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New Years Honours

By The Drum, Administrator

January 14, 2005 | 28 min read

The announcement of the Prime Minister’s annual New Year Honours List always provokes furious debate. Is it really an opportunity to reward and recognise the outstanding achievements of people from all walks of life or is it merely a vote-winning exercise for the government? While the nation debates whether Olympic athlete Kelly Holmes really deserves to become a Dame and rower Matthew Pinsent deserves to become a Knight, The Drum’s editor, Richard Draycott, has this year decided to announce his own set of New Year Honours.

The list aims to reward those people working in the Scottish media and marketing industry that went above and beyond the call of duty during the last year; it aims to recognise those people that have worked solidly in their area of expertise over a long period of time and it also attempts to give a thumbs up to those who have turned heads and given us a laugh during the last 12 months.

There are five Honours being handed out this year:

ï Knighthood

ï Damehood

ï CDE (Commander of The Drum’s Empire)

ï ODE (Officer of The Drum’s Empire)

ï MDE (Member of The Drum’s Empire)

Those individuals and companies receiving Honours here earn the divine right to use the letters CDE, ODE or MDE after their name and are encouraged to do so in all written correspondence, promotional literature and when introducing themselves to potential clients and strangers.

Advertising

Knighthood – John Denholm and John Rowley

Sir John Denholm and Sir John Rowley capped off what was a mixed year for The Leith Agency by becoming part of what looks like being a highly profitable and exciting marketing group, The Cello Group. While creatively The Leith wasn’t at its strongest in 2004, as a business it moved back into profit following its launch into London in 2001. The agency maintained its high quality client portfolio and also gained a place on the Scottish Executive’s agency roster. However, what really earned chairman Denholm and chief executive Rowley their taps on the shoulder is the innovative deal that they hammered out with the Cello Group chairman Kevin Steeds and chief executive Mark Scott. For a while ad industry commentators have been concerned that The Leith would inevitably be swallowed up by one of advertising’s major groups, a move that would see control go south to London. But this deal has seen The Leith become part of a larger and more aggressive group, while management is maintained in Scotland. A great deal for The Leith Agency and a good deal for Scottish advertising as a whole.

Damehood – Barbara Moyses

For many years media sales executives have winced with fear when they hear the dulcet tones of Dame Barbara on the other end of the phone. They know that with her vast experience, her wide ranging media savvy and her unerring determination to get a good deal for her clients that they are in for a torrid time. However, Dame Barbara has, over the years, earned the respect of the entire Scottish media industry and many in the North and South of England. Her decision to leave the industry last June stunned and shocked many, but the impact she has had on the Scottish media scene will never be forgotten. It is her strong voice, undying dedication and humour that have earned Dame Barbara her Honour.

Commander of The Drum’s Empire

The Union, CDE – This year The Union cemented its crown as Scotland’s most awarded creative advertising agency in Scotland as it topped The Scottish Advertising Awards Creative League for the third year running. Despite losing his joint creative director Simon Scott, creative chief Andrew Lindsay has ruled over a smart, clever and witty creative department that deserves recognition.

Mediacom, CDE – In 2004 Mediacom achieved what many considered the impossible when it wrestled away the Scottish Executive’s media account from Feather Brooksbank. While the Executive win was clearly the high point for Mediacom, other wins included Base London, Texstyle World Home, John R Weir and the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service. Euan Jarvie has achieved what he has been striving for since he launched in Scotland some seven years ago and this has to be acknowledged.

Colin Marr, CDE – The audience response to the announcement at the Scottish Advertising Awards that Colin had received the Lifetime Achievement Award is evidence enough that his achievements over many years needed to be recognised. Mr Marr remains one of the great characters of Scottish Advertising ... and long may that continue.

Officer of The Drum’s Empire

Newhaven’s ‘What The faro Campaign’, ODE - The minor detail that Scotland’s football team wasn’t at last year’s Euro Championships didn’t deter Tennent’s from getting involved. Newhaven devised an innovative, cheeky and hilarious multimedia campaign that gained the support of marketing chiefs at Tennent’s, who should also be commended for giving this the go ahead. It also scooped the Scottish Ad Awards Grand Prix, so deserves to be honoured.

The Leith Agency, ODE – Despite not being on top form creatively, The Leith Agency remained Scotland’s strongest advertising business, though there was little in it with The Union running them very close in the Agency of the Year Review. The one thing that The Leith has is real strength in depth at a senior level. There is no one main ingredient that makes it work, it is a real team approach and its approach to succession planning merits recognition.

