30 Karen Gillan

image: Gillan in Guardians of the Galaxy The Inverness-born actress and former Doctor Who companion starred in the Hollywood adaptation of Marvel comic Guardians of the Galaxy. Gillan kicked ass as blue-skinned warrior Nebula, sporting serious combat skills and a genuine shaved head. (Rowena McIntosh)

29 Mogwai

Scotland’s most vital rock band came the closest yet to crossing over with the excellent Rave Tapes album, which unexpectedly became their first UK top ten hit. The ‘Music Industry 3, Fitness Industry 1’ EP also saw Mogwai playlisted by the likes of BBC 6 Music for the intensely catchy ‘Teenage Exorcists’. (David Pollock)

28 Literary Dundee

Headed up by Peggy Hughes, Literary Dundee was a proper highlight of the 2014 book scene in Scotland. The festival featured names like Michel Faber and Viv Albertine, along with a celebration of new writing, lectures and salons. (Kaite Welsh)

27 Steven Moffat

Moffat continued to invigorate Doctor Who with some of its darkest ever storylines and the canny, critically acclaimed casting of one Peter Capaldi. Next year should also herald the return of Sherlock. (Murray Robertson)

26 Gregory Burke

credit: Manuel HarlanThe Black Watch playwright made a blistering film debut with his script for ’71, the Belfast-set, Jack O’Connell-starring thriller that struck a powerful balance of relevant political comment and buttock-clenchingly intense thrills. Burke is still based in Fife, but Hollywood is calling. (Paul Gallagher)

25 Neu! Reekie!

As if their monthly dose of spoken word, film and music wasn’t enough, the truly excellent folk at Neu! Reekie! have had an extra busy 2014. During the year, they curated a Pleasance Sessions night with the now-controversial Makar, Liz Lochhead, and they have become heavily involved with Scot:Lands with their Neu:Land strand. Good! Workie! (Rebecca Monks)

24 Rose Leslie

Ever heard of Game of Thrones or Downton Abbey? Yeah, those enormous TV shows. Leslie’s had roles in them, and also played the lead in Honeymoon. If she’s not on your radar, then you know nothing, Jon Snow. (Rebecca Monks)

23 Paolo Nutini

Another epic year for the Paisley singer-songwriter as his third studio album Caustic Love debuted at number one and went platinum in a matter of months. Festival performances included Glastonbury, Radio 1’s Big Weekend and the coveted headline spot at T in the Park. (Rowena McIntosh)

22 Stuart Murdoch

We witnessed the long-awaited release of Murdoch’s directorial debut God Help the Girl, a whimsical celebration of Glasgow and music, while Belle & Sebastian headlined a Commonwealth Games opening celebration at the refurbished Kelvingrove Bandstand. (Rowena McIntosh)

21 James McAvoy

image: McAvoy in Filth One of Scotland’s most successful actors, McAvoy took a starring role in superhero blockbuster X-Men: Days of Future Past as well as being acknowledged for his ferocious performance in Filth when he picked up a Scottish BAFTA. (Henry Northmore)