Stuart is an Honorary Fellow of John Moores University Liverpool and an Honorary Professor of Stirling University, and Honorary Doctor of Arts at Abertay University in his native Scotland.
In 2005 he was named Broadcaster of the Year in the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards, In 2012 he won numerous awards including a BAFTA and Royal Television Society award for Channel 4's coverage of the London Paralympics 2012. Stuart presents BBC Scotland's popular radio show 'Off the Ball'.
We caught up with Stuart ahead of our upcoming Inspiring Creativity event which is taking place in Glasgow on 7 September.
Your 2 most recent books: Young Soul Rebels: A Personal History of Northern Soul and Detroit '67: The Year That Changed Soul (which was nominated Best Music Book of 2016 – congrats!) are oozing with your passion for the Northern Soul scene. How was that passion sparked?
From my earliest teenage days in Perth and the Motown era then moving to North Of England at a critical moment in history of northern soul....
Do you read the reviews on Amazon? They’re pretty good!
Most are good but there is some criticism of the first pre-published edition which has typos and US spelling but otherwise they are very good. Top Selling in most categories of soul...75% of book sold are from the Amazon platform so it's a necessary evil.
Most industries now use storytelling in their marketing strategies. As a journalist, what are your tips for unearthing compelling stories? Almost every major moment in history is replete with great stories cf 9/11 and the 'falling man' story or the fake victim story. Detroit 67 is about riots - explain some key stories buried in the rubble.
Football or Music (sorry!)
Soul music and St Johnstone. Not interested in EPL and the global game.
Are there any specific personality traits that have helped you in your career?
Hard work, analytical mind and most of all conceptual dexterity
What shape do you think the television media is in today?
Overly reliant on returning formats in an increasingly global marketplace.
How’s 2018 looking for you Stuart?
Mad busy but exhilarating. Memphis 68, Harlem 69 and Netflix.
Stuart is speaking at Inspiring Creativity on Sep 7
Stuart on Twitter
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