Heather Suttie: The Voice of Purpose, Creativity, and Change
Who is Heather Suttie?
Heather Suttie is one of Scotland’s most recognisable and versatile media professionals — a publicist, producer, presenter, and environmental campaigner who has built a career around storytelling with purpose. With more than twenty-five years of experience across radio, television, journalism, and public relations, she has evolved into a multi-channel media expert and the driving force behind Violet, her purpose-driven PR and creative communications agency.
From the studios of BBC and ITV2 to the boardrooms of global brands, Heather Suttie’s journey reflects a rare blend of creativity, empathy, and strategic impact. She is passionate about amplifying stories that matter, supporting positive-impact brands, and crafting campaigns that inspire both audiences and change.
Heather Suttie’s Early Career and Media Foundations
The Rise in Broadcasting
Heather Suttie began her professional journey in media shortly after completing her studies in Advertising, Marketing, and PR at City of Glasgow College and Communication & Media at Glasgow Caledonian University. Early recognition came when she was awarded Student of the Year, a sign of her natural talent for communication.
Her broadcasting career started at BBC Scotland, where she hosted The Beat Room, a late-night music show. Soon after, she appeared on Channel 4’s MovieWatch, offering reviews and pop culture insights. In the late 1990s, she became a household name as one of the four presenters of ITV2’s youth show Bedrock and later joined the BBC’s Live & Kicking in 2001, one of the UK’s most popular children’s programmes of its time.
Radio Success Across the UK
Suttie’s voice became familiar to radio audiences when she joined Beat 106, hosting the Breakfast Show and Drivetime. She was the first female breakfast show host in commercial Scottish radio, marking an important milestone for women in broadcasting. Later, she continued her radio career with Xfm Scotland, BBC Radio Scotland, and BBC Radio 2, where she contributed to popular programmes including Jeremy Vine and The Today Programme.
Her BBC Radio Scotland series The Day I Changed My Life reflected her deep interest in personal storytelling and transformation — themes that have continued to define her later work.
Heather Suttie: The PR Visionary Behind Violet
Founding Violet – A Purpose-Driven Agency
In 2022, Heather Suttie founded Violet, a fully remote PR, communications, and content agency based in Glasgow, with operations extending across London and Tanzania. The agency reflects her belief that powerful storytelling can create meaningful change.
Through Violet, she leads a team of creative professionals delivering press campaigns, video production, podcast development, event management, and media training. The agency’s client list includes major organisations such as Global, The Health Lottery, Royal Society for Blind Children, Cullen, Aldi, Diageo, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, and the Scottish Government.
Heather’s clients have been featured in prestigious outlets such as The Guardian, BBC, The Independent, Forbes, Financial Times, Stylist, Sky, Business Insider, The Herald, and The Sunday Times. Her approach blends journalistic precision with creative storytelling, ensuring that every campaign resonates with authenticity and purpose.
Creative Storytelling and Leadership
At the heart of Heather Suttie’s philosophy is storytelling — not as a buzzword, but as a force for connection. Her skills range from feature writing, podcast producing, and video creation to thought leadership and event hosting. Whether developing sustainability campaigns or coordinating high-impact media coverage, she treats every project as an opportunity to amplify voices that make a difference.
Her experience also includes press and PR direction for major cultural events such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where she led media relations for Gilded Balloon, Scotland’s leading live comedy and entertainment producer.
Commitment to Sustainability and Social Responsibility
The “Say No to Plastic” Movement
Long before sustainability became a marketing trend, Heather Suttie was using her public platform to advocate for environmental change. In 2007, she founded Say No to Plastic, a national campaign urging consumers to reduce their use of plastic bags, bottles, and packaging.
Her work caught the attention of the Scottish Government, influencing the early discussions that led to Scotland’s 5p plastic bag charge. She was featured across UK media, including BBC, The Daily Record, and The Herald, and her advocacy earned her recognition as one of Scotland’s pioneering eco-campaigners.
