2009 marks the fifth glorious year of Scotland's foremost celebration of creative endeavour.

The Scottish Style Awards were founded and launched in 2005 by Mary McGowne with the specific aim of honouring the inspirational individuals and enterprises who enrich Scottish life in the fields of fashion, music, stage, screen, the arts, hospitality and retailing. The Awards celebrate style in its broadest sense, exploring its very definition and looking beyond its common aesthetic reference. Attracting major celebrities and other VIPs, this annual ceremony is the most eagerly anticipated and glamorous event on the social calendar, attracting enormous media attention and presenting Scottish excellence to an international audience.

The Scottish Style Awards is the definitive benchmark of contemporary Scottish style.

At the inaugural ceremony five years ago, hosted by Edith Bowman at Tramway, the acclaimed design partnership Timorous Beasties were accorded the headline award for Outstanding Contribution. Jonathan Saunders was named Fashion Designer of the Year, and actor Robert Carlyle and model Lauren Tempany scooped the Most Stylish Male and Female accolades respectively. El Presidente was named Most Stylish Band – and promptly performed a memorably stylish live set.

In 2006, the chosen venue was Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum – newly reopened after its truly splendid refurbishment. On this occasion, hosts were music presenters Vic Galloway and Shantha Roberts. Cutting-edge design agency RM Star was awarded Tastemaker of the Year and DF Concerts was honoured with the special accolade for Outstanding Contribution. KT Tunstall accepted the award for Most Stylish Musician – and the prodigiously talented Christopher Kane was named Fashion Designer of the Year.

In 2007, the third Scottish Style Awards took place amid the charming and quixotic surroundings of The Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow’s Merchant City. Legendary fashion textile artist Bernat Klein was honoured for his Outstanding Contribution, complimented with a never-before-seen runway fashion homage featuring his iconic designs. The National Theatre of Scotland was awarded the Tastemaker of the Year accolade whilst actors James McAvoy and Katie Leung were named Most Stylish Male and Female. Calvin Harris walked off Most Stylish Musician.

In 2008, the fourth Scottish Style Awards returned to the grandeur of Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, and delivered one of the most glittering occasions ever staged in Scotland. Style icon Shirley Manson flew in from LA to personally accept her Most Stylish Female accolade whilst Richard Jobson and Sharleen Spiteri were named Most Stylish Male and Most Stylish Musician. Deryck Walker's fast ascending status as a true leader in the style stakes was recognised with his win as Fashion Designer of the Year, and Harpers Bazaar Editor Lucy Yeomans accepted the prestigious Tastemaker of the Year accolade. Johnstons of Elgin was recognised for its Outstanding Contribution and in a world exclusive 'Name behind the Names' runway homage to Johnstons many of the biggest names in fashion including Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Burberry, Balenciaga and Christopher Kane paid their own very special tributes.

The fifth Scottish Style Awards took place on the evening of Saturday 31 October 2009 once again amid the Victorian splendours of Glasgow‘s Old Fruitmarket. The champagne flowed, the celebrities shone, and the country‘s foremost ambassadors of Scottish style were acknowledged. As ever, it was a night to remember.