailing off New Zealand at dusk, talking about his awesome experiences while sipping champagne (with strawberries, of course) and watching the sun set."

Turn-on

"A positive can-do attitude, someone who likes to have fun and isn't scared of giving something new a go. And if they have nice arms, even better."

Turn-off

Arrogance.

In another life… I would breed and produce top-class Welsh section A ponies for half the year, and for the other half I would be in Borneo helping out in an orangutan sanctuary."

14 SARAH DAVID

Nightclub manager, 36

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

"I dropped out of a medical degree to fulfil my dreams of running a fantastic club and music venue, which I found in Cabaret Voltaire. I have always been incredibly motivated, energetic and determined to succeed. My success at work reflects my personality, in that it's important for me that everyone around me is happy, having a fabulous time and being the best that they can possibly be. I'm a good friend and a good listener, and a true romantic."

Fantasy Valentine

"My dream celebration would be to whisk Jeremy Clooney (the love child of George Clooney and Jeremy Clarkson) off on a whirlwind date to Monte Carlo. We would start the day with a breathtaking drive around the track in a Bugatti Veyron; watch the Grand Prix and go on a tequila-fuelled casino rampage."

Turn-on

"Humour, ambition and creativity."

Turn-off

"Selfishness, unjustified moody behaviour and cuddly toys."

In another life…

"I am actually living the dream so to imagine another life in which I wasn't in the pursuit of new music would be entirely alien to me."

15 ANNABEL MEIKLE

Whisky maestro, 39

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

Perhaps it's her sophisticated nose or her cheeky sense of fun, but Annabel has reached the top in a field that has traditionally been dominated by men. The last year has seen her visit 42 cities in 21 countries, from Paris to Beijing, in her work for Glenmorangie, spreading the word about whisky. When she gets some down time, she likes nothing better than heading for the great outdoors.

Fantasy Valentine

"My friends joke that February 14 is my least favourite day of the year. It always reminds me that I'm single, and I get really grumpy with smug people at work who get great bunches of flowers – I'm just jealous! I'd love to spend the day with TV chef Valentine Warner – not only because of his entirely appropriate name but he's a wonderful cook."

Turn-on

"I really appreciate good manners and natural charm."

Turn-off

"A man who takes longer than me in front of the mirror in the morning."

In another life…

"I'd love to present wildlife programmes on TV, driving around watching elephants."

16 LULU

Singer, 60

London

Unique selling point

Lulu is a Scottish singer-songwriter, actress, model and television personality who has made a worldwide name for herself since she bounded on to our screens in the 1960s – and just keeps getting better. This year, she went back to her roots by providing the commentary on the BBC show Eurovision: Your Country Needs You, as well as launching her new skin-care range Time Bomb. And in turning 60, she feels the best is yet to come "I know what I want to do and what I don't want to do, and that's great. It's important to be open to new experiences."

Fantasy Valentine

The perfect Valentine date would involve a romantic walk with the dogs on a quiet, Scottish moor, followed by dinner by the fire.

Turn-on

A good sense of humour is a must, and she is not afraid to be fussy. "If you meet someone and click, it's fabulous; there's nothing nicer."

Turn-off

Someone that spends more time on their hair than her.

In another life…

She might be a comedian. Lulu proved her comic mettle doing the odd turn on her eponymous TV show and even made a hilarious guest appearance, playing herself, on Absolutely Fabulous.

17 STEPHANIE CAMPBELL

Complementary health therapist, 36

Glasgow

Unique selling point

Massage therapist and colonic-irrigation specialist, Stephanie has a long list of celebrity clients that includes Victoria Beckham, the Pussycat Dolls and Ewan McGregor.

Fantasy Valentine

Gregory Peck – "you just can't match that old-school charm and sophistication" – on a day-trip to Rome in late spring.

Turn-on

Kissing.

Turn-off

Metrosexuality. "I like a man to look like a man, smell like a man and, most of all, act like a man."

In another life…

"I'm in my dream job, and I've created my life exactly the way I want it to be. But if I was really forced to make a decision, I would have to say working for a cause to save our beautiful planet."

18 VIKI MENDELSSOHN

Managing director, 38

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

She is known as a sassy, classy and successful lady, who is at the top of her game as the MD of Big Blue, a PR and sports marketing firm. She knows a thing or two about the round and oval ball games, having worked extensively in rugby and football. She also manages one of Edinburgh's biggest summer events, Touch Rugby. She has a reputation for fun and being the life and soul, but is now looking for a soulmate.

Fantasy Valentine

"I would love to have dinner at El Bulli – the world's best restaurant – with someone who loves me unconditionally. And if it had to be a celeb, someone like Hugh Jackman."

Turn-on

"A combination of laughter, sparkling wit and a twinkle in the eye are always an attraction, coupled with a night on the tiles, some fabulous food and drink."

Turn-off

Dishonesty and anchovy-lovers.

In another life…

"Daniel Craig's bed sheets or, failing that, a food critic."

19 ANNIE LENNOX

Singer, 54

London

Unique selling point

Not only "the greatest white soul singer alive" – according to VH1 show 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll – with more than 80 million records sold and an estimated 30m fortune, the Aberdonian contralto also has a conscience. As well as headlining a pro-Gaza rally in London last month, she wasn't afraid to rap the knuckles of Israeli foreign minister Tzipi Livni for her unauthorised use of her song 'I Saved the World Today' in an election broadcast.