Environmental Awards and Campaigns
In 2020, Heather was honoured with the Environmental Defender Award by No.1 Magazine for her continued commitment to sustainability. She has since worked with numerous organisations to integrate ethical practices and social responsibility into their business strategies.
While serving as Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at Optical Express, she led a global campaign raising awareness of plastic pollution caused by disposable contact lenses. The initiative gained widespread media attention and partnerships with Race Against Dementia (founded by Sir Jackie Stewart) and the Marine Conservation Society.
A Career of Influence Across Media and Causes
Heather Suttie’s work has consistently bridged the gap between mainstream media and meaningful impact. As Creative Director at Hollicom Agency, she spearheaded PR campaigns for hospitality and retail clients while promoting sustainable brands such as Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging and Green Fulfilment.
Earlier, during her tenure at Reach plc, she founded the commercial video division in Scotland, generating significant growth and leading campaigns for major brands including Aldi, NHS 24, RBS, and The Scottish Government.
Heather’s broad portfolio also includes collaborations with The Prince’s Trust, Street Soccer Scotland, Beatson Cancer Charity, and Worldwide Cancer Research, demonstrating her consistent dedication to combining creativity with compassion.
Heather Suttie’s Personal Philosophy and Lifestyle
Heather’s personality shines through her creative work and public presence. On her popular social media profile @onetakewoop, she shares insights into her love of books, secondhand fashion, vintage culture, and alcohol-free living — all expressions of her values of sustainability and mindful living.
She describes herself as a “purpose-driven publicist and producer”, someone who blends professional excellence with authenticity. Her personal mantra revolves around collaboration, kindness, and conscious creativity — principles that continue to attract purpose-led clients and inspire fellow communicators.
Her year volunteering in Tanzania remains one of her proudest experiences, reflecting her global outlook and humanitarian spirit.
Educational Background and Recognition
Heather Suttie’s formal education laid the foundation for her multi-faceted career. She studied at:
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City of Glasgow College, earning an HND in Advertising, Marketing & PR, where she received the Student of the Year award.
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Glasgow Caledonian University, where she pursued Communication & Media.
Her academic grounding in communication theory and public relations has guided her strategic thinking in every role, from presenter to agency founder.
Heather Suttie: Legacy of a Purposeful Storyteller
Championing Positive Impact
What sets Heather Suttie apart is her ability to evolve — from television presenter and radio host to thought leader, sustainability advocate, and PR entrepreneur. Her career demonstrates that communication can be both profitable and purposeful.
Through her agency Violet, she continues to work with positive impact brands, charities, and entrepreneurs who want their stories told ethically and effectively.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As an award-winning communicator and environmental defender, Heather Suttie remains an inspiration for professionals who seek to combine creativity, conscience, and commercial success. She has shown that one person’s voice — when used with clarity and purpose — can truly change the narrative.
Conclusion
Heather Suttie is more than a media personality — she is a storyteller with substance, a leader who champions sustainability, and a creative who believes in making communication meaningful.
Her life’s work across broadcasting, public relations, and activism reflects her unwavering commitment to inspiring connection, authenticity, and social change. Whether on-air, behind the camera, or crafting strategies at Violet, Heather Suttie continues to prove that storytelling — when done with heart and purpose — can transform both brands and lives.
FAQs
1. Who is Heather Suttie?
Heather Suttie is a Scottish publicist, producer, and broadcaster known for her work in TV, radio, and PR, as well as her environmental advocacy.
2. How old is Heather Suttie?
Heather Suttie was born in 1973, making her around 52 years old as of 2025.
3. Who is Heather Suttie’s husband?
Heather Suttie is married to Ross Macfarlane, with whom she frequently shares travel and lifestyle moments.
4. What is Heather Suttie known for?
She is best known for hosting BBC’s Live & Kicking, her eco campaign Say No to Plastic, and running her PR agency, Violet.
5. Where is Heather Suttie based?
She is based in Glasgow, Scotland, and operates her PR and content agency remotely across the UK and internationally.
