25 most eligible women in Scotland 2011

• Lee McKenzie has carved out a successful career as a sports presenter

In the years that followed, her affable charm and smart thinking were quickly snapped up by ITV and Sky Sports, before BBC Sport hand-picked her to present its Formula One coverage, culminating last year in her becoming the first female host in the 60-year history of the event to present the programme live from Japan.

Today, she travels to around 20 different countries a year, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Never one to hide her considerable light under a bushel, Lee got behind the wheel (on co-driving duties), as part of the 2004 World Rally Championship. When she's on UK turf, she splits her time between her flat in Oxford and her home in Ayrshire, where she can be found relaxing with family or horse-riding.

Dream date? They'd have to find me first. I spend a lot of time travelling around.

Turn on? Patience and understanding. Someone who really challenges me and makes me laugh.

Turn off? I don't like pandering men.

Greatest achievement? Presenting at the Japanese Grand Prix. It was a massive thing for my career. There were a lot of doubters, but I feel I really turned that around.

Single and celebrating? I'm not someone who wishes for something I don't have but at the same time I suppose it would be nice to have a more 'normal' lifestyle sometimes.

2 Jackie Wylie, 31

Artistic director, The Arches

Jackie is an artistic wonder-woman on the Scottish arts scene. Working in the cavernous hub that is Glasgow's Arches, the Edinburgh-born Eligible helps bring one of the west coast's best-loved venues to life, with a programme that boasts everything from cutting-edge festivals and club nights to an array of unmissable music, comedy and arts events.

Primed to take up the position as artistic director from outgoing Andy Arnold when he went to the Tron Theatre in 2008, Jackie has long been a fresh, innovative face on Scotland's artistic canvas, working first as a location spotter for film and TV, before breaking into the world of theatre behind the scenes, and then taking over the Arches.

A massive supporter of Scottish talent, she's currently working on 2011's much-anticipated Arches LIVE! festival, as well as preparing for such acts as Nicholas Jaar and the Wire, later in the year. When she's not behind the desk, Jackie can largely be found relaxing with friends and enjoying some quiet time.

Dream date? Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish.

Turn on? Silliness.

Turn off? Jeremy Clarkson.

Greatest achievement? Having such amazing, hilarious, dependable friends.

Single and celebrating? Of course.

3 Patience Tsungu, 29

Founder, Sisonke

Patience Tsungu arrived in Glasgow from Zimbabwe in 2008 seeking asylum. She was housed with other asylum seekers in the city's notorious Red Road flats.

Initially unable to work, she toiled tirelessly for integration, keen to promote a positive message about asylum seekers and refugees. Patience is currently studying social work at the University of the West of Scotland in Paisley and has recently contributed to Refugee Week Scotland.

Elsewhere, having secured Big Lottery Fund support to organise a series of African cultural events in 2011, she is determined to bring Zimbabwean food and culture to the masses. In recent months she has emerged as committee founder and chairwoman for community organisation Sisonke Community Arts, which celebrates modern Scotland's cultural diversity through the arts and social activities. In her spare time, she enjoys going to gigs and enjoying Glasgow's many multi-arts festivals.

Dream date? Probably for a meal, maybe see some cultural activity. A festival or show.

Turn on? Someone culturally aware and someone who is willing to learn more.

Turn off? I try to look for the good in people.

Greatest achievement? I believe I've really helped create a sense of community through my work and there are people who have really appreciated what I've done.

Single and celebrating? Yes, I'm happy.

4 Louise Linton, 25

Actress

This Edinburgh girl is making serious waves in Hollywood. The belle of this year's Tartan Week in New York, Louise's star has long been on the rise over the pond, with five films already under her belt, as well as a blossoming theatre career. Growing up in Murrayfield, she admits that by as young as six she was keen to act; by the time she hit her teens, her looks were attracting the attention of modelling scouts.

Aged just 18 she turned down a modelling contract in order to work with orphans in war-torn Zambia – and has since written a book about her experiences. Always keen to support causes close to her heart, she is a Young Ambassador for Scottish ex-servicemen's charity Erskine. In her spare time, when she's not taking lessons to get her pilot's license, she's studying for a degree in law.

