Beauty competition means world to Miss Scotland Amy Scott as she conquers painful shyness

Having overcome her once crippling shyness, Amy Scott is ­preparing to fly out to India this week to represent Scotland at Miss World.

“Competing in Miss World is like a dream,” said the reigning Miss Scotland, from Strathaven in Lanarkshire.

“I really lacked confidence when I was younger, so this is something I had never seen on the cards for myself.

“As someone who was once painfully shy, it might not seem like the obvious path, but Miss World isn’t just about beauty, it’s about confidence, strength, and using your voice for something bigger than yourself.

“I’ve learned that self-worth isn’t about fitting into a perfect mould, it’s about embracing who you are.”

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Amy also recently made her catwalk debut at Dressed To Kilt – a fashion show at New York’s Tartan Week to showcase designers such as Totty Rocks and Spencer Railton.

“Being dressed up makes me feel like a million dollars and that combined with the fact it helps to draw attention to such important causes as raising money for a worthwhile cause is something I’m grateful to experience,” said the 25-year-old, who has raised thousands of pounds for the MS Society.

The Miss World competition has revamped its image since it began in 1951, placing more emphasis on contestants’ charitable efforts and ditching the swimwear contest in 2014 in favour of a fitness competition.

To prepare for the event on May 31, Amy has been receiving lessons at the crack of dawn to learn the “Miss World walk” – how to walk elegantly in high heels. “It’s not as easy as it looks, there’s definitely a technique to it that doesn’t always come naturally,” she smiled. “I have a coach in the Philippines and because of the time difference, I take lessons at 5am.

“I’ve always loved wearing heels but with this style of walking I’m a bit like Bambi on ice, especially in an evening gown.

“My coach kindly pointed out that my technique ‘needs a little work’. It’s all part of the fun, and I’m learning to embrace every step along the way.”

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Amy also tried on some of the elegant gowns she’ll be wearing for the eveningwear competition, and showed them off in a photo shoot at Glasgow University’s cloisters and the City Chambers.

“I absolutely love getting all dressed up. I feel like a Barbie sometimes because in my day-to-day life it’s just not something I ever do,” added Amy, who has recently returned from working in Dubai as an estate agent.

“Now I can’t wait to represent Scotland on such a grand stage.”