The most eligible men: 26-50

He's an eco-activist who'd be able to build you the perfect house. Liam was an adviser on sustainable construction until he co-founded Eurban, a specialist company making sustainable buildings using solid timber. He grew up in the Borders and in Edinburgh, and studied architecture in Bath before heading to Europe to work for several well-known architectural firms. Now based in London, he's a man who'd appreciate a warm, comfortable sofa to snuggle up on.

Fantasy Valentine

"I like to share and get most pleasure from simple things, like the silence of falling snow or making someone else happy. If I had someone to celebrate with, I would surprise them. And if I had the opportunity to choose, I would like to spend Valentine's Day with Spanish actress Elena Anaya."

Turn-on

"Creativity, a smile and a beautiful mind."

Turn-off

"Smoking."

In another life…

"I would like to have an answer to this question."

27 NICKY SPENCE

Classical tenor, 25

London

Unique selling point

Born in Dumfries, he was a chippie before going professional as a classical tenor. He has just sung his first notes on the Royal Opera House stage and is set to release a new CD of Alun Hoddinott songs later in 2009. He will also be singing the title tenor role in a new production of Pyramus and Thisbe, as well as leading celebrations for the Burns Homecoming.

Fantasy Valentine

A hybrid of Kate Winslet (in the Titanic years) and Barack Obama. "We'd go paragliding, share a cheese platter at Gordon's Wine Bar and snuggle by the fire with some sheepskin action."

Turn-on

Banter, curves, independent thought and the heart of Anneka Rice.

Turn-off

Smelly hair, clingyness and a Frida Kahlo moustache.

In another life…

"Something bohemian in Paris with a jaunty beret, a fistful of dollars and the smog of my own bonne humeur."

28 DEREK WEBSTER

Juice maestro, 31

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

As fresh-faced and full of vitality as the juices he blends, Derek set up the fashionable Juice Almighty in Edinburgh two years ago after a life-changing trip to Australia inspired him to bring the Oz lifestyle home with him.

Fantasy Valentine

"Valentine's Day is a good excuse to dig out your best gear, fill your better half with champagne and chocolate, hope she likes the stockings and suspenders you got her, and overindulge.

"I'd choose a hot location, then Cameron Diaz and I would go surfing first thing, yoga on a cliff top, followed by a champagne and strawberry breakfast. And then back into the sea. In the evening, we would take a sunset stroll before enjoying a meal prepared by Gordon Ramsay, washed down with the finest wines known to humanity."

Turn-on

A sunny disposition, high heels; good dance moves.

Turn-offs

Fake tan, Ugg boots; an inability to dance.

In another life…

"I think I'd either be an F1 driver or work as a volunteer aid worker in a deprived part of the world."

29 ANGUS THOMSON

Surveyor and sailor, 26

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

A full-time surveyor and part-time sailor, he and a friend paddled sea kayaks across the Irish Sea and back unsupported, raising 10,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. He loves all action sports and often returns to the Caribbean, where he spent a gap year, to race yachts.

Fantasy Valentine

"Jessica Simpson, somewhere hot so her legs would be on show. Or Nicola Benedetti, sailing on the west coast."

Turn-on

Jessica Simpson's legs.

Turn-off

Smoking.

In another life…

"I would run a yacht-charter business in the Caribbean."

30 DANIEL BEE

Entertainment PR, 32 (until he's 40)

London and Morocco

Unique selling point

Running his own entertainment PR company means it's a constant round of glamorous parties, book launches and TV shows with the likes of Hugh Hefner, Sadie Frost and Duncan Jones (David Bowie's son). But when he's not giving it large in LA and NYC he's restoring a couple of riads in Morocco to their original grandeur. Can life get any more glamorous?

Fantasy Valentine

"It would probably have to involve an actress – Lisa Bonet or India's Aishwarya Rai. Or maybe Rama Yade, the French human-rights politician. We'd have a lavish dinner on my roof terrace in Marrakech with candles and lots and lots of red roses."

Turn-on

A respect for life.

Turn-off

No brains.

In another life…

"I'd be a circus performer."