Dream date? Taking a spin in a '54 cherry-red gullwing down the French Riviera at sunset with Cary Grant.

Turn on? A classic gentleman.

Turn off? Clown suits and bad manners.

Greatest achievement?Performing a lead role off Broadway. My father recalls me tugging on his sleeve as a little girl and telling him I was going to be a serious actress when I grew up. It really only sank in that I'd accomplished that this year, while I was nervously waiting for the curtain to go up on my first lead performance on stage in New York.

Single and celebrating? Single for the first time in ages and it has been exciting travelling and meeting new people. I'm not looking for Mr Right but I have a feeling I'll meet him this year.

5 Denise Deutsch, 30

Heiress, Mandors Fabric Company

From dressmaking to haberdashery, this heiress is always fashion first. As part of one of Glasgow's most successful fabric emporiums, Denise boasts as much style as she does substance. Born and bred in the Southside of Glasgow, hers is a family affair, working day in, day out with her mother and father in Mandors, buying fabrics, travelling to suppliers and trade junkets and dealing with staffing and marketing. Recently she's started learning how to make pieces herself, her love for fashion further demonstrated by a rather sizeable collection of 1950s vintage dresses – a look in keeping with her retro Glasgow flat.

When she's not working she can be found travelling, baking (cupcakes are a favourite) or indulging in her latest hobby: learning how to be a trapeze artist.

Dream date? Going out for tea and cake; I like trying new places, somewhere like Auntie M's Cake Lounge in the West End or the Butterfly and Pig.

Turn-on? Tall men and beards: I basically like tall, hairy men.

Turn-off? Shorties.

Greatest achievement? My proudest moment was when the shop won Best Shop in Glasgow. It was really special to win something as a family; I felt a sense of achievement about my part in making that happen.

Single and celebrating? I've been single for a while now and I wouldn't mind meeting that special someone.

6 Pamela Nash, 25

MP, Airdrie and Shotts

As the youngest MP currently working in Westminster, Labour's Pamela Nash has always been inclined to fight her political battles on home turf. Keen from a young age to make a difference, Airdrie-born Pamela went to the University of Glasgow to study politics.

From there she joined Parliament as researcher to John Reid, as part of a journey that would eventually see her elected as MP to Airdrie and Shotts in the 2010 election. When she's not flying the flag for Labour she can be found out with friends or watching a film at the cinema.

Dream date? Good food and someone to make me laugh.

Turn on? Someone who is ambitious and knows what they want out of life.

Turn off? A Tory.

Greatest achievement? Getting elected at such a young age and getting to represent my home team in parliament.

Single and celebrating? I'm very happy my time is filled but I suppose you could say I'm on the lookout for someone.

7 Katherine Grainger, 35

Olympic rower

Katherine Grainger was awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to rowing. Britain's most successful female rower, she was born in Glasgow and now lives and trains in Marlow, coming back to Scotland to see her family on a regular basis.

While her medal drawer may suggest otherwise, Katherinedidn't take up rowing until she went to Edinburgh University to study law, making her achievements all the more impressive.

A winner of three Olympic silver medals, she has also been world champion five times. With smarts both on and off the water, Katherine has achieved an MPhil in medical law and medical ethics from Glasgow University, and is now studying homicide for a PhD at King's College at the University of London.

In 2010, sheand her crewmate Anna Watkins were named World Rowing Female Crew of the Year.

Dream date? Simple things really – a fun time during the day, maybe on a tandem or at a water park, or if the weather's not good I love a bit of culture, so a trip to the theatre and an art gallery or museum. In the evening just a simple, romantic meal with plenty of time for talking and sharing stories. Lovely food, fine wine and a walk along the beach under the stars to finish with.

Turn on? A sense of humour, good manners and an exciting passion for life goes a long way.

Turn off? Cynicism and indifference.

Greatest achievement? Probably my sporting achievements but singing in the GB Rowing Team choir is up there as I was banned from my primary school choir.

Single and celebrating? Single and obsessively training.

