Rugby World Cup, advertising spend, Dalmore, Scottish Elections: McAteer looks to 2011
McAteer peers into his Christmas crystal ball and tells us what he is looking forward to in the next year.
THE SUMMER
I was born and brought up in Africa. My parents live in the Seychelles. There’s one downside to Scotland - the cold.
THE RUGBY WORLD CUP
I love all sports. I love football. But my favourite game is rugby. I follow Scotland whenever I can; and a battle-weary group of around 15 of us have been trudging around Paris, Dublin and Edinburgh watching Scotland get humped on a regular basis for many years. Thus our first away win in years in Dublin this year led to an outpouring of emotion and unabated joy. With victories in Argentina, and then beating the World Champions South Africa; Andy Robinson looks like he has a team that plays with a bit of fire in its belly - like the old days with David Sole, JJ, Finlay Calder and Gary Armstrong. I can’t wait for the Six Nations and the World Cup, when we take on the Auld Enemy.
ADSPEND RISING
Yes, I’m looking forward to it in 2011. Whether it will happen is a different matter.
THE SCOTTISH ELECTIONS
The General Election this year was a bit of a non-event for Scotland. Whatever your politics we got a Government we didn’t vote for - and we certainly didn’t vote for a Con-Lib coalition. I think the 2011 elections in May will be a close-run thing. It’s going to be fascinating to see how Scotland votes given all the recession, the changes and uncertainty.
TASTING MY DALMORE
Have you ever tasted The Dalmore? I recently treated myself to another bottle of the 15 year old; as yet it is unopened. I’m waiting for that special moment. Words cannot describe how delicious the liquid is. It is my favourite malt by a long shot - and I like them all. My 15 year old is not as delicious as I imagine the 64 year old would be - which sold for £100,000 a bottle recently. (Unfortunately times are tough and I don’t have any spare change lying around.) But nevertheless I am looking forward to sharing my Dalmore with friends in the coming months.
BIG SCOTTISH ACCOUNT RETURNS TO SCOTLAND
I’m looking forward to Scottish agencies winning the battle to convince large Scottish-based advertisers that local agencies have tremendous talent and creativity to help build brands. In 2011 we’re going to see the tide turned – and at least one big account return home. It would also be nice to see Scottish agencies getting a place on some pitch lists – at the moment not even this is happening. Wishful thinking? Martin Luther once spoke of his dream...well this is certainly my dream.