SURVIVOR Erin McNeill turned the beauty world upside down when she won a clutch of international titles after a fire left her badly scarred.

But the 23-year-old, who became the 50th Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year in February - has decided to hang up her crowns

and sashes for good.

Our youngest ever SWOTY told ANN FOTHERINGHAM why she is swapping tiaras for textbooks - and why winning our prestigious title was the one which meant the most.

THE CASE is pretty and pink ... and patently too small for what needs to go in it.

Erin McNeill is having a rethink, as she prepares to pack for a trip to Jamaica in a few weeks' time.

"I think I might need a bigger suitcase," she grins, examining the pile of glittery shoes, glamorous dresses and sparkly tiaras strewn on the bed in front of her.

Erin, who was crowned Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year six months ago, is flying out to the Caribbean to formally hand over her title as Miss United Nation International as her reign comes to an end.

She will now take on a voluntary role as UK director of the event, supporting and mentoring the British competitors who make it through to the finals.

"I'm really looking forward to it," she smiles.

"Miss United International is more than an image-based competition. It takes into account what contribution the contestants have made to society, whether through volunteering or charity work for example.

"It's more humanitarian. I think more and more pageants are raising their game and it's really not just about prancing around in a swimsuit. Most people's views on beauty contests are stuck in the 1970s. Things have changed."

Erin, who lives in Menstrie in Clackmannanshire, adds: "I started entering the contests to make the point that beauty is not just about what's on the inside."

She pauses. "I think I've made that point now, so it's time to move on."

Erin nearly died in a blaze four years ago and since then has worked tirelessly for firefighters' charities, the British Red Cross and countless other good causes in a bid to educate people about the dangers of fire.

She was won many beauty titles in a bid to change attitudes to disfigurement, but she says being crowned Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year was her biggest achievement.

"I still can't really believe I won," she says, shaking her head. "When I saw the other finalists, I assumed I wouldn't be in the running - I was so young, for a start, and they had all done so much more than I had. So I was just enjoying the night, and felt so honoured to have even got that far."

She laughs: "When my name was read out, I nearly fell off my seat. And I'm still getting stick for comparing myself to Shrek..."

In her moving acceptance speech, Erin had compared herself to the cartoon character because he is "misunderstood because of the way he looks, but he is brave and feisty and has a big heart."

Erin's slow recovery -physical and mental - from the fire which almost killed her has made it difficult for her to study or work but she is ready to get back into education.

"I start French and German Highers and international studies in a few weeks' time, and I am really looking forward to it," she says.

"I've always loved languages, and I'd like to take them further into areas like law or business. I still struggle, because of the burns to my hands, so I will have learning support."

She adds: "It was quite daunting, when I saw the textbooks - they are so big. This is a big step for me, but I think the time is right."

ERIN also plans to continue fundraising when she can fit it in around her studies.

She is running a 5k race in a few weeks' time, in aid of the British Red Cross. She was also named British Red Cross Humanitarian Citizen of 2012.

"It's a challenge, especially as I'm not long out of plaster, but I'm determined to do it," she says, adding with a smile: "Last time I did a run, I did it in full firefighter gear, so it can't be any worse - or hotter - than that..."

Erin is used to confounding expectations, but she says winning SWOTY has helped her in ways she could not have imagined when she found out she had been nominated last year.

"To become Scotswoman of the Year was a wonderful surprise, and it has been fantastic for me," she says.

"It has helped me raise awareness of the causes I support through my fundraising.

"Sometimes, people look at me and see this daft girl with crazy hair and piercings, and they judge. When I tell them about SWOTY, it changes their perceptions. They are more willing to help.

"It's also been a tough six months for me since I won the award. I had to have more surgery, this time to re-attach ligaments in my leg, and spent six weeks in plaster.

"But winning SWOTY has helped me to stay strong because with the role comes a responsibility, too."

She smiles. "Yes, you get knocks and blows in life, but you can't give up."

Anyone who would like to support Erin's fundraising for the British Red Cross can do so through her JustGiving site at www.justgiving.com