8 Alison Hogg, 30

Teacher

A Primary Two teacher at George Heriot's, Edinburgh girl Alison loves the fact that she does a job that makes a difference. Having studied for a business studies degree at Strathclyde University, she decided aged 24 to retrain and follow her first love and educate young children for a living.

Six years on, she's never looked back. In her spare time, she likes to surf on the east coast, having taken it up six years ago. Indeed, when she's not keeping her classroom charges in check, Alison's hobbies are either seeing her friends or of a largely sporty bent – little surprise for a lady who has the London marathon already under her belt: hockey, tennis and golf are also favourite pastimes.

Dream date? I'm a bit of a romantic really, so just some lovely dinner and good conversation would be nice – nowhere too fancy.

Turn on? Someone with a sense of humour, someone outgoing, ambitious and attractive.

Turn off? Someone who is selfish and puts themselves first.

Greatest achievement? If I can have achievement(s) then it would definitely be learning to surf and becoming a teacher. I love that kids are so unpredictable and you feel like every day you are making a real difference.

Single and celebrating? Yes, definitely.

9 Tricia Thompson, 35

Head of Sports & Arts, The Bigger Picture, Sky

Growing up outside Loch Lomond, Tricia was always destined for great things, combining her compassionate nature with a true love of the arts. She has worked with The Bigger Picture team at Sky since February 2005 and heads up the major Arts and Sport partnerships.

As part of her job, she helps runs a nationwide school sports initiative – Sky Sports Living for Sport – and an ambitious programme called Sky Ride in partnership with British Cycling that aims to get a million more people cycling in the UK.

Then there's the large scale arts sponsorships of English National Ballet, Hay Festival, Artichoke and media partnerships with arts organisations across the UK.Triciahas lived and worked in Sydney and New York and volunteered in India with a local NGO on HIV/Aids projects for six months. She recently launched Sky Arts Ignition, a fund to support the arts. In her spare time she enjoys indulging her love of the arts, and keeps fit by cycling to work.

Dream date? Can I have dream weekend? I don't think I can fit it all in. Maybe a walk up a hill, a pint then some live music. If I can have a weekend maybe somewhere oversees, kayaking or canyoning.

Turn on? Somebody sporty, active, good fun and open to new things.

Turn off? Being shy might not be up there.

Greatest achievement? I always had a feeling that I wanted to help and I went to volunteer in India, working in a tiny village. It was an incredible challenge and I realised very quickly how much we take the world we live in for granted.

Single and celebrating? I'm pretty relaxed about it all. You only have one life and you have to get out there and do what you want.

10 Dee Miller, 30

Referee, Auld Reekie Roller Girls and SEO, Bigmouthmedia

As chief whistle-blower for Auld Reekie Roller Girls by night and SEO for Bigmouthmedia by day, it's fair to say there's seldom a dull moment in the world of Dee Miller.

When she's not travelling with her job as a head of department optimising her clients' portfolios, she's donning her roller skates as Cherry Fury, as part of Auld Reekie's finest sporting import. Brought up in the whisky country of Aberlour ("I'm fond of a good malt"), Dee admits to loving a challenge, a modus operandi that took her from pastimes such as skiing, climbing and snowboarding to rollerskating. Her eye for detail and a love of strategising make her an obvious candidate to pick up the gauntlet as referee.

Dream date? It would probably be something quite challenging, something with a bit of creativity. Bad dinner and the cinema is not going to cut it. If money wasn't an option, I'd go for some hand-cooked Thai food on top of a mountain before skiing down it.

Turn-on? Someone that's very motivated.

Turn-off? Someone who talks about themselves constantly.

Greatest achievement? I'm a twin, so my mum and dad had to support both of us through university. So I'd say my greatest achievement was getting a first in my degree and then going on to get my masters.

Single and celebrating? I'm pretty happy with my lot. I don't measure myself by being in a relationship.

11 Arlene Rolph, 38

Mezzo soprano and NOISE co-founder

This Ayrshire-born, Brighton-based belle certainly knows how to hit the high notes, whether it's touring the world as an international soprano, or as co-founder and co-director of new initiative NOISE (New Opera in Scotland Events).

