Linzi joins line-up at Miss World
Air stewardess to fly flag at Miss World event
Linzi McLelland will become the first East Kilbride beauty to enter Miss World after winning the Miss Scotland 2018 crown.
The 24-year-old flight attendant, from West Mains, is walking on air after soaring to victory at the final in Glasgow’s Corinthian Club on Friday night.
A shocked Linzi told the News her head is still in the clouds after her surprise win and said: “I’m so overwhelmed, I never expected to win.
“I was so in shock when they announced me as the winner I had to go and sit in a quiet room to take it all in – I don’t think it will ever sink in.
“This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, it’s a crazy feeling!”
She added: “I am honoured and very proud – especially to be the first Miss Scotland from East Kilbride.
“Over the last few months the community has been unreal supporting my chosen charity and sending me good luck messages, everyone has been so lovely.”
The brunette beauty, who also holds the Miss Galaxy Glasgow and Miss British Empire Scotland titles, wowed the judges in various challenges including a kilt, gym wear and evening wear round.
Linzi also received praise for raising hundreds of pounds for mental health charity the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in memory of her dad. The charity is close to Linzi’s heart after losing her dad, Jim, to suicide in 2013.
This was Linzi’s last chance to enter the beauty pageant after losing out in the 2014 competition.
She takes over from Milngavie stunner Romy McCahill and in November will fly the flag for Scotland in the Miss World 2018 event in China.
The former pupil of Kirktonholme Primary and Duncanrig Secondary said: “I didn’t place in the top 10 last time so it was a nice surprise to come back and win it.
“I told the judges I would be a good ambassador for Scotland because I had come into the competition for a second time so knew what it meant to be Miss Scotland.
“I will use my time wisely and raise money for charity. I think I am a role model for people who can relate to me because I have come out strong following a tragedy.
“Being Miss Scotland is not just about outer beauty, it’s about inner beauty too, and what you can do for others.
“I also travel the world in my job and see how beautiful Scotland is.”
Linzi has lived in Dubai for the last two years working as cabin crew, but says she is thrilled to be back in her hometown as she embarks on a new adventure as Scotland’s poster girl.
“It’s nice to be back in Scotland”, said Linzi. “I’m looking forward to the official Miss Scotland bikini shoot in Spain this Sunday. I’m excited to see what’s in store for the rest of the year.”
Linzi thanked her fellow finalists, family and boyfriend Paul Henderson (who has jokingly been given the title of ‘Mr Scotland’ by his friends) for their support.