FLYING high
East Kilbride beauties will battle it out for title
The Miss Scotland crown has double the chance of being lifted by an East Kilbride beauty this year. That’s because the town has two finalists who will battle it out with 10 other contestants to win the prestigious title. Linzi McLelland and Zoe Balfour are dreaming of winning this summer. And Linzi, left, is hoping to soar to new heights and make it second time lucky. For the air stewardess from West Mains competed in 2014 is eligible to enter the pageant one last time. And the mental health charity the 24-year-old has chosen to support is close to her heart. An excited Linzi, a former pupil at Duncanrig Secondary, told the News: “It has been a number of years since I last entered a beauty pageant. “I was a finalist in Miss Scotland in 2014, won Miss British Empire Scotland in the same year and Miss Glasgow Galaxy in 2016. “I am also a signed model with Superior modelling agency. “Now that I am 24, it means that this is the last year I can apply for Miss Scotland. I first entered the competition four years ago and have always dreamed of entering again and this time I am more determined than ever to win the title.
“The winner from Miss Scotland will go on the represent Scotland in the Miss World competition later in the year.
“It is nice to be back in the public eye and I am looking forward to all the events that Miss Scotland has planned for us.
“The support I have received already has been amazing, my phone has not stopped.”
The Miss Scotland final will be held on Friday, June 15 in Glasgow.
Linzi added: “The charity I have chosen to support is one close to my heart – Scottish Association for Mental Health.
“My father sadly took his own life so I am determined to raise money for such a great charity that helps people that face mental health. I will be walking Ben Nevis and holding a fundraiser night in the Body Shop.
“I graduated from a business degree and decided an office job wasn’t for me just yet.
“I have been working as a flight attendant for the last two years and am loving every minute of it.
“I have travelled all over the world and now here’s hoping I can add Miss Scotland to my list of memorable moments.”
As well as Linzi, East Kilbride is also being represented by 20-yearold Zoe, far left, who will be raising money for a new charity – The Friends of Sanderson – through a sky dive.
Her brother attends the town’s Sanderson High School.
The winner of Miss Scotland 2018 will represent the nation at the 68th Miss World to be held in China in December.
It’s nice to be back in the public eye and I’m looking forward to all the events Miss Scotland has planned for us...