Rob Morrice, ODE – Citigate Smarts’ top man has had another busy year building the Citigate Smarts integrated brand across the UK. The operation in Dublin and Belfast is now gearing up and Rob’s decision to bring in Mark Gorman to look after the Scottish operation while he concentrates on other areas was inspired. Love him or love him, (I know I said love twice) Rob remains one of the industry’s great characters and his ‘never say no’ attitude should be loudly applauded.

The Media Shop, ODE – Caroline McGrath’s Media Shop team celebrated its sixteenth anniversary in 2004 in the best shape of its life. Its staff are highly respected (even cherished) by clients for their dedication and quality of service, so much so that its client portfolio is incredibly impressive and diverse. McGrath is a strong and dedicated businesswoman who knows where her agency is heading and how they are going to get there. The Media Shop deserves much credit for its longevity and commitment to quality service.

Member of The Drum’s Empire

David Reid, MDE – The former 1576 joint creative director took the reigns as managing director in 2004 from Mark Gorman. While there was some speculation over how the agency would react to David’s unique management style, in practice the agency and its staff have never looked back. His integration of Metis into the main agency and the appointment of Gary Smith as MD of direct marketing were inspired decisions. Reid must be praised for proving any detractors wrong.

GRP, MDE – When an ad carries the strap line ‘I’m a wanker first and foremost’ it is always going to grab your attention. GRP’s press ads for EQUAL, the gay and lesbian safe sex advice service, were innovative and attention-grabbing and outlined the dos and don’ts of having safe sex in language anybody could understand. The ads might have been shocking, but they are memorable.

Brian McGregor, MDE – This senior art director at 1576 made us all chuckle when he got arrested for taking a photograph for an advertising campaign. While driving past a Ministry of Defence installation in Fife, Brian spotted a huge white spherical-shaped building that looked like a golf ball. With his mind always on the job he thought it would make the perfect ad site to hang a poster for their client The Gleneagles Hotel. So he jumped out to take a photograph. Seconds later he was bundled into a van by police officers and the memory card of his camera confiscated. After questioning he was eventually released. We salute Brian’s commitment to the cause.

design

Knighthood – Erick Davidson

Erick Davidson is revered on the Scottish design scene and in 2004 his consultancy Tayburn celebrated 25 years of solid business. Davidson launched his consultancy in his lawyer’s office in 1979 and over the next 25 years built it up into one of Scotland’s foremost design businesses, which in 2000 employed more than 100 people. In 1981 Davidson opened a London office in Covent Garden and in 1983, just four years after launch, their turnover was £1m. 1994 saw Davidson’s Tayburn ranked in the UK’s top ten design agencies and in 1995 they acquired their main Scottish rival McIlroy Coates. Last year Davidson also brokered a deal which saw them take over Newton.EH6. Davidson’s views on design matters are often sought by the media and he is never stuck for an opinion on the many issues that affect the industry. Rumours persist that Davidson could soon sell Tayburn, though he refutes these. Whatever the future may bring, Davidson has built what remains a very important Scottish consultancy and one that helped put Scottish design on the map.

Commander of The Drum’s Empire

Navyblue, CDE – 2004 was a return to form for Navyblue, which saw it win the opportunity to create the bid document for the London 2012 Olympics – one of the most prestigious pieces of design business around, and one that Navyblue was ideally placed for taking into consideration the impressive work it did for on the bid document for Scotland and Ireland’s Euro 2008 bid. Douglas Alexander and his fellow directors also scored a coup when they hoovered up seven former staff of the defunct Northcross Design and launched the joint venture Navyblue 3D Design. The consultancy also made its mark at the Scottish Design Consultancy of the Year Review, winning the Creative Poll and having boss Douglas Alexander voted Managing Director of the Year by his peers. Navyblue was one of few design businesses that managed to move forward in 2004 and deserve recognition.

Officer of The Drum’s Empire

Elmwood, ODE – Since opening in Scotland almost three years ago the consultancy has quickly become part of the design establishment. The managerial leadership of Jonathan Sands, and more recently Nick Ramshaw, and the creative qualities of Paul Sudron and Graham Sturzacker have made Elmwood a hit with Scottish clients and rival design consultancies alike. When Elmwood was named Scottish Design Consultancy of the Year in February 2004 Scotland’s design cognoscenti applauded in agreement that they had indeed made their mark North of the Border. For this they are recognised with an ODE.