Following a stint at Glasgow's RSAMD, Arlene has let her incredible voice do the talking, taking on some of opera's greatest roles. When she's not singing, she's teaching and working to make NOISE a success, most notably helping to set up a special event in Sloan's Bar in Glasgow next month. In her spare time she loves socialising with friends and "looking for new challenges".

Dream date?It would have to be with James McAvoy – it's a tragedy that he's married. If James wasn't available, the Welsh actor Matthew Reece would be lovely. We would spend the morning on a hot air balloon accompanied by a bottle of Bolly – and then dance the night away.

Turn on?I love a fast wit and a good thinker and men who can really make me laugh; if that's packed in a toned frame, then all the better.

Turn off?I can't abide players, selfishness, lager louts or a man with long fingernails – unless he's a rock star there's nothing good about that.

Greatest achievement? Winning the Katherine Ferrier competition was amazing. But working with children who have learning difficulties and showing them the power of music probably blitzes all my other achievements.

Single and celebrating?Yes, I celebrate my single life. I think the best possible scenario is when two people are single-minded and can enhance and bring out the best in each other.

12 Beryl Preuschmann, 37

International PR, VisitScotland

Having worked on a German soap opera in Berlin, as an online editor, journalist and photographer, Beryl now works with media from Germany, Austria, Switzerland and central and eastern Europe from her office in Leith. This month saw her organising a judges' house in Scotland for the German X-Factor.

Having studied maths and chemistry with initial thoughts to be a teacher, she cannot imagine doing anything else now, as she loves Scotland. When she's not working, she can be found enjoying the countryside and making the most of the restaurants in the capital.

Dream date? It would be nice to be taken somewhere I've never been. It's lovely seeing a place through someone else's eyes.

Turn on? Someone attractive, very witty, caring, open minded and tolerant.

Turn off? Someone who is ignorant and snobby.

Greatest achievement? Moving to Scotland. I'm glad I had the courage to change my career path as I've ended up doing something I really love.

Single and celebrating? Yes I enjoy being single. I have a lot of lovely friends to share things with.

13 Jo Morgan, 34

Director, Highland Hostels

This travel lover and island hopper happily lives by the motto that life is no dress rehearsal. Growing up in the small, picturesque village of Strathkinness, close to St Andrews, Jo blames her grandfather for her love of travelling, having spent many school holidays sailing around Europe on his yacht.

After graduating she got a seasonal job at the Old Course Experience, looking after rich American golfers during the summers, and travelled during the winters. Inspired by a trip to a backpackers' hostel in Australia, Jo returned to Scotland and applied for a job as a driver guide.

She spent the next two years driving busloads of backpackers around the Highlands, teaching them Scottish history. Five years later, she has taken over four hostels from MacBackpackers, splitting her time between Pitlochry, Skye, Fort William and Inverness, and runs them as her own business, with hopes to add further premises to her portfolio. When she's not working, she loves music festivals, windsurfing and camping – she's also rather fond of trying to catch lobsters from her garden in Cellardyke.

Dream date? There's something rather nice about Jenson Button.

Turn on? Sparkly eyes, confidence and someone who can make me laugh.

Turn off? Selfishness.

Greatest achievement? Running my own successful business in my chosen market. There's not a day that goes by that I don't realise how lucky I am.

Single and celebrating? I think you should be celebrating whatever your status.

14 Jessica Gregson, 32

Writer and charity worker

Glasgow-based Jessica grew up between London and Sydney. She currently spends much of her time as a post-conflict development worker, mainly in southern Sudan, working with the State Ministry of Education, helping carry out identification and screening work on staff throughout the region.

When she's not there she's writing novels from her Southside flat in Glasgow and working on her PhD in anthropology at Glasgow University.

In her spare time she likes travelling, reading, drinking and doing up her "ramshackle flat". Fact fans might note that she's the daughter of actor Michael Craig, and Natalie Wood is her aunt by marriage.

Dream date? Anything unexpected and unlikely.

Turn on? Enthusiasm, laughter and unashamed mockery.

Turn off? Mouth-breathers, close-talkers and the terminally humourless.

Greatest achievement? Spending two and a half years in Sudan and only having malaria once.

