The Hot 100 2017: 80–71
Leith Depot, RM Hubbert, Anna Meredith and Apphia Campbell among our favourite cultural contributors this year
Another blockbuster year of Scottish culture has just whizzed by and once again we've taken on the monumental task of ranking in order our top movers, shakers and pioneers. From award winners, artistic directors, new talent, experienced campaigners, great venues and memorable festivals, you should find all the people and places who made 2017 another landmark year for the arts and entertainment industry. But who has nabbed this year's top slot?
80 Flint & Pitch
The new spoken-word project from Jenny Lindsay (pictured) made its mark this year. A night at Hidden Door paved the way for its Reclaim the Script events as part of Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival, featuring writers, musicians and performers exploring mental health through a variety of provocations. (KS)
79 Leith Depot
A much-loved pub and local live venue that was used during both the LeithLate and EH6 festivals, Leith Depot finds itself under threat as the block which houses it is earmarked for developers. Hopefully this isn't the first step in edgy Leith's descent into corporate blandness. (DP)
78 Happy Meals
Happy Meals released Full Ashram Devotional Ceremony Volumes IV-VI on Optimo's So Low, toured with the Flaming Lips and Liars, and hosted a '12-hour overnight communal immersion' at Kinning Park Complex with live music, visual art and yoga. Theirs is a life-affirming spirit of adventure. (CA)
77 Freakender
Ross Keppie (Fuzzkill), Ian Crawford (El Rancho) and Holly Calder (Eyes Wide Open) teamed up to curate another weekend of garage rock madness at Glasgow's Old Hairdressers. Embracing the best of the community, the trio are now hosting regular shows throughout the year. (CA)
76 RM Hubbert
Hubby's Telling the Trees album was shortlisted for the SAY Award, while his 'Recovery' EP, to raise funds lost after a bout of mental ill health, highlighted Scottish music's kind nature. His soundtrack to 1926 Soviet film By the Law also showcased his thoughtful musical storytelling skills. (KS)
75 Lewis Capaldi
The 'new Paolo Nutini' tag is getting harder to shake for this 21-year-old from Bathgate. 2017 highlights included supporting Rag'n'Bone Man, an EP with a track by Frank Ocean collaborator Malay, and an already sold-out 2018 date at Glasgow's ABC. (DP)
74 Gorgie City Farm
Since being under threat of closure last year, Gorgie City Farm have undergone an impressive revival and are now back on the map as one of the local community's best family attractions. In addition to expanding their operation, they're working hard to create an educational experience for visitors, allowing them to walk the food chain. (LS)
73 Anna Meredith
Highlights for last year's Number 1 included a sensational performance at Hidden Door, a maiden tour of the US that was rapturously received and the sound of the inimitable 'Nautilus' soundtracking Lady Gaga's Netflix documentary Five Foot Two. (CA)
72 SWG3
Galvanizers good to go. #galvanizers #swg3 #let #glasgow
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An ever-reliable live venue at the best of times, the industrial Glasgow complex which includes the Poetry Club expanded dramatically this year, with both the huge indoor hall which held the wildly successful Optimo 20 party and the outdoor Galvanizer's Yard, which was christened by The xx. (DP)
71 Apphia Campbell
Although she is still touring Black is the Colour of My Voice, her stunning biography of Nina Simone, Campbell's Woke surprised the Fringe with its timely and passionate analysis of Black Lives Matter activism and its roots in 1960s' revolutionary politics. Part of the Made in Scotland Showcase, Woke also won a Fringe First this summer. (GKV)