His uncle is Mick MacNeil of Simple Minds and from the age of 15 he began appearing on Gaelic TV. Later he was involved with Smash Hits TV, BBC Scotland's '@Ire' and 'Dè a-nis?' as well as BBC Choice's 'Beyond 2000'. He was also music presenter for Scottish TV programme, 'Splaoid' and Rock Music Show 'Nochd Gun Chadal'.
Career
After a career break to study Journalism, at Edinburgh's Napier University, MacHugh did a stint for E4Edinburgh Festival coverage and contributed to entertainment news at Channel 5. He also filmed strands for a Scottish TV magazine show, 'You have to do this...', and appeared in the VisitScotland 'Tartan Week' in New York City for NBC, presenting live daily coverage from Grand Central Station during the two-week festival. He also scripted and presented a one-off feature for the popular BBC1 countryside show 'Landward' filmed at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. As an actor, MacHugh played the main character Seumas in CBBC Scotland's Children's Programme SNAS, based around a Scottish Rock Band. Phil also played 'James' in the BBC Drama, 'Consider the Lilies'. Phil is also a Highland dancer has been involved in VisitScotland and Glasgow City Council promotions at International Celtic festivals across the world, and in November 2007, worked for the Lithuanian Television Network, LNK and businessman Vladimir Romanov on the Baltic version of the popular TV show 'Strictly Come Dancing' as a creative director. Vladimir won the Celebrity Dance Competition. In 2013 he joined the Yes Campaign movement as a PR and Events Manager to head up the commercial campaign for an Independent Scotland. Following this he set up SKAPA in 2016 which specialise in consumer, lifestyle and luxury brand PR and brand building. SKAPA clients include Pentahotels Group, Living Ventures, Principal Hotels, Barbour and Toni & Guy.
Personal life
In 2009 he was the 16th on The Scotsmans 50 Most Eligible Bachelors, but has not featured in any subsequent lists. A Celebrity Torch Bearer for the 2012 London Olympics, he ran in Edinburgh as part of the UK torchbearing celebrations.