31 SANDY BLOOMER

Entrepreneur, 27

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

A man who knows all the best things Scotland has to offer, Sandy runs Experience Ecosse, a gift voucher business offering adventure trips around the country. When not swimming or snowboarding, he can be found in one of Edinburgh's stylish bars and clubs.

Fantasy Valentine

"A mixture of Uma Thurman, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung – in other words, a woman who is fun, sexy, outgoing and quirky. We'd go for a walk on the beach in East Lothian with Bramble, my black labrador, followed by lunch in a local pub."

Turn-on

"I'm attracted to fun, confident people. She's got to have a sense of adventure and have ambitions in life."

Turn-off

"A lack of personality, being rude or overly critical, or being stuck in a rut."

In another life…

"I'd be an airline pilot. I love travelling and exploring different places. I'm actually training to get my pilot's licence at the moment so you never know!"

32 STEWART BOYLES

Chef, 30

Loch Lomond

Unique selling point

When he's not sweating over a hot stove, the head chef at Martin Wishart's new restaurant in Cameron House, Loch Lomond, is living life to the full in the great outdoors, biking, running and snowboarding. "I was born in Canada and started my cooking career at the bottom, washing pots at the age of 15," he says. A love of food quickly propelled him up the ladder, and he ended up making dinner for the Queen on her Jubilee Tour of Canada. "My family is from Aberdeen and Inverness – my grandmother moved to Canada after marrying a Canadian soldier, and I grew up very proud of my Scottish heritage. Once I got here I fell in love with this beautiful country."

Fantasy Valentine

"Sorry – in my job, I'll always be working on Valentine's Day."

Turn-on

Intelligent, beautiful women.

Turn-off

Shallow women and alcohol: "I'm really not much of a drinker."

In another life…

"I'd be climbing Mt Everest."

33 FERGUS THOMSON

Rugby player, 25

Glasgow

Unique selling point

The Glasgow Warriors and Scotland hooker is a 6ft, 16-stone hunk of a man. Plagued by injuries for a large part of last year, he is back on form and in excellent shape for the season ahead.

Fantasy Valentine

Sarah Harding from Girls Aloud. "It's because of her very good voice," he insists. "We'd go out of a nice meal and some wine – you can't really go wrong with that."

Turn-on

A toned midriff, though he wouldn't want you flashing it all the time in cropped tops – "It would be for my eyes only."

Turn-off

Poor manners.

In another life…

"I'd probably be a doctor. My dad, my brother and sister are all doctors, but for me life was always about the rugby."

34 ANDREW McALLISTER

Business development director, 33

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

As a key player at The Upfront Group, the largest licensed trade security company in Scotland, Andy would always have one eye on your safety. That's not to say he's all work and no play, though. This challenge-seeker loves testing his limits and always tries to treat others as he'd like to be treated himself.

Fantasy Valentine

"Fine food and nice wine are a must, and something unusual and very personal, just for the two of us, would have to be on the agenda. I love giving surprises."

Turn-on

"Laughter, spontaneity, motivation and drive. And honesty."

Turn-off

"Bad manners and laziness."

In another life…

"I enjoy my life just now, but if I had to change it, I'd do something with lots of sport or adventure"

35 IAIN WAUGH

Radio presenter, 32

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

Iain is the Drive Time presenter on 97.3 Forth One. A DJ for more than 15 years, he spent his early days on the club scene working with acts such as Rozalla, Angie Brown and Kelly Llorenna. His passion is for dance music and he is working on a new club night for Edinburgh.

Fantasy Valentine

"Megan Fox. It would start on a Saturday afternoon with shopping for new clothes for the night that follows. Then we'd do something random like a ghost walk or go to the Edinburgh Dungeon. Back to the flat for pre-dinner drinks and tunes, followed by the Witchery for dinner and chat, then on to a club for dancing until 3am. Afterwards, we'd go back to the flat for some chill-out tunes. And breakfast in bed, obviously."

Turn-on

"Knee-high boots."

Turn-off

"Lack of confidence."

In another life…

"I can't imagine another life. I love what I do and the people in it. But if I had to choose something, it would probably be running a beach bar somewhere hot."

