Colours Agency is one of the oldest and perhaps the current biggest Scottish model agency. Since opening in 1998, it has quickly gained a reputation as the only Scottish member of the British Fashion Model Agents Association.

The founders Alison Bruce and Rosalynd Ramage had a desire to find homegrown talent and create an environment that will support professionals in the industry. True enough, we admire how it is now known for championing creative vision and innovation.

Models signed under them include international models Emma-Lou Connolly, Natasha Luwedde, Martin Boyle, Conor Young, and curve model Holli Anderson. They have also worked with award-winning hair stylist Jason Hall and several celebrity makeup artists.

In the last decade, models have spoken about Colours Agency’s high standards and being turned away due to “not having the right look” for them. While this is not a new occurrence in the modelling industry, it still makes them less professional.

We have noticed, however, that they have started to move away from this sort of company culture as they launched their “influencers” and “talent” divisions in 2017. This allowed for rising social media stars to be represented under their label as well. 

Currently, they have a sizable number of models ranging from women to men, and kids. We have also learned that Colours Agency has recently teamed up with Select Model London, Daily Record, and Sunday Mail for an online model search.

They are definitely attempting to broaden their horizons in terms of model casting. And while this may be primarily a strategic business move, it provides an opportunity for Colours Agency to be more diverse as one of the biggest in Scotland.

Model Team has been in the industry for 50 years as one of country’s leading agencies. Their forte lies in offering a wide range of creative options to their clients, maintaining strong connections across the UK and the rest of the world.

They call themselves an “International Mother” agent that aims to develop Scottish-based talents and prepare them for the international market. Model Team is also the only AMA-registered agency in Scotland.

We’ve seen how hands-on the team is when it comes to running the company. Director Michael O’Brien remains hands-on with styling even for international gigs, and Operations Manager Cathy Owen ensures that clients and models are cared for well.

That said, professionals who are looking for an agency that can provide something more than models will be glad to learn that Model Team also offers services in advertising, commercials, films, and other specialties.

Model Team’s network is not the biggest, but it is still quite extensive and grants their talents many opportunities. They no longer hold open castings, however, so aspirants will have to apply online or be scouted by their team.

We’ve also noticed that they’re very clear about booking terms and conditions, which we think protects their talents and helps them receive proper pay for their work. Overall, Model Team is a trustworthy agency that both clients and talents will enjoy working with.

Next on our list is All Talent Agency, an innovative modelling and acting agency that was launched in 2005. They represent a range of highly-trained, professional, and talented actors, models, and extras in Scotland.

The founder of this agency was Sonia Scott Mackay, a model whose career spans over three decades. We believe that Mackay, along with the dedicated team at All Talent Agency, uses their knowledge to better network and navigate the industry.

The way they approach management is simple and straightforward – working closely with clients, providing coaching and guidance to models’ look and style, and mentoring them as well to help them ace their castings.

Additionally, All Talent Agency encourages their Glasgow models to train themselves in the industry by participating in world-stage beauty pageants or working for film and television roles.

Still, we advise models to carefully consider that All Talent Agency also manages professionals who are working for TV, film, and commercial, so their focus is not solely set on the fashion and print side of the modelling industry.

This may prove to be a plus for renaissance models who want to dabble in other projects outside of traditional modelling opportunities. Additionally, they have a pretty wide network thanks to their versatile nature, which is definitely advantageous.

Superior Model Management, or simply Superior, was founded in December 2006 by Kimberley Main and Scottie Brannan.nt, or simply Superior, represents the cream of Scotland’s modelling talent. Their most unique aspect is that they have a sister company called Elect PR that provides promotional staffing for them.

Superior is owned and managed by Isla Rafferty, who pushes for a proactive approach when it comes to delivering modelling services – this entails both models and bookers to enthusiastically perform their job for peak client satisfaction.

They also have a creative division similar to Model Team, wherein Scotland’s best and upcoming photographers, makeup artists, and fashion stylists are looked after. Should you require it, Superior can provide anything from an actor to a face painter and more.

As mentioned, this Superior has Elect PR as its sister company, which helps provide a diverse workforce of corporate hosts and brand ambassadors. 

We think that this certainly puts them ahead of their competitors, especially for companies that need marketing or promotion services. They no longer have to look for a separate company in addition to casting models from Superior Model Management.

That said, Superior is similar to Model Team in terms of versatility and range of services provided. However, they are a smaller agency that definitely still has room to grow, and we see that they are taking great steps towards this through trends and technology.

Our last entry, Real People Casting, is an agency that was established in 1990. We find Real People Casting unique with the way they accept members – yet they have over 1000 members in their books.

Like its name, this agency wishes to represent “real people” for TV, Film, and photographic work in Scotland. To achieve this, they always interview prospective members face to face, picking out the best people to put in front of the camera.

They can provide companies with a wide range of talents of all ages coming from different ethnic backgrounds based all around the country. We think this makes them highly suitable for those that have specific casting requirements.

Some of their clients include BBC, ITV, and several other independent production companies and photographers. That said, Real People Casting is similar to All Talent Agency, with both of them targeting the same kind of professionals.

If you’re a model or brand that wants to focus on fashion, runway, or editorial, then this might not be your best option. Additionally, their commission system is not as clear-cut as other options on this list due to the diverse range of projects one can enter.

However, aspiring or practising models who plan to branch out to TV, film, and commercial acting will find that Real People Casting will provide them with a good stream of opportunities.