At Represent, there is little we love more than good food and drink. We believe that Scotland’s food and drink offer is second to none and we’re lucky to have worked with amazing clients in the sector like Great British Vermouth, McIntosh Foods, Mackays, and Gordon Castle Gin, not forgetting Scotland’s Larder Live! at the Royal Highland Show. We know a thing or two about the audiences that the food and drink business should be engaging with. We also know how to reach them, which is why our strategies frequently integrate influencer marketing. So, if you’re involved in the world of food and drink, here are some of the top Scottish food and drink influencers to keep on your radar in 2023.
Plate Expectations
Dubbed the “Edinburgh Foodie”, Ailidh Forlan runs the successful Plate Expectations Instagram and Twitter accounts. Food blogger Ailidh has amassed a following of over 30,000 foodies on Instagram. She has established herself as one of the most notable food and drinks influencers thanks to her mouth-watering photography of some of Scotland’s most delectable dishes.
Ailidh has also recently taken up the role of Marketing and Events Manager for Edinburgh Street Food, the city’s first year-round 7 days a week street food market launching on February 25th, 2023. It’s no secret that promoting and finding the city’s street food gems is Ailidh’s calling!
Rosalind Erskine
The editor of Scotsman Food and Drink and host of the food podcast ‘Scran’, Rosalind Erskine is a leading figure on the Scottish foodie scene. From restaurant reviews, homemade recipes, and sector news, Rosalind covers all things food and drink in her column for the Scotsman. Launched in 2019, Scran is a welcome extension of this. Together with podcast guests, she discusses all things cooking in Scotland.
Rosalind is known for shining a light on traditional Scottish food and local producers. She often highlights the work of independent businesses, their experiences, challenges, and successes in the sector. As well as being one of the top reviewers for high-end eateries, Rosalind is also the Scotsman resident Whisky expert and writer. Want to get in her favour? It may be worth sending a thimble over her way!
Eatinburgh
Pippa Perriam is the woman behind the popular Instagram account ‘Eatinburgh’, a complete guide to all things mouth-watering in the Scottish capital. For her many hungry followers – amounting to an incredible 32k – Eatinburgh is the first stop when finding out about the city’s top restaurants and bars.
If you want to make the Edinburgh foodie hitlist, make sure that Pippa is on your guest list.
Julia Bryce
Julia Bryce is an award-winning journalist and head of food and drinks at DC Thomson. Alongside classic restaurant reviews, she regularly writes opinion pieces about the industry. She also doesn’t shy away from topics such as service charges, counting calories, and new talent.
Julia leads a team of talented and specialist journalists across Scotland who cover everywhere from Orkney to Perthshire. Not only has she been shortlisted for numerous awards, but she was also named Food and Drink Writer of the Year at the Scottish Press Awards in 2021. Keep an eye on Julia for honest, yet fair reviews.
Pam Gilmour
Pam Gilmour runs the popular blog and Instagram page ‘Glasgow Food Geek’, which started eight years ago as a way to explore new restaurants with her husband. The brand has evolved into a feast for viewers’ stomachs and eyes with her gorgeous photography and engaging food descriptions. With over 50k followers, Pam is known for her frank reviews, hearty food, and quality images.
Her love of beautiful food photography has only grown! It even resulted in her starting a Social Media Management agency for restaurants and food businesses in Glasgow, Gram Social.
Sonya Walos
Named Scottish Food & Drink Influencer of the year in 2022, Sonya Walos is the brains behind ‘Scotland Edit’. Not only does Sonya review restaurants around Scotland but she also provides her audience with seriously scrumptious recipes.
Her exquisite photography and unique recipes are only some of the reasons why she is a rising star in Scottish Food and Drink. Got a new recipe? It’s worth letting Sonya know.
Honourable Mentions
With such a varied food and drink offering, it’s hardly surprising that Scotland has incredible food and drink influencers. From the food creator and private caterer, Rebecca Cooks, to the food waste blogger, Hey Renu, to cookbook author Hebridean Baker. Scotland’s influencer scene has more than enough to sink your teeth into!
These influencers have their finger (or is it fork?) on the pulse of what’s hot in Scottish food and drink. They are trusted for writing authentic reports and reviews on new openings and trends backed by mouth-watering photography. If you want to elevate your marketing efforts why not look to some of these influencers, journalists, and content creators?
If you’re thinking about working with influencers or have a partnership in mind for these influencers, it’s definitely worth getting in touch.
Need help with identifying and working with influencers? Want to know how Represent can assist you with? social media? Get in touch!