We’d like to introduce you to Scott McGlashan, aka Blu Blazer Guy (we find out why later in this interview!) a local social media success story, here Scott talks spa’s, skin-care, social media – read on to get to know the guy in the blue blazer a little better.
Tells us a bit about yourself
My name is Scott McGlashan and I have been living in Edinburgh for around 17 years. I couldn’t imagine staying anywhere else when I moved to Edinburgh from Fife. I currently work full time with the National Records of Scotland and on the side I create content for my lifestyle blog; Blu Blazer Guy. I have been writing content for over 8 years and use it as a creative outlet to pursue my passions and inspire others.
You started Blu Blazer Guy in 2014 and have successfully grown the website and social channels, tell us about your journey.
Prior to Blu Blazer Guy, I had a wellness blog called Smile Station, it was a place to encourage people to feel positive about themselves. As I progressed I really wanted to branch out into different avenues. Variety is the spice of life and I didn’t want to adhere to one particular subject and demonstrate what I truly am about by appealing to a broader audience. I concentrated on the biggest passions within my life: travel, skincare, fragrance, wellbeing and food & drink. Hence Blu Blazer Guy was born which allowed me to work with an array of wonderful people, brands, businesses and visit some spectacular places. One of the key things I adhere to is that I love to explore the people behind the brands and the creative process that led to their success. The travel aspect of my blog enabled me to branch out further to become the European Travel and Culture Director for an international magazine called Guild Magazine.
And Why Blu Blazer?
When I wear a blazer I not only feel stylish and distinguished but I also feel empowered, so it has always been a staple item in my wardrobe. After attending parties or other events, people would often call me “Scott, the guy with the blue blazer” therefore the name Blu Blazer Guy was created. I had to use the Italian version of blue as someone had already taken the other version (how dare they) 🙂 however this tied perfectly with my fondness of Italy, from their travel, culture, food, history, art and fashion. My content isn’t so much about the blazer itself but the person inside the blazer.
Which is your favourite social media channel and why?
For me, an image tells a thousand words and as I am a very visual person I would have to say Instagram. On Instagram you can really portray your brand, personality (with stories) and get across your true message. It is also a great place to build unexpected relationships. Due to Instagram I have met many new friends, been introduced to so many fantastic brands and it’s allowed me to share my content in a more creative way.
Is there anything you don’t like about social media?
Social media used to be a place to be ‘social’ and interact but it has now become more about numbers, followers, likes and algorithms. It’s very difficult to navigate these days so I simply just try to be authentically myself, engage with my wonderful followers and continue to put out quality content that shows the real me and what I stand for.
With the current lockdown lifestyle, it is easy to fall out of a good skin regime, give us some top tips for maintaining a routine.
Lockdown has really messed up our skin with added stress, indoor heating and poor diet choices (I can’t stop eating) but it’s still very important to maintain a skincare routine. It really depends on the condition of your skin and your age. As a guide, always use a good cleanser morning and night, apply a high quality active serum and then moisturise. Ido try and add a vitamin C serum/cream in as it’s great for brightening the skin. Most importantly drink lots of water and get a good nights sleep.
Tell us about some of your favourite spas and skincare stores in Edinburgh – so people can try for themselves when things get back to normal.
I have a few places I love to visit, one of them is The Method in Stockbridge. It’s more a lifestyle store but they have their own skincare products and an added treatment area which is divine. I also enjoy visiting the spa at the Balmoral Hotel as they do fantastic treatments using Irene Forte Skincare and as an added bonus you can relax in the spa area afterwards. For a great facial, I recommend The Facial Spa at Soprano Ice on Bruntsfield Place. The staff are amazing and provide an excellent array of facials in a relaxed environment.
You also love running! Tell us about your favourite running routes in the city.
As I stay close to the harbour, one of my favourite places is to run along the promenade to Cramond village. Not only is it great to take in all that sea air, but the views are also absolutely stunning. If you time it right you can see some of the most amazing sunsets and even head over to Cramond Island.
Where is your own personal Hidden Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a wonderful city filled with stunning architecture and beautiful areas to escape and relax. One of my favourite places to go is just off the Royal Mile through Dunbars Close where there is a little secluded garden. As you walk into the garden the noise of the nearby Royal Mile just slips away. On a sunny day it makes the perfect sun trap and I often grab a coffee, wander in and sit back and relax under the canopy of trees.
What is your life motto?
I don’t settle on a particular motto but instead I focus on being kind, being authentically myself and treating people how I would like to be treated myself.
Instagram:@blublazerguy
Website: blublazerguy.com
