The most eligible men: 1-25

1 NICK WHEELAN

Soldier, 19

Falkirk

Unique selling point

His army pals don't call him 'Pretty Boy' Wheelan for nothing. With his baby-blue eyes and fighting-fit physique, the courageous private wouldn't have any trouble enlisting girls keen to take him out if it wasn't for his annoying habit of being away on tours of duty. Nick was almost killed after a landmine exploded when he was on patrol with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, in one of the most dangerous parts of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He suffered extensive shrapnel wounds to his leg, but has since made a full recovery after thanks to numerous surgeries and skin grafts. A little tender loving care wouldn't go amiss, though.

Fantasy Valentine

Nick is away a lot, so if he had a date on Valentine's Day he would like to make it extra special for the girl he was with. "I would try to avoid all of the obvious clichs, instead opting for something that would show my Valentine how special she is to me."

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"I love pretty eyes, and I think you can tell a lot about a girl if she has kind eyes. My dream girl would be somebody who was good fun to be around, and a nice person."

Turn-off

"I don't like people who are unkind for no reason, and those who don't look out for those around them."

In another life…

"I've always wanted to be in the army but when my army career comes to an end, I would like to go into the police."

2 HAJ ATWAL

Managing director, 36

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

A multi-millionaire entrepreneur, he's got sex appeal by the bucketload, is chatty, educated and charming. He works for Subway Scotland and was the first to bring the Subway brand north of the border, at only 26 years old, setting up an outlet in Edinburgh's Hanover Street in 1999. Since then, he has amassed 45 stores across the country. Not only is he a successful and ambitious businessman looking to open another 50 stores, friends say he is a genuinely nice guy, looking to mentor and develop young talents who want to start their own businesses.

Fantasy Valentine

"I would spend it with Jessica Alba in Hawaii. On the 14th, we would have a champagne breakfast. We would then drive up the coast of the big island, passing along Diamond Head and taking in the breathtaking coastline. We would stop at the beautiful and unspoiled Hamana Bay, where we would walk on the golden sand and go snorkelling. From here, we would go on a dinner cruise and watch the sunset from the sea."

Turn-on

"Decency, honesty and integrity. Someone who is natural and comfortable with being themselves and who doesn't try too hard to impress."

Turn-off

"The complete opposite of the above."

In another life…

"I would be an astronaut, so I could float in zero gravity, walk in space and on the moon."

3 DERYCK WALKER

Clothes designer, 32

Glasgow

Unique selling point

Named Designer of the Year at last year's Scottish Style Awards, his star continues to rise. Having just come back from Paris after showing his autumn/winter collection with Harris Tweed, he is soon flying off to Japan and Stornoway to do two more shows. "Then I have a very exciting project that has just come to me for my next presentation for summer 2010," he says, "which will be my tenth season in the business."

Fantasy Valentine

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"I do like a night on the tiles, so I think that would be better than all that two-at-a-dinner-table stuff, having a good laugh with… Who? I'm not sure."

Turn-on

"I always look for someone who is well groomed. And a good suit (one of mine, of course)."

Turn-off

"I'm not into dates who are rude, and also the opposite of the turn-on above."

In another life…

"I would probably be a holiday rep, as I'm finding it harder and harder these day to get away."

4 CHRISTOPHE BERRA

Footballer, 24

Lives: Wolverhampton

Unique selling point

The Hearts captain has just been sold to Wolverhampton Wanderers for a whopping 2.5m, but that doesn't mean we won't be seeing him back in Scotland any time soon. National team coach George Burley has just named him for the squad gathering in St Andrews this week.

Fantasy Valentine

Megan Fox. "I'd take her to a nice restaurant overlooking Edinburgh."

Turn-on

Nice eyes and a tattoo on the base of her back.

Turn-off

Bad breath.

In another life…

"I'd be a movie star, someone like Will Smith or Brad Pitt."

