2002 - Eligible - The Scotsman

ELIGIBLES
THE MEN
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BILLY BOYD
ACTOR, 34
Lives Glasgow.
Who he? In the last 12 months Boyd has become a household name
in the wonderful world of movies – thanks to his most famous role
to date, playing Frodo’s loyal sidekick, Pipin, in The Lord of the
Rings. Boyd then spent a year shooting a short film in Newfoundland,
and he played a hilarious and unforgettable walk-on part in
BBC Scotland’s Still Game, with best pals and co-stars Mark Cox and
Paul Riley. Most recently he’s been down Mexico way, filming a
new movie alongside Russell Crowe.
Conquests Boyd admits he’s got his eye on a dancer, but he’s not
mentioning any names.
Haunts Science fiction conventions across the world. There’s no end
of demand for a hobbit. But when he’s back in Glasgow, check out
the pubs dotted around the city centre.
Pluses If you fancy the glamorous life, there are the premieres,
parties and exotic locations.
Minuses He is a complete wind-up merchant. You’ll never know
when he’s kidding you.
Do say, “The Lord of the Rings? Never heard of it.”
Don’t ask for co-star Viggo Mortenson’s phone number, or mention
Julie and the Cadillacs. Well, have you ever seen it?
Good sport: last
year’s number one,
Prince William, is
at number three
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NEW
JAMIE BYNG
PUBLISHER, 33
Lives Edinburgh.
Who he? Scottish publisher
James Edmund Byng,
youngest son of the Earl of
Stafford, was recently named
one of the most powerful
men in Britain by GQ
magazine. His company,
Canongate, became big news after Yann Martel
won the Booker Prize for The Life of Pi. The win is
worth around £2 million to a business that
seemed headed for receivership in 1994. Byng
began working at Canongate in 1992, after leaving
university. Within two years he was involved
in a management buyout of the company.
Conquests Recently split from wife Whitney after
12 years and two children.
Haunts Cinemas. Jamie was a fixture at the
Edinburgh International Film Festival.
Pluses A very cool circle of friends, including
Gil Scott-Heron.
Minuses Will you ever get him out of his jeans,
trainers and unironed shirts? Or his office. He’s
a world-famous workaholic.
Do ask about his latest project, in which writers
retell a myth of their choice. Among those
already on board are Jeanette Winterson,
Margaret Atwood and Philip Pullman.
Don’t say, “What’s the Booker Prize?”
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PRINCE WILLIAM
STUDENT, 20
Lives St Andrews and London.
Who he? As if he needs any introduction – Prince
William Arthur Philip Louis, son of Prince
Charles and the late Princess of Wales, has lived
on the front pages since his birth. He is second
in line of succession to the throne (following his
father). After much deliberation over whether to
study in Edinburgh or not (William’s first
choice), he currently attends the University of St
Andrews on a four-year MA honours degree
course. St Andrews gives him the privacy he
needs, and which he also found at school. “I
enjoyed Eton very much,” he’s said. “Being able
to go about as just another student without
media attention.”
Conquests There have been rumours of a few
women with double-barrelled names, but no one
dares try to cut through the red tape surrounding
him. Oh, except Britney. Dream on, girl.
Haunts Local hotels and tearooms in St Andrews,
for bacon rolls and cups of tea. When in
Edinburgh, he can be spotted in Rick’s or the
Opal Lounge with cocktail jugs and the
obligatory entourage.
Pluses The royal stamp of approval.
Minuses Although William has accompanied his
father on several occasions, he hasn’t yet started
to carry out his own public engagements. Find a
slot in his diary if you can.
Do take him for his fast food. Unfortunately, he’s
a devotee. What would the Queen say?
Don’t mention Paul Burrell.
Boyd up: Billy Boyd is our
number one Eligible for 2002
1 December 2002 SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY