Amy Scott never imagined that she would become Miss Scotland. After first applying to the competition in 2020, it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I never thought I’d win,” admits the 24-year-old via email. “I just tried my best and focused on enjoying the process. The girls competing alongside me were amazing and dedicated to their causes and charities. When my name got called, it was a total surprise but a very welcome one.”

Scott, who hails from Strathaven, a picturesque village nestled between Ayrshire and Stirlingshire, has strong Celtic roots. “My family is mostly Scottish with some Irish connections on my mum’s side a few generations back. I was raised in a small, quiet village with beautiful Scottish countryside views, and it was very easy to see both sides of my family.”

Not long after the competition was cancelled due to lockdown, Scott relocated to Dubai.

“I moved back home last year and was lucky to get the opportunity to apply again. I’m grateful that everything worked out the way it did because I’m in a much better position now to accept the challenge and appreciate the platform.”

Since taking the title, she has embraced her role wholeheartedly. “At home, it allows me to operate on an increased platform to engage the public in the charitable causes I care about.”

Her primary focus is on raising awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis, a cause close to her heart. “My cousin was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the same age I am now. It is a lifelong battle for her, and so it is a lifelong dedication for me.”

Scott’s reign has taken her beyond Scotland’s borders, offering her unexpected yet enriching experiences. “When I was visiting Vietnam earlier in March, I had the opportunity to meet Miss Vietnam. I was also quite surprised to be recognized as Miss Scotland by fans of Miss World. It was surreal.”

Most recently, she showcased Scottish style at the Dressed to Kilt fashion extravaganza as part of Tartan Week celebrations in NYC. This month, she is competing for the Miss World title in India. “This platform and the audience that it will be broadcast to is unrivaled in terms of bringing attention to such important social causes, and I’m grateful that I get to experience it.”

Despite the obvious perks, being Miss Scotland involves plenty of perseverance.

“It may look very glamorous, and it is, but it is also a lot of hard work. There are so many moving parts to getting organized for Miss World and juggling that with my charity work and my personal life has been intense. Yet, it’s unbelievably worth it for all the opportunities it provides.”

Among those opportunities is an unparalleled life experience. “The people I have met and the places I have been, and will get to visit, are simply amazing. There is nothing else like it in Scotland, and it is such a privilege to be a part of.”

The title and role have changed Scott on a personal level. “You become a role model. I asked myself who I wanted to be and also who I’d want my niece or other young girls to look up to. The values I held before winning my title are more amplified, and I live by them more intentionally. Spread kindness, be considerate, and try your best to help others because you never know what anyone else is facing.”

Scott remains committed to her causes for the remainder of 2025. “For now, I’m going to be solely focused on preparing for Miss World. Upon my return, I will hopefully be assisting with some more fundraising events for the charities I work with. That is the reason why I wanted to enter Miss Scotland and serves as my main priority this year and for years to come.

“I am more disciplined, determined, and focused than I ever have been. This experience has taught me that you miss every shot that you don’t take.”

@officialmissscotland