5 MIKE HEATLIE

Personal trainer, 36

Los Angeles and Edinburgh

Unique selling point

If he's good enough for Gwen Stefani, he's good enough for us. As managing director of Mike Heatlie Personal Training, this fitness guru has been responsible for keeping the star in tip-top condition for the past 13 years. With a raft of degrees, not to mention being a fully qualified remedial masseur, he is opening his own personal training studio in the capital this month. In March, however, he's off to Los Angeles to work with Stefani. He will then spend the summer on tour in the US with Stefani's band No Doubt.

Fantasy Valentine

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"I'd like to cook a candlelit dinner for Scarlett Johansson, then drink some nice wine together and go out to listen to some live acoustic music next to a burning fire. Hopefully, we'd get to cuddle on her couch and fall asleep together."

Turn-on

A real appetite for life, a beautiful smile, a wonderful laugh and vulnerability.

Turn-off

Apathy, negativity, smoking and arrogance.

In another life… "I would've liked to have been a singer and guitar-player. To be able to express yourself through music must be so naked; you are baring your soul to everyone."

6 JAMIE MURRAY

Tennis player, 27

London

Unique selling point

Murray became the first Briton in 20 years to win a senior title at Wimbledon when he and Jelena Jankovic scooped the mixed doubles in 2007. Now playing alongside Liezel Huber, the pair are seeded fourth in the world. Having just finished playing in the Australian Open, the next few months will see Murray competing in Rotterdam, Memphis, Miami and France before returning to the UK for Wimbledon. So his frenetic schedule means you'll have to be fast to keep up with him. He's also a fan of football, and on his latest blog wrote: "Good to see Man Utd getting the job done... again! Hibs struggled to a home draw at Motherwell, which wasn't so inspiring, but they'll come good."

Fantasy Valentine

"It doesn't matter what I'm doing, as long as I'm enjoying the company. But the woman would be Eva Mendes, hands down."

Turn-on

"A smile can go a long way, as can some decent chat."

Turn-off

"Being needy – I've no time for it, sorry!"

In another life…

"I'd be loving it on the PGA tour, smashing golf balls over 300 yards... regularly!"

7 GERARD BUTLER

Actor, 39

London and LA

Unique selling point

This well-known Hollywood lothario will soon take on the role of one of Scotland's most important heroes, as the star of a long-awaited Robert Burns biopic, due to begin filming in Scotland later this year. With films ranging from the touching Dear Frankie and the smoochy PS, I Love You to the much more edgy 300 and RocknRolla, Gerry's career is hardly a stranger to the role of romantic leading man.

Fantasy Valentine

The actor has been linked with the likes of Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston and Naomi Campbell, so a supermodel physique will surely help your case. And right now you'd have to get yourself to chilly Philly, where he's filming Law-Abiding Citizen with Jamie Foxx.

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It helps if you have a sense of humour. Following rumours that Gerry was to be the next James Bond, the actor quipped: "I've chatted with Barbara Broccoli and she knows that I'll only do it if Ann Widdecombe can be my Bond girl." Or maybe he really does fancy the country's most infamous virgin…

Turn-off

Don't put him under pressure. While filming a sex scene with Thandi Newton for RocknRolla, he was sick with embarrassment. "When Guy Ritchie asked us to writhe around in the bed, I was literally running around the room jumping up and down, saying, 'I can't do this! I can't do this!' I was so embarrassed."

In another life…

A passionate Celtic supporter, you might find him on the pitch scoring the winning goal in an Old Firm match. Alternatively, he did study law at Glasgow University, so might have ended up as a solicitor if the greasepaint hadn't beckoned.

8 SEBASTIAN KOBELT

Pastry chef, 34

West Lothian

Unique selling point

He's Germany's answer to Willy Wonka and he's working in a kitchen near you – the Kitchin restaurant in Leith, to be exact. If access to a steady supply of chocolate isn't enough (he once made a former girlfriend a life-size sculpture of Don Quixote), he's a native of Berlin – the perfect place for a happening weekend away.

