Our Interview with RUTH SCOTT
Having grown up in Elphin, Co. Roscommon, Ruth Scott has, over the past 10 years, worked her way up to co-hosting one of the most requested shows on 2fm. Apart from the fact that we all love her and recognise her voice instantly, apart from the fact that she can often be found working at gigs around the country and the fact that you are likely to bump into her and her roadcaster in ….well, just about anywhere, we are now also being treated to seeing Ruth on TV, the Afternoon Show to be precise, when she pops in to do some ‘soap gossip’ with the girls. This top class DJ started her career in a mobile home the UL where she presented during the events of ragweek some years ago. From there she worked with AA Roadwatch, Shannonside Northern Sound, Radio Kerry and then 2fm. In 1997 she won a national competition to be a ‘DJ for a day in 2fm’ but it was 1998 before she landed her dream job with the national broadcaster.
We at stylebible.ie are regular ‘Frequency’ fans (it’s all those late nights spent working of course) We couldn’t wait to ask this fun-loving, savvy lassie from Roscommon, her thoughts on work, fun and of course, style.
Q: Did you always know you wanted to work in radio / media?
Not really. I shuffled my way through secondary school & a degree in European Studies before I ever sat in a studio
Q: You have, at this stage, what one can only call, a cult following of avid listeners.
Do you enjoy your celebrity status or can it become difficult to deal with?
I love a good cult! Well there’s 2 sides to this. First, it’s radio so people often don’t recognise me but I have been caught out rotten on occasion when people recognise my voice. I was at a festival one time & usual girl thing, having a great natter with my mate who was in the next toilet cubicle to mine. Suddenly someone knocked on the door and asked me if I was “that girl Ruth off the radio?”!! Second, it’s only in the last 2 years that people have started to recognise me. Celebrity Jigs & Reels saw to that! I’ve always found that people say the nicest things. Often times guys just want to shake me by the hand (?!) and girls want to have a natter. It’s just lovely. Anyone who doesn’t like me doesn’t bother actually coming near me thankfully!
Q: In the past you have travelled with Trocaire to the Phillipines as well as being involved in many charity events, including going on as a contestant in Celebrity Jigs and Reels. Charity is something you clearly feel quite strongly about. Do you find your celebrity status helps to inspire others to follow your lead?
Well when I do have a good bit of pester power I suppose. When I came back from the Philippines, I was having a little “party” at my place instead of the typical Trocaire fast to raise money. I made people come to my house for dinner and told them not to bring anything except a few quid for the charity. Turned out to be a great night. It’s a great opportunity to be involved closely with a charity because you find out so much more about where the money goes. It’s convenient that I have a regular radio audience that I can drop in little plugs here and there. After that, it’s up to individuals to do as little or as much as they like.
Q: Between attending gigs around the country, travelling around in the infamous roadcaster and regular appearances on TV, you aren’t the kind of DJ who prefers to conceal themselves behind the veil of the radio. Do you find that you have to live up to certain expectations or feel pressure to be constantly up beat and looking well etc?
The joys of radio! Bad hair days don’t really matter! That said, when I’m out in the roadcaster, I do like to clean myself up. I’m representing RTE and I’m representing 2FM so I don’t want to just fall into the roadcaster in a pair of pyjamas. Also, the roadcaster is like a huge glasshouse so you can be seen from every angle. No slouching either! It’s a great way of life really in that there is no uniform. Jeans and trainers are sufficient wherever you go. That said, I’m at the stage now where I’m starting to wear some killer heels with the jeans. Took my sweet time! I have one particular pair that actually make my knees ache the next day! There is certainly a pressure to be upbeat but it’s not much more than anyone in a job has. I mean, you probably can’t go into the office today & moan and moan and moan and huff and puff. I feel that everyone has to sort of hold it together for work if only for professional conduct and politeness. There is the extra bit then on the radio. No-one wants to tune into 2FM and hear Ruth Scott moan constantly. There’s always room for a little gripe once in a while but not on a regular basis. I always find that if I’m in bad form going into studio, then I’m in great form by the time I’m done. It’s a super distraction!
Q: You are working on one of the most requested shows on 2fm from Monday to Thursday, as well as doing the Saturday show, so you are clearly a very busy lady. What do you like to do to wind down and have some ‘Ruth time’?
I’m fairly low-maintenance I hate to admit. I love hanging out with my friends. Going for dinner, cups of tea, drinks. What girl doesn’t enjoy a good facial. I perversely enjoy a big brutal Swedish style massage. I’m still doingsome Irish Dancing classes since jigs & reels to keep fit. Oh I do have a gym membership – which doesn’t always get utilised to the max! I recently went on a surfing weekend and it’s the BEST way to unwind. While you’re throwing yourself round the water, trying to get up on / stay up on / stand up on the board, you can think of nothing else. Fabulous! And one of the unsexiest sports ever. Forget Cameron Diaz style surfing. You’ve to beat yourself into a very unflattering wetauit and then lots of spitting and coughing when you get knocked into the water. Glam…not!
Q: How would you describe your personal sense of style?
I love a fairly relaxed style. The fact that I’m working in radio 10 years helped with that style! I’m not a fashion follower but I will always try & get stuff that suits my shape. I’m a good bit taller than the average Irish woman I’m told (Average Irish woman 5’6”. Me 5’10”) so I need to shop about a bit or else I look like I’m playing dress-up! I like a long lean look – it compensates when I’m not feeling or looking lean! I used to wear so much black but now I’m all about the colour. And accessories is my middle name. Well actually “Mary” is but I’m a demon for bits and pieces. Nothing expensive. I get bit chunky plastic bracelets or loads of skinny ones together. Loads of different textures on one arm maybe. Big rings is another favourite of mine.
Q: Do you have a particular trend / fashion item that you really like?
Accessories accessories accessories. I love wearing things like quirky t-shirts with maybe a scarf and an armful of bracelelts. Jeans and trainers.
Q: Where would be your ultimate favourite places to shop for clothes?
Depends on what humour I’m in. Could be into penneys to spend 50 quid and come out with bagloads of stuff. I like a lot of the monsoon stuff cos it’s so bright. I don’t really have brand loyalty. I just get what I like if it suits me.
Q: What is your favourite thing to do in the world? (When you are not entertaining the masses, that is)
Only one thing? Em I’d have to say dancing full pelt in a nightclub where the music is hot!
Q: Finally, if Ruth Scott was stranded on a desert island and was allowed to have only one luxury item – what would that be?
Again… only one thing??? I’d have to say it would be sunblock. I’ve decided that it’s my ultimate accessory! Saw some tv show a few weeks ago that it’s more effective than any “age combating creams” or something like that so I never leave home without it
If only I could combine the worlds biggest solar powered mp3 player with sunblock then I’d have it sorted!
Below: Ruth at work
Below: Ruth at Celebirty Jigs and Reels
Below: Surfs up! (Ruth on the right)