Member of The Drum’s Empire

Paul Sudron, MDE – Paul Sudron of Elmwood was named Scottish Designer of the Year 2004 and his portfolio of work richly deserved that accolade in the eyes of the design-judging panel. Since graduating in 1989 Paul has earned himself a trophy cabinet full of design awards – around 40 at the last count – from D&AD, Design Week, Clio, New York Festival, Scottish Design Awards and Roses Design Awards. His commitment to high quality design merits recognition ... and the fact he is a nice bloke.

999 Design, MDE – Never a design consultancy to stand still, Richard Bissland and Bill Gaughan’s 999 Design continued in 2004 to put out top quality design work for high profile clients. It continued to grow not only in Scotland, but also in Manchester and London. The big story this year was its acquisition of another stalwart Scottish design consultancy, Joe Hall’s Blue Peach. The bringing together of two of Scotland’s longest established consultancies was a big move and proved that they aren’t ready to put into practice any exit strategies. Respect due also for its excellent Christmas card.

Scott Witham, MDE – Traffic’s founder Scott Witham had us all wincing in pain in 2004 when The Drum got hold of a copy of a photograph where Scott had had a little accident while a little drunk. Immediately after downing a flaming sambucca, Scott proceeded to put the glass onto his forehead in the age-old victory salute. Because only seconds earlier the glass had been on fire the hot glass stuck to his forehead and was only praised off by his friends. The resulting injury was enough to make anyone’s eyes water. We recognise Scott for playing drinking games while under the influence.

Public relations

Knighthood - John Brown

In May 2004 Sir John got stuck in a broken lift at the new Scottish Parliament building with MSPs Margo MacDonald, Tommy Sheridan, Phil Gallie and John Swinburne and still emerged with his sanity. This in itself is cause for a Knighthood, but after a career spanning more than 34-years (and still counting) John has become one of the most highly respected PR men in Scotland. In October 2003 he quit his post as head of communications at Glasgow City Council to go freelance, but it is perhaps during his time fighting fires (metaphorically, not literally) for Glasgow City Council that his special qualities earned him the respect of Scottish journalists, fellow PRs and his staff. John dealt with press enquiries with integrity, honesty and always (well, usually) humour. His willingness to spend time talking candidly to journalists and explaining the issues has always been appreciated and has earned him a special place in their hearts and contact books. Likewise his professional approach to the role PR and communications can play in the marketing mix make him a role model for all up and coming PRs. Now as chairman of the IPR Scotland, Brown is fighting a crusade to improve standards of professionalism in the PR industry as well as running his own freelance PR business. John is a credit to PR and his achievement should be recognised and emulated.

Damehood – Flora Martin

Dame Flora has been on the Scottish PR scene for many years and yet still looks as fresh as a daisy. Very much from the John Brown school of PR, Flora has built her good reputation on integrity, ambition, humour and a never say die attitude. During an impressive career (which, like Brown, looks set to continue) Flora built up a strong consumer and B2B PR business in Citigate, which was merged with Smarts Advertising & Design in 2001 to form the integrated agency Citigate Smarts. Despite her decision to leave Citigate Smarts in August 2004, Dame Flora has left behind a strong team of ambitious, motivated and professional operators that are more than capable of taking the business forward in her absence. It is her ability to spot talent and her desire to then give them the opportunity to prove themselves that has enabled her to build a successful PR business. Hopefully 2005 will see Dame Flora return to the Scottish PR industry in some form, but her impact on the development of the Scottish PR scene should be recognised here.

Commander of The Drum’s Empire

The Big Partnership, CDE – Since Alex Barr, Graeme Isdale and Neil Gibson quit Beattie Media in 2000 and exploded onto the scene with The Big Partnership it has been non-stop growth. The clients have bought into the concept and the directors have worked tirelessly to ensure that Big becomes exactly that. Barr, Isdale and Gibson are willing to give young PRs their chance to shine and through that have discovered a number of people that will no doubt be leading the industry in the future. They are recognised here for their vision and can do approach to PR.