Fantasy Valentine

"Someone down-to-earth, fun-loving, good-looking and sporty. As long as there is chemistry between us, it could be anyone – I'm really not into celebrities. Whoever she was, I would make her some marvellous desserts and make sure there was enough chocolate in the house to last the entire weekend."

Turn-on

"Honesty, personality and a good sense of humour."

Turn-off

"Smoking. And I don't like girls who play mind games."

In another life…

"After winning the World Chocolate Championship, I'd like a less

9 TOMMY REILLY

Singer, 19

Torrance, near Glasgow

Unique selling point

Tommy Reilly has been marked out as a name to watch in the future, having just beaten all-comers to win the national Orange unsignedAct competition. His prize was a recording contract with Universal and the label has big plans for the singer. If you need more proof of his star potential, see his MySpace page and listen to his single 'Gimme a Call' – it has already reached No 11 in the download charts.

Fantasy Valentine

"Keira Knightley for sure. I think our date would have to be something classy. Although maybe we'd just go down the other end of the spectrum and I could take her for a drink in Glasgow – Sleazy's or somewhere. She might be bored of all the classy joints!"

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Good chat. "I love it when a girl has good banter. I want a right good laugh."

Turn-off

Too much fake tan.

In another life…

"I'd quite like to be a painter. If I wasn't writing songs I would've tried my hand at art. The problem is I'm not very good at painting. But in another life I might have some skills..."

10 FREDDY ANTABI

Hairdresser, 34

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

With a client list that reads like a Who's Who of Scotland, and a funky new salon in Edinburgh's West End, Freddy is Scotland's answer to the celebrity snipper. He prides himself on having a great rapport with his clients, and is always up for a giggle and full of chat. Although he hasn't featured in the eligibles list for a few years, he has recently become single again.

Fantasy Valentine

"My ideal celebration would be to cook a meal for my mum and sisters – I haven't seen them for ages and really miss them. At the moment, they are the most important women in my life, but there's room for one more."

Turn-off

People who are bigoted or judgemental. "Life is much more fun and interesting when we are surrounded by people from different cultures and religions and who introduce us to new outlooks on life."

Turn-on

"Good hair! Also individuality, tolerance and the ability to make me cry with laughter."

In another life…

"I can't think of anything better than doing what I do now – but one thing I certainly wouldn't want to be is a banker!"

11 GRAY O'BRIEN

Actor, 41

Weatherfield, surely?

Unique selling point

There's nothing we like better than a soap villain, and Ayrshire-born Gray, a graduate of RSAMD, has charmed his way into our hearts first as a womaniser in River City and now as a murderer in Coronation Street. A hit in both sound and vision with his good looks and sexy Scottish accent, he's the bad-boy businessman the soap's fans have a date with most nights of the week.

Fantasy Valentine

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He was impressed by how unstarry pop pixie Kylie was when they did the 2007 Doctor Who Christmas special together. "She sat on the same kind of chair as everybody else, drank the same water and didn't have a big entourage hanging around her. She was just one of the gang and got on with it. It was great fun."

Turn-on

All-action girls. Gray was disappointed when Corrie bosses wouldn't let him do his own stunts.

Turn-off

Anyone who talks during Coronation Street. His dad, Eddie, was Jack Duckworth's biggest fan and the young Gray wasn't allowed to utter a word when the soap was on.

In another life…

If the bottom fell out of the knicker market and his role as Tony Gordon hit the cobbles, we're sure Gray would be in paradise if he could swap his business suit for a football strip.

12 FRANK TO

Artist, 26

Glasgow

Unique selling point

The figurative painter is gaining quite a name for himself in contemporary art circles, with a celebrity following that includes Star Trek's Patrick Stewart – so that should ensure he lives long and prospers.