36 GERRY MCCULLOCH

TV presenter, 37

Glasgow

Unique selling point

The presenter of STV's Five Thirty Show says that if he knew at 25 what he knows now, "I'd probably still be single anyway!" To be classed as 'eligible', he says, is a compliment. "I reckon it kind of makes it sound like I've qualified for something. I've just looked up the definition of 'eligible' in the dictionary and it says, 'Fit or proper to be chosen… worthy of choice.' Yep, I'll take that any day."

Fantasy Valentine

"Elisha Cuthbert or Eva Mendes (or both). Our date would entail lunch in Paris, dinner in Venice then breakfast at Tiffany's!"

Turn-on

Confidence. "A woman who is comfortable with who she is and how she looks is a woman with sex appeal."

Turn-off

Label junkies. "I don't really care who your clothes are by– it's how you wear them that counts. I've seen some gorgeous girls wearing Primark and some absolute states dressed head to toe in D&G!"

In another life…

"I would be happy making other people happy."

37 JAMES CUMMINGS

Managing director of Heavenly Pizzas, 38

Aberdeen

Unique selling point

What could be better than a man who will happily indulge your love of pizza? This busy – and successful – businessman was at the helm when Heavenly Pizzas was last year short-listed for a prestigious Pizza, Pasta & Italian Food Association award. Even better news is that he made sure the company won a national HealthyLiving Award – so you can stuff your face and not feel too guilty about it afterwards. James is also working on a 'top-secret' new business to be launched across the UK this year.

Fantasy Valentine

"I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day, but to celebrate, nothing beats a good pub crawl – possibly with somebody like Lily Allen, who is great, talented and very funny. It's a great chance to get to know each other and have a good laugh."

Turn-on

"Girls who are funny and don't take themselves too seriously."

Turn-off

"Self-obsessed girls who do take themselves too seriously."

In another life…

"I would like to be an actor, but to be honest I love being in business."

38 ANDY HAMILTON

Personal trainer, 26

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

Maintaining a beautiful body isn't the most important thing in the world but this fitness aficionado certainly makes a good case for it. He's not all about the muscles, though, and enjoys being sociable, energetic and experimenting in the kitchen.

Fantasy Valentine

"I don't believe in Valentine's Day – every day of the year should be full of romance! Relationships need to be kept fresh, so regular wooing is a must, whether it's flowers or weekends away. But an ideal Valentine's experience would be celebrating with a home-cooked, candlelit meal followed by a moonlit walk, preferably in the company of Alesha Dixon."

Turn-on

"A great smile and a sparkling, mischievous look in the eyes."

Turn-off

"Women who are overly self-conscious about their bodies. The whole size-zero thing is not a turn-on."

In another life…

"I'd be a professional footballer. I had spells with Motherwell, Newcastle and Dunfermline until I got injured at the age of 17."

39 KENNY WAUGH JR

Businessman, 19

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

This ambitious youngster has been busy developing new and exciting projects that will take Edinburgh's nightlife scene by storm this year, with the aim of eventually taking over his family's well-established Festival Inns group leisure business.

A former pupil of George Watson's College, Kenny has also played football for Scotland, clocking up 25 caps at youth level, and was signed to Hibernian FC in 2006 at the age of 16. But business is where his talents lie, and he is set to launch his own venture, an exclusive luxurious boutique nightclub, later this month.

Fantasy Valentine

"I would take Hayden Panettiere of Heroes to a remote French Polynesian island and drink champagne until sunrise."

Turn-on

"A girl who is confident and independent but down-to-earth about the whole thing."

Turn-off

"Drug-users."

In another life…

"I would definitely be a world champion Formula One driver. I'm an adrenaline junkie."

40 ANDY HUNTER

Swimmer, 22

Stirling

Unique selling point

After competing at the Beijing Olympics last year, Andy took a break from the pool. Since then, he's been getting back into the routine of training and hopes to qualify for the World Championships later this year. In his spare time he has also been finishing his degree in accountancy and finance.

Fantasy Valentine

"Someone like Scarlett Johansson would do nicely."

Turn-on

"I like a woman who can play guitar."

Turn-off

Women who are too self-conscious to put on a swimsuit and jump into the pool.

In another life…

"I'd do the same all over again; it's been too much fun so far!"