Fantasy Valentine

They must be an angel of an eco-warrior, perhaps an Amnesty International or Greenpeace worker prepared to walk on broken glass in defence of human rights and social justice, who would inspire some sweet dreams for Annie.

Turn-on

A social conscience and healing hands, to help with the impinged nerve in her back or thorn in her side.

Turn-off

Not returning calls or e-mails, as Sony BMG did before dropping her. She is about to release a Best Of collection, her last album with the label.

In another life…

She'd work for a relief agency, rolling up her sleeves and getting stuck in.

20 AL KENNEDY

Writer, 43

Glasgow

Unique selling point

Kennedy is a best-selling author and "better off" thanks to last year's 25,000 Costa Book of the Year Award, for her fifth novel, Day. Accused by one critic of doing bleak the way Russians do epic, she has a healthy yet dark sense of humour and does a bit of stand-up. Suitors needn't be lookers, as "most of the people I fancy look quite odd".

Fantasy Valentine

"I'd want to be in a hotel in Tofino, on the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island, where you sit on the balcony and are entertained by the eagles catching fish."

Turn-on

Tall, rich, funny, bright men who are good with words.

Turn-off

Those who look like they have emerged from an American mini-series; anyone short, fat, bossy, who talks about electrical goods, or mad book groupies, needn't apply.

In another life…

A former drama student, she would be treading the boards.

21 ANGELA MURRAY

Independent TV producer, 39

Glasgow

Unique selling point

The charismatic, charming Murray enjoys a successful career producing films and television programmes such as Still Game. Funny, clever, deeply loyal and romantic, she loves having a good time.

Fantasy Valentine

"I'd like to spend the day with someone who had the best bits of Eric Morecombe and Eric Bana. We'd celebrate at the legendary El Bulli restaurant near Barcelona, though we might end up laughing so much we get thrown out. Maybe a night at my local, which does great mince and tatties, would be a safer bet."

Turn-on

"A dynamic, caring guy with an open mind and a generous heart, who, though he takes his work seriously, certainly doesn't take life too seriously."

Turn-off

"Arrogant, judgemental types. A guy trying to chat me up in a bar recently actually came out with the line 'Don't you know who I am?' Incredible."

In another life…

"I'd work for Amnesty International, which does magnificent work defending human rights, fighting injustice around the world and destroying prejudice and inequality."

22 JULIE TINTON

Photographer, 44

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

After many years working in Hong Kong's financial sector, Julie returned to Scotland to exploit her creative talents and study photography. Over the last couple of years she has built up her business in both commercial photography and portraiture, and now has a client list that includes several actors and writers.

Fantasy Valentine

"I love laughter in my life, so a perfect date for Valentine's Day for me would have to be Will Ferrell. I think he'd be so entertaining to sit and break bread with!"

Turn-on

"People who have the ability to make me laugh uncontrollably."

Turn-off

"Liars."

In another life…

"I wish I could paint. And I'd love to be able to play the piano – I always envy people who can do so effortlessly."

23 CLAIRE WILSON

Marketing manager, 30

Glasgow

Unique selling point

In her job with Highland Spring, she looks after the water firm's sponsorship portfolio, which includes agreements with the likes of Andy Murray, Chris Hoy and the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Fantasy Valentine

"My perfect Valentine's Day would be dinner, wine and good conversation. I would like to spend it with the guy from the Chanel No5 advert – Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro. Not only does he have the most gorgeous eyes but I could listen to his accent all evening."

Turn-on

"A cheeky smile, lovely eyes and a sense of adventure."

Turn-off

"Arrogance and thoughtlessness."

In another life…

"I'd be a tennis player. I love the fast-paced environment of the tour and the opportunity to visit new countries around the world. However, tennis on the Wii is probably as far as I'll get."

24 ANGELA WALKER

Eco-preneur, 36

Glasgow and Cheshire

Unique selling point

Travelling all over the world in her job as a sales and education executive for cosmetics firm Aveda, Angela says: "I am very passionate about what I do in work and at home. I describe myself as the glamorous green person who loves people, food and organic wines." But don't worry; one day she hopes to settle down long enough to get herself a dog.

Fantasy Valentine

"Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall would cook for me at River Cottage."

Turn-on

A good decision-maker with a great sense of humour.

Turn-off

Long toenails and synthetic designer aftershave.

In another life…

"I'd be living off the land in the south of France, on an organic farm and winery with plenty of massage and yoga."

25 DAWN BRESLIN

Author, TV presenter and life coach, 40

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

A very good woman to have on your side, Breslin has been a self-help guru and life coach for 11 years through her workshops and best-selling books and CDs. Her clients include everyone from celebrities and CEOs to the homeless, long-term unemployed and abuse victims.

Fantasy Valentine

"I love Valentine's Day – it's a great opportunity to be more appreciative of others. In an ideal world, I'd celebrate with Ewan McGregor at a luxury resort in Australia's tropical rainforest. We'd lounge around the hot tub, fish, sail and scuba dive, dine on oysters and Sancerre and, of course, do lots of skinny-dipping!"

Turn-on

"I like risk-takers and high-achievers, and natural men who love the outdoors."

Turn-off

"I can't stand bad manners, jealousy or laziness. And I don't like control freaks or men who spend too much time in front of the mirror."

In another life…

"I would be a wonderfully successful actress."