Jack Irvine, CDE – What can anyone say about Media House International’s executive chairman Jack Irvine? He remains the rebellious voice of Scottish PR, never happier than when he is mixing it up in the political arena and yet he continues to run and grow a highly successful PR business. In the last year Jack has picked up clients such as Mohammad Al Fayed and Fulham FC, Dairy UK, Smithfield Market Redevelopment, Edinburgh Airport Rail Link, COSLA and the Special Olympics. A Daily Mail journalist recently described Jack’s Media House as the “Official Opposition in Scotland” due to their involvement with political hot potatoes such as Section 28, Foxhunting, Land Reform and the Smoking Ban. Jack knows how to play the game and plays it better than anyone else because he always does so with a great degree of intelligence, humour and wit. For this he has to be recognised in these Honours.

Member of The Drum’s Empire

Alex Barr, MDE – All of our TV screens were brightened up last year when The Big Partnership’s Alex Barr appeared on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. Unfortunately, Alex’s fingers weren’t quite as fast as his prized Subaru Impreza WRX Sports Wagaon and he failed to make it onto centre stage to play for the £1m prize with Chris Tarrant. However, his spirits were buoyed later in 2004 when Scottish Business Insider ranked him at number 24 in their elite 100, putting him above n’ere do wells such as Andrew Neil and Sir Tom Farmer. Alex is also recognised for being named Insider’s Young Business Leader of the Year and for giving everyone a shining example of how to enjoy life while also working in a very high-pressure environment.

New Media

Commander of The Drum’s Empire

Bigmouthmedia, CDE – Bigmouthmedia continues to prove that Scotland is at the leading edge of online marketing. With seven years of search engine experience, Bigmouthmedia were search engine optimisation gurus back when everyone thought AOL 'was the Internet' and e-mail was the sole domain of database geeks and software boffins. The company, which last year moved to new, bigger (and swankier) offices, boasts clients such as MTV, Sony PlayStation, Marks & Spencer, Sony Ericsson, Bank of Scotland, Comic Relief, Starbucks, need we go on?

Ambergreen, CDE – Ambergreen emerged as the UK’s top search marketers at the first dedicated awards for the interactive marketing and advertising sector (the recent Interactive Marketing and Advertising Awards, a showcase of the best uses of internet marketing in the UK). Couple that with the launch of a London office – the first phase of an ambitious expansion strategy. With an employee base that has doubled in the last 12 months, Ambergreen is one of the fastest growing marketing companies in Scotland and has a blue chip client portfolio to rival the best London agencies, with clients including Mercedes Benz, Hamleys and The White Company, Boots, Standard Life, Channel4 and Tesco. Ambergreen is trailblazing its own path and Scotland will be kept at the heart of its growth. For that, they are both honoured.

Member of The Drum’s Empire

Brian Limond, MDE - His alter-ego, Limmy, has saved The Drum’s editorial staff from post lunch fatigue on more than one occasion. Visit Limmy’s website, www.limmy.com, and you will be left wondering whether you have stumbed upon the online presence of a complete fruit cake or an absolute genius who understands, perhaps better than anyone, the real reason that the internet was invented. His creativity is unquestioned, though perhaps the question some might be left asking is where have his marbles gone? For Limmy.com we salute Brian Limond ... requiem!

Knighthood – Andy Carolan

Sir Andy Carolan is the epitome of calm under pressure – whether it is in a tough client meeting or approaching the eighteenth green – his feathers are never ruffled. Since launching Navigator Responsive Advertising as part of Jim Faulds’ empire back in 1993 Andy has presided over building an agency that has now earned its place on the very top rung of the Scottish direct marketing ladder. Sir Andy knows the DM business like the back of his sand wedge and his ambition to be the very best has never been in any doubt. The recent deal to become part of The Cello Group sees control remain with the current management team in Scotland and promises a bright future for all. Andy has never lost belief in what his agency is doing and during the last two years has moved into a different league with clients wins that have transformed the agency. Sir Andy is recognised for being cool as a cucumber and for being a decent bloke to bump into at the nineteenth hole.

Damehood – Sue Mullen

The Story story is one that many UK marketing agencies wish that they could emulate. And while the incredible success of the agency since Sue and Dave Mullen launched it in 2002 has been a great team effort, the matriarch at the Leith-based agency has stamped her impression all over it. Dame Sue is one of the most dedicated managing directors in Scotland; she knows what the company is and what she wants it to be and has a unique way of achieving her goals. Her commitment to her clients is paramount and the service she offers clients is unsurpassed. Yet despite being so involved at all levels of the business she still manages to find time to ensure staff are also happy and content. She is, despite running an ultra-successful marketing business, still a human being who has her feet very much on the ground. She takes nothing for granted and truly enjoys what she does and what her agency achieves for its clients. Dame Sue is rewarded for her unyielding dedication to quality service and for being a good sort.