Single and celebrating? For now.

15 Natalie Harrison, 37

Owner, Smithy Gallery

Born in Glasgow into an artistic family, Natalie enjoyed painting from a young age, quickly recognising and realising her dream to be an artist. Following exhibitions in Scotland and London, she decided to indulge her passion further by setting up the Smithy Gallery in the village of Blanefield, 20 minutes outside Glasgow.

With a keen eye for detail, she renovated an old blacksmith's cottage, stripping it back to its original features before renovating it into the gallery space it is today, showcasing an array of contemporary Scottish artists, as well as providing space for up-and-coming talents. When she's not hanging new exhibitions, Natalie can be found exploring other galleries, heading to the theatre or spending time with friends and family.

Dream date? I don't mind what we do, as long as there is a natural chemistry and lots of laughter.

Turn on? Flowing conversation.

Turn off ? Socks and sandals.

Greatest achievement? Opening the Smithy Gallery and it still being the success it is five years on.

Single and celebrating? I'm enjoying not knowing what's round the corner.

16 Liz Lloyd, 33

Head of communications, SNP

Flying the flag for the Nationalists, Liz Lloyd is a formidable force in the Scottish parliament. She studied American studies at Edinburgh University, while always quietly nurturing a love of politics.

After graduating, she got a job in media monitoring before becoming policy and press advisor to Jim Mather. Now Leith-based, she spends her days on message for the SNP, as head of communications – with her role this month largely focusing on helping all the new MSPs settle in at Holyrood and preparing for the upcoming referendum and by- elections.

She happily admits there's seldom a dull moment in her busy day. In her quiet time Liz enjoys going to the gym, running, hanging out with friends and travelling.

Dream date? A nice surprise, something that gets me away from it all.

Turn on? Somebody who makes me smile, laugh, relax and with a good sense of humour.

Turn off? Arrogance and people who don't keep their promises.

Greatest achievement? Being part of the successful 2011 campaign.

Single and celebrating? Yes I am, I'm enjoying it.

17 Kara Anderson, 25

Co-owner, Bond No 9

A shining light on the Edinburgh Shore's already thriving bar scene, Kara's Bond No 9 venture leapt on to the scene in 2008, when Kara was aged just 22. As co-owner, she felt there was a niche in the market for a destination cocktail bar – and she wasn't wrong.

Bond No 9 was nominated this month as Best Cocktail Bar in Scotland. Partnering up with her now-ex-boyfriend barman Chris, Kara took control of the design and ambience, calling on her background in PR and advertising to help make the place a firm success.

Keen to be more than just the sum of its parts, she's launched film nights, live music nights and DJs, as well as a monthly boutique shop event in the bar. When she's not working, she can be found in quieter parts taking her Jack Russell for long, healthy walks on the beach. n

Dream date? I love day dates: a big drive somewhere out of the city to do something daft like clay pigeon shooting.

Turn on? There is nothing nicer than a gentleman with confidence and humour.

Turn off? I hate rudeness.

Greatest achievement? Making Bond No 9 a success. It happened when I was really quite young and we're coming up for our third year in August. It has definitely got easier. I think I've made all the mistakes I'm going to make and we have a great crew of people working for us: we're like a big family really.

Single and celebrating? Yes, I'm independent with my own car, flat, dog and the bar and that feels good.

18 Jenny Reeve, 31

Musician and songwriter

This Glasgow-born musician oozes class. Having previously worked with such local heroes as Malcolm Middleton, Idlewild, Snow Patrol and the Reindeer Section, her band Strike the Colours are currently working on their next album.

Perhaps best known for folky offerings, their upcoming opus will be sprinkled with more electric, experimental sounds. Labelling herself a "community musician", Reeve takes much from her time working with a community project in Easterhouse, encouraging 12 to 18-year-olds to take up and enjoy music. When she's not playing or writing with Scotland's great and good, she can probably be found there, fundraising for the cause, or enjoying down time with friends.

Dream date? Climbing a hill or maybe taking a nice walk somewhere remote; it's nice being in the open air.

Turn on? Open-mindedness and imaginative people who have a good heart.

