About

Failte! Welcome! Hoo are ye?

I’m Johanna, editor of the award-winning lifestyle platform, Muddy Stilettos here in Scotland.

Where do I even begin?! Scotland is full of brilliant and creative talent – arts, music, designers, hospitality… it’s no wonder people lust after our landscapes and envy our cities. It’s my job to bring you the best of everything that’s going on, to shout about people who are doing brilliant things and to help you get the most out of where you live.

Muddy Stilettos first launched south of the border in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire in November 2012. It’s grown since then to become one of the UK’s largest lifestyle websites. 

I’ve been a journalist for nearly 20 years – writing for newspapers like The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, The Independent and for magazines like Stylist, Red, National Geographic Traveller Food, Waitrose Food and more.

I love writing about people who are passionate about what they do – and Scotland’s got them in spades. Pour me a dram or make me a cheeky G&T and let’s swap stories.

If you enjoy a bit of fun, laughter, getting out and about, eating and drinking, shopping and socialising, you’ve landed in the right place. Here you’ll discover what’s opening, happening and unmissable across Scotland, so go on – sign up here to join the journey.

This is the Muddy Mantra, so you know what to expect from the site:

1. I try everything out myself so that you can fully trust my opinions. On the occasions that I haven’t been somewhere myself, I let you know that’s the case.
2. I don’t write advertorial. This means I will never accept payment to write about something I don’t believe in.
3. I accept tickets to free shows, festivals, restaurants, events etc with the purpose of reviewing or publicising them on Muddy Stilettos, as I’m sure you appreciate it’s pretty expensive zipping around trying stuff out all the time. Hotels, restaurants, cafés, bars – if you want me to try you out, please get in touch at: johanna@muddystilettos.co.uk, or via Instagram @muddyscotland.
4. I’ll never write a nasty review. I’m not into trashing people, brands or companies. But if you’re not good enough, I won’t write about you in Muddy Stilettos, regardless of whether I have paid for the experience or not. This gives me the editorial control I need and the trust that my readers demand.
5. Muddy Stilettos is a commercial site and accepts advertising and payment to feature products and brands. However, we believe passionately in only working with brands that share our ethos and are relevant to our readers. We retain editorial control and independence at all times.