Fantasy Valentine

"It would have to be someone who could put up with my split personality. I can be very intense when I'm working – it's a 24/7 job and I can work some unholy hours. But when I stop, I have a real sense of humour. As for where we'd go on a Valentine's date, I'm quite a traditionalist so we'd probably just get a coffee somewhere quiet, so I could explore their mind and try to understand them."

Turn-on

Blue eyes and anyone who can keep him on his toes – he likes surprises.

Turn-off

Smoking and bad manners.

In another life…

He'd probably be a car designer. "On my course at art college we studied vehicle design – one of the graduates designed a car that was used in the recent James Bond film."

13 PAUL BOYD

Music entrepreneur, 27

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

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Described by singer Sandi Thom as "Scotland's Simon Cowell", Paul has worked with bands such as Blue and was Antony Costa's guitarist when the band split up. He advises the Scottish Parliament on contemporary music issues and is a guest lecturer on management and entrepreneurship in the music industry at Napier and Heriot-Watt universities. When he gets some time off, he can be found out and about with well-known names from the worlds of music, film, politics and sport, so with him you're always guaranteed an excellent party.

Fantasy Valentine

"I would love to take Katy Perry out for dinner at David Bann's fabulous vegetarian restaurant in Edinburgh, followed by a starlit stroll along the beach."

Turn-on

"Red hair, nice teeth and a big smile."

Turn-off

"Swearing and smoking."

In another life…

He'd spend his life helping others. "I do some work for a charity called Moni Malawi, helping to provide education, housing and clean water. We sometimes forget how lucky we are."

NOEL BAXTER

Skier, 27

Aviemore

Unique selling point

A world-class skier (and younger brother of Alain, Britain's highest-ever ranked skier), Noel is already counting down to the 2010 Winter Olympics in 12 months' time. Experts pinpoint him as one to watch in the slalom and super combined events.

Fantasy Valentine

Kelly Brook. "We would go to a log cabin in the Alps. During the day we would ski and mess around on skidoos, then at night we would sit by the fire and do all the romantic stuff. I hope she can ski! If not, she can drive the skidoo."

Turn-on

Confidence, a nice smile and pretty eyes.

Turn-off

Arrogance and bad teeth.

In another life…

"I'd be in a world-famous rock band."

15 ADRIAN COLL

DJ and model, 36

Balloch, Loch Lomondside

Unique selling point

A Clyde 1 DJ by day, Adrian works the clubs by night and the catwalks in his spare time. "If you asked my friends to describe me, I'm sure they'd say I was fun, loyal, honest, very thoughtful, a guy they could always turn to and a top catch for anyone – and modest too!" On his to-do list this year is breaking into television, although he's already halfway there, having played himself in an episode of Taggart.

Fantasy Valentine

"Angelina Jolie and I would be on a secluded island in the Maldives. After a candlelit dinner while violins played, we'd go for a moonlight walk along the beach before working off dinner!"

Turn-on

Beauty and brains.

Turn-off

Arrogance.

In another life…

"I'd be a Premiership footballer."

16 DAVID FLORENCE

Olympic canoeist, 26

Nottingham

Unique selling point

After returning from Beijing with his silver medals, David was so popular he managed to meet the Queen three times in ten days. Now hard at training for 2012, he's lucky enough to be spending the worst of the winter in Australia. "Since I've been here, I've visited Bondi Beach and the stunning blue mountains and spent some time in New Zealand," he says. "I'll still be in Australia for Valentine's Day, so if I was to get a date for the big day, she might be a bronzed Aussie babe!"

Fantasy Valentine

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"Although I don't go for a particular type, my fantasy date would have to be able to keep me interested. A good sense of humour and the toleration of my sense of humour would be essential! Our date would involve something active or sporty followed by some good food and wine and a night in front of a DVD, or possibly an episode of a good comedy series."

Turn-on

Ambition.

Turn-off

Someone who has nothing to say, and smoking.