Turn off? Ignorance and narrow-minded people; I don't care for game players either.

Greatest achievement? I think to still be making music I love after all this time and to be working as a musician is pretty special. I feel like I've achieved a decade of working with really great people.

Single and celebrating? Yes, I'm independent and enjoy a lovely social network of friends.

19 Cat Cubie, 29

BBC weather presenter

This Edinburgh girl, best known for her vintage fashions and friendly forecasts, worked behind the scenes at the BBC, moonlighting on the occasional sports and children's show, before getting her big break as weather girl for BBC Scotland.

Having studied psychology at Aberdeen, she says she considers it an "amazing privilege" to do the job she does. A self-confessed style chameleon and fashion lover, Cat admits to donning a rock chick look in her downtime, naming Lauren Laverne, Kirsty Wark and Lorraine Kelly as women she admires. Never one to rain on her own parade, in her spare time she can be found at gigs, the odd music festivals or simply enjoying a large glass of her favourite red wine.

Dream date? That would probably have to be a combination of my favourite things – really good food, red wine, maybe some live music. I think it's good for a date to have a shared experience.

Turn on? Someone who can make me laugh. You've got to be able to have a good giggle with someone.

Turn off? Smelly feet, bad hygiene.

Greatest achievement? I don't know if I've quite got there yet but I'm very proud of what I do.

Single and celebrating? Absolutely. You always think the other side of the fence is greener.

20 Fiona Nichol, 34

Share plan and benefits executive, Royal Bank of Canada

Dealing in share plan management by day at the Royal Bank of Canada and embracing her love of singing by night, Fiona Nichol is an impressive all-rounder.

An Edinburgh-based people person who enjoys her job, she is the first to indulge, out-of-hours, in what her family lovingly call her "arty" side, singing and dancing when she can – this year she'll even appear on the Fringe, should you want to see her in action.

Although a lover of foreign travel, Fiona's feet are firmly on the ground, and when she's not got her nose to the grindstone or her mouth to the mic, she can be found doing her bit for charity, working in the local Barnardo's shop of a weekend.

Dream date? I would probably say I'm quite romantic – maybe dinner on a beach somewhere quiet. I love interesting people and like intelligence and someone who can chill.

Turn on? Tall guys, anything 5'8" or over. I don't really have a type so I take people as they come. Sometimes you just can't pinpoint where the attraction lies.

Turn off? Arrogance, showing off with money and rudeness.

Greatest achievement? Getting my diploma last January. I also loved singing for the first time on stage. It happened in Pilrig Church, in Edinburgh. Some people get a buzz jumping out of a plane, but I just love just getting up there and singing.

Single and celebrating? I'm very happy with myself and if I was to enter into a relationship I'd want it to be with someone who is happy with themselves too.

21 Grainne Braithwaite, 31

Concert promoter

This fun-time girl and regular face on Scotland's music scene thoroughly enjoys life as a concert promoter, running her own company, Synergy Concerts, and putting on concerts and clubs in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Born in Glasgow but raised in a small town in Canada just bordering Detroit, Michigan, Grainne admits to having "a really strange accent". Her interests include music, fashion, art and architecture and although she claims to not have much spare time, what she does have she uses wisely, catching up with friends, reading books, travelling and watching Question Time. Her latest hobby includes getting "pretty geeky with vintage watches".

Dream date? Hard to say. I think that if the person is right I would be equally at ease being whisked away for an evening somewhere glamorous and beautiful as I would be eating ice-cream in Pollok Park on a Sunday afternoon.

Turn on? I like men who are independent, confident and ambitious. Those are really attractive qualities to me.

Turn off? Neediness, negativity, jealousy. I cannot abide that sort of behaviour.

Greatest achievement? Every day I feel like I'm achieving something I never thought I would. Perhaps just being able to work and make a living in an industry that I truly adore – so many people don't have that luxury and dread having to go to work in the morning. I wake up excited and enthusiastic every single day.

Single and celebrating? I never really considered it. I certainly don't feel as if anything is missing in my life, that's for sure.

