A BEAUTIFUL future awaits East Renfrewshire teenager Skye Stander...after she was named as a finalist in this year’s Miss Scotland contest.

The 17-year-old admitted she was “in shock” when she learned she had made it to the final stage of the prestigious competition.

She will now battle it out with 17 other hopefuls in a bid to claim the crown.

Skye, who is studying for her final exams at St Ninian’s High School, in Giffnock, said winning the contest would be “life-changing.”

Barrhead News:

She told the Barrhead News: “My mum sent a photo to the organisers and then we got a phone call from them to say I had made it to the next stage.

“I then went to a meeting with them and was told I had made the finals. I just couldn’t believe it.

“I didn’t think for one minute that it would happen. I’d always been a fan of beauty competitions but I’d never actually entered one until now.

“I’ve been planning to study law at university after my exams but, if I win this, it could be a game changer and I would take a year out to properly fulfill my role.”

Skye has now started the process of completing a series of tasks in which she will try to prove she would be a great ambassador for her country.

And it’s not all about looks when it comes to claiming the title.

Skye has not only taken part in a ‘dress to impress’ photoshoot for the chance to appear in Ayrshire Magazine, but she will also have to complete a fitness challenge and raise money for a chosen charity.

The teen has chosen Cancer Support Scotland’s Heads Up support group, which helps those with head and neck cancer, as her charity after her grandfather died from the condition in March.

And she will be doing her name proud as she faces a ‘Skye dive’ in St Andrews to raise money for the worthy cause.

Skye, from Newton Mearns, added: “People always think this contest is for ‘perfect’ people but it’s not like that.

“I went into my meeting and said I would be having my braces taken off in April and they told me to not be silly because it’s more about who you are as a person.

“I am really embracing this opportunity and the other girls competing are so lovely. It’s been a fantastic experience.”

The grand final of Miss Scotland will be held at The Corinthian Club, in Glasgow, in June.