Miss UK in hunt for new beauty queen
Local lovely will help pick Scots hopeful
ANDREA LAMBROU
Reigning Miss Scotland Linzi McLelland has shared her top tips for beauty queen hopefuls looking to take her crown this year.
The stunning 24-year-old South Lanarkshire air hostess also won Miss UK in December and has enjoyed living the high life ever since.
She has been invited to glittering balls and red carpet events around the world – including the International Chinese Film Festival where she rubbed shoulders with Johnny Depp and Jackie Chan.
But, most importantly, Linzi uses her new-found fame to champion good mental health after tragically losing her dad Jim to suicide in 2014.
Linzi will join the judging panel for the official launch of Miss Scotland 2019 on February 28, when she will help pick the country’s new ambassador.
And to mark its 20th anniversary year, entrants are being given double the chance of a place – with 20 finalists selected, as opposed to 10.
Linzi said: “What I am looking for is a girl who is caring and wants to use this crown to raise awareness for something close to her heart. She must be a good role model for young people to look up to.
“The most important thing for me was being able to use the crown as a platform to raise awareness for my project of suicide awareness.
“I have been invited to both Westminster and Holyrood to be congratulated on my work.
“Being a public figure, you have a responsibility to set a good example.”
Linzi is one of seven 2018 continental queens who will be flying out to Bangkok this Saturday for the 69th Miss World final press conference after Thailand was named as this year’s host country.
And she hopes to continue to raise suicide awareness across the globe when she helps charities and projects across the world on the Miss World ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ tour.
Speaking about her pageant journey so far, the beauty said: “Miss Scotland has changed my life in so many ways. I have friends from all around the world.
“The contest itself is life changing – an all expenses paid four-week trip where you are greeted and made to feel like a celebrity wherever you go.
“I have been lucky enough to have been invited to events all over the world. Miss Scotland is a great opportunity and I would urge anyone to apply. What have you got to lose?”
There is no height or weight restriction to enter but you must be aged 17-24 and single.
Appealing for local beauties to enter and follow in Linzi’s footsteps, Miss Scotland organiser Janis Sue Smith said: “We’re looking for an ambassador for Scotland whose priority is what they can do for their country.
“Miss Scotland has so far raised £500,000 for Scottish charities so we are looking for a beauty with a purpose. You don’t need to be a model to enter or give up your day job, you just need to have a little bit more – you have to have a passion and leave a legacy.
“Linzi is only the third Miss Scotland to reach the Miss World top 12 in 20 years. She is passionate about raising as much funds and awareness of mental health as possible after going through a tragedy.
“Like Linzi, the new Miss Scotland will go on to do great things.”
To apply visit facebook.com/ Officialmissscotland