Commander of The Drum’s Empire

Ward Mulvey, CDE – Since leaving an ailing (and now defunct) Draftworldwide in Edinburgh Ward has never looked back. His enthusiasm and energy are as great as ever and the growth and development of Bob Marketing is being driven forward strongly by his love of innovative sales promotion and top quality clients, particularly in the drinks sector.

Officer of The Drum’s Empire

bd-ntwk, ODE – This Glasgow and London-based agency is one of the few Scottish agencies that has been successful in London; and it continues to be so. The agency’s client list continues to go from strength to strength and includes brands such as VisitScotland, Carling, McCains, Mr Kipling, Coca-Cola, Orange, Lurpak and Peugeot to name but a few. Claire Hardy and her team deserve credit for doing good business and creating a great Scottish communications brand.

Media

Knighthood – Richard Findley

Sir Richard may have stepped down as chief executive of Scottish Radio Holdings in September 2004, but he deserves to be honoured for building what is widely considered Scotland’s most successful media group. The portfolio of radio stations and local newspapers has performed strongly in tough market conditions and Sir Richard is recognised for putting in place a solid management team to move the company forward. His integrity and business understanding is unquestioned and he should be proud of what he has achieved in making SRH one of Scotland’s most attractive media operations.

Commander of The Drum’s Empire

The Sunday Herald, CDE – For the second year running the Sunday Herald scooped the Scottish Newspaper of the Year Award in 2004, the year that it also celebrated its fifth birthday – a feat many thought impossible when the title was first launched. The broadsheet is regularly the recipient of national and international awards for its standards of design, journalism and photography and recent changes in editor and other senior editorial executives are hoped to take the newspaper’s circulation onto the next level. While it may have been launched by SMG to protect the Herald’s recruitment advertising revenue, the Sunday Herald has brought something new to the Scottish newspaper arena and is recognised for surviving in the toughest market conditions possible.

Agripa, CDE – Every so often someone comes up with a great concept and that’s just what serial entrepreneur John Pitt did when he decided to sell mesh-based advertising hoardings on the side of HGVs. The innovative new system made changing hoardings much quicker and therefore made truck sides a much more attractive advertising medium to clients. Agripa’s first contract was with Tesco, so Pitt clearly doesn’t believe in starting small. Pitt is recognised for launching a brand a new medium from a Scottish base that looks set to be rolled out internationally.

Officer of The Drum’s Empire

Billy Anderson, ODE – He’s loud, brash and has far too much energy for the father of a young child, but Anderson’s rise to one of the top positions in the GMG Radio group deserves recognition. Former sales director for The Drum, Anderson’s ability to motivate, inspire and energise a sales force is unparalleled and his management abilities were recognised in 2004 when he was elevated to managing director of Real Radio in Scotland. He knows a good deal when he hears one and doesn’t suffer fools (or lazy sales people) gladly, then again who does. Anderson is the perfect fit with GMG Radio’s John Myers and other senior executives and is destined for great things within the group.

Media Link, ODE - Once again Media Link scooped the Scottish Sales Team of the Year crown in 2004 and cemented their position as Scotland’s premier independent sales force. Tim Reid’s team of sales professionals are widely respected in the industry for their professionalism, negotiating skills and their approachability. Their diversity sees then capable of selling across all media, which deserves recognition.

Clients

Commander of The Drum’s Empire

Roger Williams, CDE – He has the toughest marketing job in Scotland and he also has to justify to tax payers where and why their money is being spent on marketing, but he manages to do it all with great integrity and honesty. The way in which he conducted last year’s Scottish Executive pitch deserves a special mention as it was without doubt the most contentious issue of last year, but on the whole even agencies agreed that it was handled professionally and the results were understandable. He also has to put up with the press (us included) scrutinising his every marketing decision, and yet he never seems to lose his rag.

Officer of The Drum’s Empire

Malcolm Roughead, ODE – Like Williams, Malcolm Roughead faces one of the toughest marketing gigs around – selling Scotland. But he goes about his business with style and a full understanding of what challenges he faces. Voted as the Marketing Society’s Marketer of the Year 2004 Roughead is highly regarded and the job he and his immense marketing team are doing is making a difference. His willingness to embrace new marketing techniques and new technologies to reach potential visitors make him the man for this job.

