A stunning fashion student at Glasgow Caledonian University has reached the final ten of the prestigious beauty contest.

Mhairi Fergusson, who recently graduated with a degree in International Fashion Branding at the university, was selected from over 1000 hopefuls and is now in the running for the Miss Scotland crown this year.

The 21 year old, who lives in Blairlogie near Stirling, said: “Miss Scotland is not just about beauty, but empowerment for young women.

“Hard work and determination go a long way, and I hope that being crowned Miss Scotland would help to inspire other young women to strive for success.”

Mhairi is also campaigning to raise awareness of epilepsy as part of her application – an issue close to her heart after she was diagnosed with the condition in her early teens.

Having gained years of support from the Scottish epilepsy charity, Muir Maxwell Trust, Mhairi will be fundraising and representing the charity in the competition.

She said: “Being diagnosed with epilepsy in my early teenage years was very hard for me, but I have become stronger and more determined because of it.

“One of my main goals during the Miss Scotland competition is to raise awareness of the condition and hopefully ease the stigma that can sometimes be attached to it."

She added: “Muir Maxwell Trust is a charity that is very personal to me, and has helped my family and I to understand a condition we previously had little knowledge of."

Ann Maxwell OBE and founder of the Muir Maxwell Trust, said: "Mhairi is a tremendous ambassador for the Muir Maxwell Trust. She speaks from the heart because epilepsy has affected her personally and that really matters to us as a charity.

"She's also an invaluable fundraiser and puts a huge amount of effort into supporting our events and campaigns. We are very fortunate to have her.

"I wish her every success in the Miss Scotland contest."

The final of Miss Scotland will be held in Glasgow in August. The winner will represent Scotland at the 65th Miss World competition in Sanya, China, in December.