Influencer awards recognising Scottish excellence on social launched

A new awards ceremony aiming to recognise Scottish social media stars is coming to Glasgow this autumn.

The Scottish Influencer Awards, hosted by BBC Radio 1 presenter and broadcaster Arielle Free, will take place on October 23, 2022.

The inaugural event, which will take place at the city’s Radisson RED will see the country’s top influencers honoured for their endeavours in the digital world.

Fifteen award categories, assessed by a panel of illustrious judges, will be presented across the afternoon spanning the Food, Drink, Health and Wellbeing, Family and Lifestyle, as well as Travel, Interiors and Design, Arts and Culture, Style, Beauty and Visual categories.

Special recognition will be made to those influencers who define Inspiration and whose social endeavours are underpinned with a positive contribution to diversity, equality, and inclusivity.

A headline VisitScotland: Year of Stories – Influencer of the Year category will recognise inspirational, distinct and original storytelling anchored on one or more of the five Year of Stories themes: iconic stories and storytellers, new stories, people and places, local tales and legends, and stories inspired by nature.

Stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland that highlight the diversity of voices across Scotland and underline responsible tourism and sustainability themes are of particular interest.

To be eligible as a potential nominee, Scottish-born or Scottish-based content creators must have shared compelling, informative, original and creative content in 2022 across one or more of the award categories.

All forms of social mediums including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, podcasts or other innovative and publicly accessible digital platforms will be considered.

Influencers may nominate themselves or invite others to do so on their behalf through the entry form found on the official website – there is no fee to nominate a creator.

Presenter Arielle Free said: “Completely thrilled and honoured to be hosting the Scottish Influencer Awards in Glasgow.

“It’s going to be an amazing way to celebrate Scotland’s most influential stars of social.

“I can’t wait for October to come around when we can toast the country’s wealth of outstanding digital talent in my home town of Glasgow.”

Mary McGowne, founder of the awards, said: “This is a timely opportunity to recognise the best of Scotland’s social and digital community, and the positive contribution many are making towards the country’s image and appeal at home and internationally.

“Nominees will be trusted voices; independent and passionate arbiters of good taste with the power to propel valuable messaging to their highly engaged followers.

“From initially being on the fringe to now playing an important centre stage role in bringing stories and campaigns to life, we are pleased to be shining a spotlight on the best of Scotland’s influencer community.

“We are particularly excited to be welcoming Arielle as our host. She is one of our favourite people and we are thrilled she can take the time out her busy schedule to come home for the occasion.”

Tickets are on sale now at £45 per person and include red carpet arrivals, the Whispering Angel reception, the awards ceremony with Arielle Free and the Whispering Angel Official After Party with Illyus & Barrientos.