In another life…

"I'd be an astronaut."

17 DARREN McKEOWN

Doctor, 27

Glasgow and London

Unique selling point

Working as a qualified doctor and specialist trainee in plastic surgery in Essex, he returns to Glasgow at weekends to run his successful Botox and non-surgical cosmetic treatment practice. He treats a number of Scottish celebrities and has contributed to debates about Botox in several newspapers and magazines, and on radio.

Fantasy Valentine

"I would love to go to dinner with Angelina Jolie. I would be a wee bit scared, though, that I might come home with a dodgy tattoo and an adopted baby."

Turn-on

"I like people who are a bit different, a bit quirky and who are confident in who they are."

Turn-off

"Bad manners."

In another life…

"I would like to be a city banker. I hear they have a lot of free time these days."

18 DAVID RANKINE

Business development director, 29

Dundee

Unique selling point

The hard-working director of a very successful and fast-growing website development company is constantly on the go, travelling the country meeting prospective clients. When he's not in his Dundee headquarters, David does a lot of voluntary and charity work, particularly for St Andrew's First Aid, and is on the area board for Young Enterprise Scotland and Tayside.

Fantasy Valentine

"February 14 is better for couples than singles, I think. Given the chance, though, I'd love to take Britney Spears to a nice restaurant for a great meal and a chat. She's crazy and I think the meal would be a really good laugh."

Turn-on

Wonderful eyes and smile.

Turn-off

Smoking.

In another life…

"I'd be an explorer in the days of Scott of the Antarctic."

19 FINLAY CLARK

Retail strategist, 26

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

Not many men enjoy shopping, but Finlay is such a fan he makes a living out of it. As an expert in online shopping, he advises brands such as Tesco, Topshop and Boots on their marketing strategies. This 6ft 3in sports fan also loves a party and can often be found at live gigs (T in the Park is a staple of his social calendar), eating out or organising his annual summer boat party on the Firth of Forth (fancy dress, of course). In the winter he'll be snowboarding in Europe and in summer expect to see him in Ibiza. The rest of the time he can usually be found around Leith "with a smile on my face".

Fantasy Valentine

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"Scarlett Johansson. I would go surfing in Hawaii, followed by cocktails watching the sunset in Thailand, then dinner in Paris and dancing in Ibiza till the early hours."

Turn-on

Self-confidence.

Turn-off

Arrogance.

In another life…

He'd be a jet-setting DJ playing to crowds all over the world – "I'd definitely be involved in music... I am learning to DJ at the moment."

20 DOUGLAS DOUGAN

Film producer and screenwriter, 42

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

Douglas could easily trade on the success of his multi-award winning production company Fluid Eye Productions, which makes dramas and documentaries; instead, though, he devotes much of his spare time to nurturing Scotland's future film talent with an innovative training programme supported by the likes of Skillset and Channel 4. He is also into health and fitness and loves cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Fantasy Valentine

"My dream date would be the wonderful Kate Winslet. It would be a chance for me to treat and spoil her, so to celebrate I'd cook a special exotic romantic meal – in private; no restaurant crowds allowed."

Turn-on

"Eyes are the sexiest part of a woman's body."

Turn-off

"Anyone who gets blind drunk and obnoxious."

In another life…

"I'd be a country vet. That was my original plan but didn't work out."

21 TONY CURRAN

Actor, 39

LA and Glasgow.

Unique selling point

Glasgow-born Curran is best known for his starring role in the award-winning film Red Road. More recently, he's been rubbing shoulders with Cate Blanchett and George Clooney in The Good German and graced the small screen in BBC Scotland's Burns drama No Holds Bard. With four films in production this year, in the US and UK, any woman hoping to get their hands on this rising star will have to have plenty of air miles.

Fantasy Valentine

Given that he lives in LA while he makes a name for himself stateside, he's probably being chased by some skinny Californian with fake boobs and blonde highlights. But forget them Tony – they'll never offer you fried breakfasts and Irn-Bru on a Sunday mornings like we would.

