A RENFREWSHIRE woman who has made it to the final of the Miss Scotland contest is proving her talents stretch far beyond the catwalk.

Tara Drain, who grew up in Lochwinnoch, is one of 12 hopefuls looking to win the title on August 27.

In the run-up to the final, 23-year-old Tara will take part in six challenges based on the likes of fitness and creativity.

The most important category, however, is ‘beauty with a purpose,’ which recognises efforts to support charity.

And first-class Honours graduate Tara is no stranger to showing her caring side.

“Throughout my BSC in diagnostic imaging at Glasgow Caledonian University, I worked part-time in the pharmacy, continually building my healthcare knowledge and skills,” she told The Gazette.

“Due to the pandemic, I volunteered to fast-track my employment as a diagnostic radiographer within the healthcare environment and, as an allied health professional, I recently registered as a Covid vaccinator to support the national rollout of the vaccine.

“Outwith work, I have completed my training to become a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics ambassador, where I will have the opportunity to connect with children and young adults by sharing my own career experiences.

“Through this, I hope to highlight some real-world applications of educational learning and, in doing so, become a relatable role model who can inspire young people.”

Former Johnstone High pupil Tara is a talented horse rider and her chosen charity is The Riding for the Disabled Association.

It improves the lives of people with disabilities through horse riding and carriage driving.
She hopes to follow in the footsteps of Kilbarchan woman Nicola Mimnagh, who won the contest in 2010 and raised £100,000 for CHAS (Children’s Hospices Across Scotland).

“For me, it is not about winning the crown, it is more about what you can achieve if you are fortunate enough to wear it,” added Tara, who now lives in Paisley.

“If I were to be successful in becoming Miss Scotland, I would seek to support the ethos of beauty with a purpose and leverage the attendant publicity to the full advantage of my chosen charity.”

The winner of the Miss Scotland title will go on to take part in the Miss World event, to be held in Puerto Rico in December.