41 DANIEL GERRARD

Footballer, 28

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

If he's not playing for Spartans FC, helping set up hospitality for the club's newly opened community football academy or coaching Edinburgh University's Under-21 team, you'll find Daniel working the floor or bar at Edinburgh's Outsider restaurant. He has also been active in the charity Show Racism the Red Card, has fitted in a spot of modelling and is currently learning about wine and "making noises on my guitar – sometimes simultaneously".

Fantasy Valentine

Jet from the original Gladiators. "I'd let her catch me on Hang Tough. After showering, I'd take her and Ulrika Jonsson out for gnocchi."

Turn-on

Girls who don't take themselves too seriously.

Turn-off

Smokers.

In another life…

"I would be trying to use all I've learned from my mistakes in this life while making new ones."

42 CALLUM MACKINNON

Bar owner, 26

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

As the man behind Amicus Apple, one of Edinburgh's hottest bars, Callum is among this year's coolest eligibles, but it comes as a pleasant surprise to discover that he has a heart of gold too. He will be baring all in the name of charity at the Amicus Apple ladies' night next month, when he hopes to raise 4,000 for the Maggie's Cancer Centres and the Neurology Department at the Western General Hospital among others.

Fantasy Valentine

"I love Valentine's Day, as I am a cheesy romantic at heart and enjoy wining and dining a special someone. And I wouldn't say no to dinner on a Caribbean beach with Jessica Alba."

Turn-on

"A beautiful smile and a girl with a bit of sass."

Turn-off

"Girls who take themselves way too seriously and those who are money-grabbers."

In another life…

He started Amicus Apple on the beach in California!

43 DUNCAN FREW

Managing director, 24

Glasgow

Unique selling point

This party animal heads BadaBoom Bar, a brand development company with clients such as Red Bull, Skyy Vodka, Tennent's Lager and Glasgow City Council. He also runs mobile bars at major events throughout the UK and in Europe, including the recent Winterfest, in Glasgow's George Square.

Fantasy Valentine

"I am a huge fan of Valentine's Day, but it normally means I'm extremely busy at work. If I'm lucky, though, I'll also be able to go on a romantic date – either that or I'll go out with friends."

Turn-on

Someone who is always up for a laugh.

Turn-off

Someone who cares only about what other people think of them.

In another life…

"I would definitely wish to open a beach-hut bar in the sun in Florida, selling cold beer and good food from a grill.

44 LEWIS SMITH

Swimmer, 20

Stirling

Unique selling point

At the 2008 National Championships, Lewis took away a silver and a bronze, marking him out as one of Scotland's most promising swimmers for 2012. Having just moved away from Edinburgh, he is now busy settling into a new home as well as a new training programme. "2009 is an exciting time for me, with the opportunity to be swimming at the World Championships in the summer and living away from home for the first time." So perhaps you could pop round to borrow some sugar and help him feel at home.

Fantasy Valentine

Georgie Thomson from Sky Sports. "My ideal date would be to stay in and cook a nice meal with a vintage bottle of wine, followed by a movie and some naughtiness."

Turn-on

An independent woman who can make decisions and knows what she wants.

Turn-off

Body hair.

In another life…

"I'd be competing in a sport other than swimming."

45 NICK YUILL

Accountant/DJ/ promoter, 27

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

Dividing his time between the record decks and the balance sheets makes Nick Yuill both sociable and solvent, always an attractive proposition in a potential suitor. He also appreciates an evening in curled up on the sofa when those late nights spinning tunes in the clubs take their toll. Family and friends are important to him too, as is heading down the gym to crunch his own figure into shape.

Fantasy Valentine

"A combination of Eva Mendes and Tynecastle stadium (which will definitely reduce my eligibles score!). But good food, a long stroll and feeding the swans will do for 2009."

Turn-on

"Rhythm, style and energy."

Turn-off

"Flakiness."

In another life…

"I intend to achieve all of it in this one, to be honest, although finding a little more time to spend in the studio would be most welcome."

