Edinburgh, or “Auld Reekie” to many locals, may be better known for its grand architecture, summer arts festivals, and literary heritage than for its modelling agencies, but the Scottish capital has plenty of opportunities for locals who are thinking about becoming a model.
Modelling agencies in Edinburgh don’t seem to follow the same rules as those in other British cities. Where other agencies just talk about the pillars of creativity, diversity, and personality, in Edinburgh they live and breathe them.
You can always find work as a freelance model through open castings, but being signed to an agency can offer you extra support and opportunities that you may not otherwise have access to.
Whether you’re looking to work with high-end brands and magazines, prefer a personal relationship that encourages growth, or want to be supported by an agency that doesn’t limit its roster by height and size, chances are Edinburgh has one for you.
Tartan Models is a boutique agency in Edinburgh’s coastal suburb of Portobello. With just a select number of models on its books, the agency prides itself on its talent’s authenticity and creativity and showcases their social media posts in The Feed on its website.
Set up in 2020 by Tatenda Mazadza, the agency stands apart because all its models are shareholders. That loyal commitment to its talent shows that Tartan Models is a good home for any model who wants a say in how their agency is run.
The agency represents both men and women, and it specialises in both fashion and commercial work – from runway and editorial to bridal and lifestyle. It’s on the lookout for creative flair, but it’s not necessarily chasing models with influencer-size followings – as the models featured on its Instagram prove.
Clients include Noctis Magazine, Karma! Magazine, V&A Dundee, and Julita Luxury Bridal.
Apply by filling out the form on the website.
Founded in 2021, Oi! is a young modelling agency in Edinburgh started by former Heriot-Watt University student Olivia McGauley. Her focus is on celebrating individuality and inclusivity, and the agency has no restrictions on height or size.
Built as a platform for McGauley’s peers to grow their portfolios collaboratively, the agency values accessibility and affordability – nurturing a space where ordinary people wouldn’t need loans or credit cards for creative opportunities.
Models searching for a fresh agency that celebrates individuality and champions diverse talent could feel right at home at Oi. The agency is open to male and female models, and its offerings include commercial opportunities with small, startup fashion brands and editorial in up-and-coming digital publications and zines.
Past clients have included Gezno Magazine, Jo-AMI knitwear, and the online magazine Antagonizine, as well as fashion graduates looking for models to showcase their designs.
Apply by sending the agency a DM on Instagram.
Although not strictly an Edinburgh modelling agency, the Aesthete Collective is Edinburgh’s first microinfluencer agency – and the only one in the city that solely manages influencers.
As a digital creator, founder Emmy Rosam brings personal experience to the table. And the small number of names on the agency’s roster (seven at the time of writing) means all its talent gets plenty of attention.
It’s an ideal agency for any aspiring model who already has a strong online following and wants a personal relationship with their agent.
Influencers on its books include midsize model Bethany Livingstone and outdoorsy lifestyle influencer Katie Maciver. The work consists mainly of brand collaborations with a mix of local and global clients who typically match the interests of their talent, such as Lumie, Primark, Make It Scotch and Nars.
Apply by sending an email through their website.
No Logo is a mission-led influencer agency that works with talent “making the world a better place.” If you’re a model with a creative edge, a desire to do good in the world, and a strong personal brand, this could be the perfect place to develop your career.
People on the agency’s books are referred to as “creators” and include thrift fashion influencer Alexa Sunshine and artist and fashion creator Michelle Norris.
The work is predominantly advertising partnerships with global and national household-name clients such as Adobe, American Express, Etsy, Facebook, Google, Levi’s, Ikea, Squarespace, Ugg, and Waitrose.
Apply by registering your email on their website.
Despite being based in Glasgow – roughly an hour’s journey from Edinburgh – it’s worth mentioning Colours Agency as it’s regarded as Scotland’s top modelling agency.
Established in 1998, it has launched the careers of numerous models, including Natasha Luwedde and Lauren McCheyne, through major runway and editorial shoots with globally recognised clients.
Colours has a strong presence in Edinburgh, producing the Edinburgh College of Art fashion shows and scouting at events such as Edinburgh Style in the St James Quarter.
The agency represents men, women, and kids, and offers opportunities with top magazines and brands that range from local to nationwide and high street to high fashion. Clients include magazines such as GQ, Numéro, and Tatler, as well as retail brands such as Primark, Kiltane, Guess, and Dior.
Apply by filling out the form on their website.