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Abigail Thomson of Motherwell has been named as a finalist at this year’s Miss Scotland competition. The 21-year-old is now busy supporting and raising awareness of her chosen charity. Messages of congratulations flowed in for Abigail after she was named as a finalist on the Miss Scotland official Facebook page. Other Lanarkshire contestants among the 11 finalists are Strathaven resident Ava Rafferty and Katie Murray of Airdrie, both 21, Event organisers say they are “looking for a girl with compassion, intelligence but most of all enthusiasm, who can be a true ambassador for Scotland and represent [the] country at Miss World in December”. They add: “Not only will she be happy to raise funds for her own chosen charity but happily give her time to help many other charities.” Fourth-year medical student Abigail is president of the Glasgow University Surgical Society and involved in widening access to medicine by helping prospective students with interview and application practice, and has chosen to support dementia charity Playlist for Life through the competition. She told the Hamilton Advertiser: “I’m incredibly grateful and excited to be in the Miss Scotland final alongside such hardworking, talented women. I was drawn to the competition because of the platform it offers to raise awareness for good causes and to be a voice for others. “I really love Miss Scotland’s ‘beauty with a purpose’ ethos and the idea that if you’re given visibility, you should use it well. I also want to show that you can be committed to medicine and academic work and still take part in something like Miss Scotland.” A keen musician, songwriter and performer, Abigail chose to support Playlist for Life, which creates personalised music playlists for people living with dementia, and said: “Personally-meaningful music has been shown to help reduce anxiety, improve mood and spark memories, helping families and carers connect with loved ones. “This cause is very personal to me, as my papa lived with dementia for several years before he passed away, and I saw how hard it was for him and our family. I love that Playlist for Life gives some power back by using music with real sentimental value.” She added: “For me, Miss Scotland isn’t just about the title, it’s about talking about things that really matter to Scottish families, like dementia, education and opportunities for young people. I want to show women that you don’t have to define yourself by just one thing: you can study medicine, lead, be creative and still enjoy being feminine and involved in things like Miss Scotland.” * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook ? Head on over and give us a like and share!