22 Gemma Fay, 29

Goalkeeper, Celtic and Scotland

A lady with her hands full, Gemma is one of women's football's shining lights. Having been told by her mother that she was kicking before she could walk, Gemma showed signs from a young age of great things to come, both on the pitch and off it – with her footballing moves and in her current role as partnership manager for SportScotland, the national agency for sport.

Perth-born, she says she never remembers training with a view to being a professional, she simply loved the personal challenge football gave her. Now based in the West End of Glasgow, her role, she believes, is to encourage others to enjoy all that sport has to offer. When she's not desk bound or saving goals, she likes whiling away the time hiking and climbing – and has recently started growing her own food

Dream date? A midnight picnic under the stars or maybe a trip to go and see the Northern Lights.

Turn on? Honesty and people that are happy to be themselves, no matter what people think.

Turn off? People that pre-judge others and value things over friendship.

Greatest achievement? When my family turned round and said I'd helped or made them proud.

Single and celebrating? I think you should be happy with yourself regardless.

23 Gemma Kane, 26

Director, Raise a Salute

With a background in writing, fashion and styling – and having worked with such high-profile clients as Eliza Doolittle and Kanye West – it's little surprise that this Glasgow girl is the face behind latest lifestyle business Venture Salute.

Having recently moved back to her homeland from the bright lights of London, the Sailor Jerry PR, occasional DJ and fashionista is convinced she has what it takes to make a success of this male and female multi-platform lifestyle brand. n

Dream date?Something spontaneous and something that doesn't involve Nandos, fast food or the cinema.

I'm thinking maybe being blind-folded, taken on a plane and when all is revealed I'd be on a beach with a mojito in hand with that 'special' someone.

Turn on?Geezers. Attitude and drive is something that intrigues me.

Turn off?Man boobs and dirty nails. Personal pride and effort goes a long way.

Greatest achievement?I'd say that would have to be being my own boss. The hard work pays off and hopefully will keep doing so.

Single and celebrating? I work hard, play hard and enjoy what I do. If someone tickles my fancy then let's see what happens.

24 Miranda Grant, 42

Managing director, Bonhams Scotland

As the head of the country's only international auctioneer, Miranda happily spreads her time between her flat in Edinburgh and her stable cottage in Dumfriesshire. Having trained as a jeweller and gemologist, her work has taken her around the world.

Today, as MD for Bonhams Scotland, she still loves the travel and opportunities her job brings – whether it be seeing a new place or discovering a beautiful piece of glass or porcelain. Her trusty whippet Pax often accompanies her to the Edinburgh office where her job ranges from logistics to people management and client services and PR.

When she's not indulging her love for antiques, she can be found enjoying an array of outdoor pursuits in the Borders, picking up her brushes and painting pictures or socialising with close friends.

Dream date? Someone intelligent, funny and with good chatter. I cannot bear men who can't communicate.

Turn on? Someone relaxed and easy to be with.

Turn off? Someone who wears bad shoes and holds their cutlery like a pen.

Greatest achievement? Professionally, it's getting to the place I have with Bonhams; personally, I think I've been a very good friend.

Single and celebrating? I think it is great being single and I'm in the happy position of being surrounded by lots of wonderful friends.

25 Sarah Alexander, 49

Partner and counsellor, Aberdeen Counselling practice

Lending an ear to those in need, Sarah Alexander helped build her practice from scratch.

She worked as a social worker for 16 years before opening her own counselling practice with her partners two years ago. Brought up in Glasgow, Sarah helps clients from all walks of life, and readily admits she loves the freedom of being her own boss. While work fulfils her professional life, her three children keep her very busy on the home front. When she does have time to call her own, she can be found socialising with friends and indulging in a spot of yoga.

Dream date? The criteria would have to be that they are smart, amusing and fit, and have a good lifestyle. A drink and a nice meal would go down very well too.

Turn on? I like someone who is middle-aged and still positive and risk-taking. People play safe still.

Turn off? Someone who is dishonest.

Greatest achievement? That would have to be my children and then, of course, starting my own company.

Single and celebrating? I couldn't be happier in my life – I'm my own boss at home and at work.

This article was first published in Scotland On Sunday, 26 June, 2011