Sandra Mitchell, ODE – Many marketing directors would have said a straight “no” to Newhaven’s spoof ‘What The Faro’ campaign that ran during Euro 2004, but Mitchell has the courage to let her agency get on with the job that she pays them for. She should be recognised and applauded for giving her agency the room to really move the brand forward and let people have some fun with it.

Member of The Drum’s Empire

Gordon Ritchie, MDE – Glasgow City Council press man Gordon Ritchie gave us all a hoot when he was quite literally caught with his pants down. He stepped out of the shower as he was getting ready to go out for the evening. He heard his mobile start to ring in the living room so, naked as the day he was born, he ran into the lounge, grabbed his mobile from the mantelpiece and returned to the bedroom. On finishing his call his wife told him that the babysitter was, unbeknown to him, sitting in a corner of the living room and had seen the whole thing. Doh!

Miscellaneous honours

Commander of The Drum’s Empire

Family, CDE, and The Pixel House, CDE – for getting The Drum reported to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) when it ran an ad containing mocked-up images of Iraqi prisoners being urinated on. The images were lying on a newspaper editor desk with the strapline “When you need better retouching call Joe”. The ad coincided with the sacking of Mirror editor Piers Morgan who ran the pictures as genuine in his newspaper.

Officer of The Drum’s Empire

Joan McAlpine, ODE & Dominik Diamond, ODE – Joan and Dominik’s paths crossed at the Scottish Newspaper of the Year awards in April 2004 when Joan took exception to some of Mr Diamonds comments about members of the fairer sex. Shortly after jabbing Dominik in the ribs Joan stormed off the stage cussing while Dominik uttered insults at her. A terrible business, but one that had newspapers, and those in attendance, talking for weeks.

Hugh Murray, ODE – Hugh is being recognised for being an all round good guy (and not throttling our editor over a story in 2004 which stated his position as MD was being made redundant). In fact, at that time, Hugh became regional operations director at Beat 106. Hugh conducts himself with great humour and integrity and deserves to be recognised for his service and commitment to Beat 106.

Real Radio, ODE – The Real Radio Fugitive was an inspired radio promotion that truly gripped the hearts and minds of listeners in the Central Belt. There will have been very few men in Edinburgh and Glasgow that at some point during the promotion weren’t asked “are you the Real Radio fugitive?” as listeners hunted him down. Congratulations to Real Radio for showing how good radio promotions can really bring listeners to life.

Whitespace, ODE – During the Summer the staff at Whitespace in Edinburgh held their own Olympics to coincide with the actual Olympic Games to raise money for charity. The whole spectacle was available to view on their website and made for some unmissable viewing especially the Greco-Roman wrestling.

Member of The Drum’s Empire

Atalanta, MDE – This Glasgow-based ad agency is recognised for its excellent use of sarcasm. The Drum’s news editor Dave Hunter was going in to visit their new offices one Summer day. As he approached he spotted that their building was covered in newspapers. On closer inspection the newspaper front pages read: “Exclusive! Dave Hunter of The Drum in agency visit.” Now who ever suggsted it took a long time for him to go and see their new building? Atalanta is honoured for a great use is sarcasm.

Family, MDE – Family, the growing marketing services agency, relocated to offices high above Edinburgh’s Princes Street towards the end of 2004 and now boasts the best view from any ad agency window in Scotland. The castle looks so close you could touch it. MD Ian Wright should be recognised for finding the most inspirational offices in Scottish advertising.

Steve Walker, MDE – The managing director at the Scotsman is honoured for his cameo appearance in the Scotsman’s television ad campaign created by Citigate Smarts. In the ad Walker gets out of a taxi and bangs into the dark and handsome star of the commercial. Walker was a replacement for the actor that was supposed to play the part, who Walker felt was too small to deliver a big enough blow to the star of the ad.

The Daily Record, MDE – In 2004 the Daily Record gave away a free DVD of Gregory’s Girl. Because this is the best Scottish film ever made (in my opinion), with the best script ever written (in my opinion) and the best performance given by a Scottish actor in John Gordon Sinclair (in my opinion) the Daily Record is being honoured. Perhaps in the coming year VisitScotland would consider using Gregory’s Girl as a key part of its marketing strategy by encouraging newspapers across Europe to run a similar DVD giveaway!

Nation1, MDE – Creative consultancy Nation1 got The Drum into trouble with their rather saucy Drum Yearbook ad. One recipient contacted our sales department immediately to say that they would not be advertising again with us if we were going to publish this filth.

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