If they are not shallow, apolitical and obsessed with celebrity they are anarchist troublemakers whose opposition to the G8 summit threatens civilisation as we — or at least Perthshire — know it.
This, however, is not the whole picture. Look beyond the CCTV footage of Friday night violence and there is a generation of terrifyingly impressive young (and youngish) Scots who are more interested in world domination than Victoria Beckham’s post-baby body.
They are using their youthful energy, chutzpah and charm to start businesses, open art galleries, organise literary festivals and expose the young people of Paisley to the footballing talent of AC Milan.
These are the ones who have made it on to our list of the Scottish movers and shakers of the future.