Turn-on

He's a big Celtic fan, so any girls with a season ticket to Celtic Park are in with a shout.

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He's serious about his craft but has a healthy sense of humour, so anyone that takes themselves too seriously would probably get short shrift.

In another life…

Everyone loves a plumber, so he could reprise the role he played in This Life.

22 MARTIN SIMPSON

Entrepreneur, 40

Aberdeen

Unique selling point

He is managing director of Deeside Mineral Water, which recently hit the headlines following a series of scientific studies that confirm its anti-ageing properties. He is also a director of Aberdeen's newest apartment hotel – the stylish Micasa. "People tell me I am tall, dark, handsome and charming. I have enthusiasm for life and a young outlook. I work out regularly, travel a lot and enjoy the finer things in life. I am also passionate and have a wild side."

Fantasy Valentine

"Kate Beckinsale – until I meet my dream woman. We would ski in Zermatt or Aspen, take a leisurely lunch, followed by champagne in the hot tub, a romantic candlelit dinner and a night of wild passion."

Turn-on

"I like slim, elegant women who are positive, with a passion for life and believe in true love. I want someone fun, adventurous and a bit wild."

Turn-off

"I don't like smoking or disingenuous people."

In another life…

"Being a rock star would be a lot of fun, or maybe a professional sportsman."

23 SCOTTIE BRANNAN

Model agent , 36

Glasgow

Unique selling point

As an agent with Superior Model Management, Scottie is used to mixing with the beautiful people, but he is a down-to-earth guy at heart and believes his fellow eligibles should be proud of their position and the part that they play in society.

Fantasy Valentine

"They would have to be a sensitive and intelligent soul, someone who can make my spirit fly and hold me tight on the journey. For example, James McAvoy. Someone as talented as he, who is brilliant at and willing to explore his craft. A perfect date for me would be simple, nothing extravagant! A simple meal, a glass of wine and a chat or even just a walk in the park."

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"Inspirational, forward-thinkers who make your skin tingle with excitement."

Turn-off

"Constantly negative people, pessimists."

In another life…

"As a youngster, I used to dream about being a fine artist. My ambition was to one day be kneeling on the ground decked out in my dungarees, sketching and drawing on the ground! I love art in every form."

24 ALAN THOMLINSON

Store manager, 34

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

This retail guru was at the helm of the recent 3.5m revamp of Jenners. Describing himself as friendly, fun-loving and adventurous, he says it was hard work, determination and ambition that got him where he is today. He also admits to having a flirtatious and romantic side.

Fantasy Valentine

"I've always wanted to go to Rome or Paris and take someone special with me, but you can't go wrong by taking time to cook somebody a special meal and surprise them with the little things they like. I'd take Cameron Diaz – she is classy and gorgeous."

Turn-on

"I love someone who smells nice and is confident."

Turn-off

"A lack of personality. I enjoy being with someone who embraces life."

In another life…

"I'd come back as a woman. I would love to understand women and see how they feel and think in different situations."

25 LEE HARPER

Professional golfer, 27

Musselburgh

Unique selling point

Travel would be an unexpected benefit of dating this professional sportsman. So even if putting isn't your thing, you can still bunker down in an exotic location after the game. In winter, though, you'll be more likely to find Lee at the gym or the cinema.

Fantasy Valentine

"Pamela Anderson (from ten years ago) and Eva Mendes (I'm allowed two, right?). We'd celebrate on a yacht in the ocean with lots of drink… Not too much to ask for."

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"A good-looking girl with a nice smile and a sense of humour – who doesn't take ages getting ready."

Turn-off

"Girls who smoke, take ages to get ready and have no interest in sport."

In another life…

"I would want to be the chocolate guy off the Lynx deodorant advert."hectic life – I spend 80 hours a week on my feet working."