46 ALISTAIR PUGH

Teacher, 33

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

After giving up a career in journalism to retrain as a teacher, Alistair has found personal as well as career fulfilment in education, teaching English and geography at the Edinburgh Rudolf Steiner School. Journalism is still in his blood, though, and he has recently published several articles in national newspapers. A wonderfully accomplished amateur chef, he loves nothing more than preparing a three-course meal for a special guest.

Fantasy Valentine

"Whenever I'm single on February 14, I just turn up my nose at the commercialisation and treat it like any other day. In an ideal world, though, I would cook dinner for actress Julia Stiles."

Turn-on

Good conversation and an interest in the world.

Turn-off

Aggressiveness and rudeness.

In another life…

"I would be a travel writer. I've been fortunate enough to have published a few travel features, and it would be a dream to do this full time."

47 DOUGIE CRAWFORD

Skier, 21

Glasgow

Unique selling point

Rising star Dougie is one of Britain's finest downhill skiers – and he has the super-fit body to prove it. Skiing since the age of two, he added four slalom and downhill trophies to his cabinet last year. But don't expect him to rest on his laurels – he now has his sights on an Olympic medal.

Fantasy Valentine

Elisha Cuthbert, the actress – "We'd go to the beach."

Turn-on

Talent – just being really good at something is enough to get Dougie going.

Turn-off

Being too serious.

In another life…

"I'd be a lawyer."

48 ALASDAIR MORTON

Banker, 36

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

He's a snappy dresser and a witty raconteur with his own fabulous art collection. Morton spends much of his working week in London, which means he's always on hand to pick up that must-have handbag you can't get your mitts on in Scotland. A lover of fine dining, he works off all that rich food in the gym and embarks on the occasional detox to ensure his body remains a temple.

Fantasy Valentine

"First of all, where? Maybe a trip to a gallery and then dinner at one of Edinburgh's Michelin-starred restaurants or a long weekend in New York including cocktails at the Rainbow Room. Who with? Someone with intellect, charm and personality. Is Ms Minogue free?"

Turn-on

"Although I never excelled at science at school, chemistry is a turn-on, as is spontaneity and a winning smile."

Turn-off

"A closed mind, bad manners and an inability to construct a sentence."

In another life…

Philanthropist or art dealer.

49 ANDREW DEMPSTER

Restaurateur, 33

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

An appreciation of good food can only be a bonus in a man, and this eligible restaurateur, who runs Gusto, likes nothing better than dining out. He's not all food and no play, though, and also enjoys listening to good music, meeting new people and generally living the high life in Scotland's capital.

Fantasy Valentine

"If I was celebrating Valentine's Day, it would definitely be with Holly Willoughby. She has a great smile and would make me laugh. We would meet for a champagne breakfast, then go ice skating, just for the comedy value. We would then go shopping around Edinburgh's Old Town and soak up the views. I would then surprise her with a pampering session, before meeting at mine for dinner cooked and served by a private chef."

Turn-on

"Someone who is confident, feisty, good fun, girly and has the banter."

Turn-off

Insecurity, and those whose focus is materialism.

In another life…

"I'd write novels from my beach house somewhere lovely and warm."

50 PHIL MacHUGH

TV presenter, 24

Edinburgh

Unique selling point

Scotland's very own It Boy is fronting a new luxe boutique nightclub set to open in the capital later this month. With fellow Scot Isla Traquair, he recently presented a stunt for Five News from the sofa of his plush New Town pad, and has also worked for E4, BBC and STV. Television has long been part of his life, after he presented a Gaelic programme at the age of 14 while he was a pupil at Glasgow Gaelic School. By 17, he was working with BBC Choice. While working as a creative director in Lithuania last year, he helped guide Vladimir Romanov to victory in the Baltic version of Dancing with the Stars, and hosted the launch of the Homecoming Scotland campaign.

Fantasy Valentine

"It would have to be skiing for the day with Miss World in Sweden and aprs fun in an outdoor sauna, surrounded by fresh snow, with a French martini in hand..."

Turn-on

"Confidence and power. Humour goes a long way with me too."

Turn-off

"Smokers. I like to look after myself and don't like those who don't."

In another life…

"I would love to have been a dancer in a West End show. Perhaps if we do a Scottish version of Strictly Come Dancing I'll fulfil my dreams!"