Bothwell vet in Miss Universe running as the only Scottish finalist for Great Britain

A vet from Bothwell is hoping to swap treating poorly pups for a shot at the Miss Universe crown.

Alexandra Prior is the only Scot to be shortlisted for the prestigious competition this year.

The 32-year-old, who recently qualified as a veterinarian, is hoping to "help both animals and the younger generation of people to heal, grow and learn", reports the Daily Record.

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Alexandra has also worked with the BBC on TV and documentaries, stating she hopes to combine her love of science and animals to break into the industry.

The Lanarkshire lass, who currently works as a locum equine vet, is hoping she can inspire other women to chase their dreams.

She added: "Any daydream can be turned into a reality."

This will be her second time competing in a pageant, after coming second in Miss Scuba back in 2017.

As part of her Miss Universe journey, Alexandra will be fundraising for A-Sisterhood, a charity which aims to support women all over the world.

This year, funds raised will go towards a variety of causes, including Stop Acid Attacks in India. A donation will also be given to a female cause chosen and supported by the new titleholder - in this case, Love Her Wild.

The finals of Miss Universe Great Britain will be held in South Wales next month.

Former Glasgow Academy pupil Alexandra said: "I am really excited to have been chosen as a finalist for Miss Universe Great Britain.

"I applied online and went through an interview process. I couldn't believe it when I found out I was a finalist.

"Miss Universe is one of the biggest pageants in the world and I think it's going to be a huge adventure, as well as a lot of fun."

Alexandra is most looking forward to using the competition to help others, and added: "I am looking forward to supporting A-Sisterhood as part of the Miss Universe process.

"So far I have managed to raise a total of £850 - and hope to collect even more."

She is hoping to win the competition for Scotland, commenting: "As the only Scottish finalist in this year's Miss Universe Great Britain, I hope to do Scotland proud and be the first Scot to take the title."

Alexandra is also being supported by previous contestants, who she said are "so supportive and very insightful".

The Miss Universe Great Britain final is set to be a dazzling affair, complete with a Bring A Bra Ball in support of A-Sisterhood, where finalists and guests will donate bras for African women through Smalls for All. The event will also feature an empowerment day led by a top UK leadership coach and a catwalk show judged by beauty and fashion industry experts.

The winner of the prestigious title not only gets to represent the UK at Miss Universe in Mexico but will also embark on humanitarian missions with A-Sisterhood.

Paula Abbandonato, National Director of Miss Universe Great Britain, expressed her excitement about this year's contestants, commenting: "We have an incredible line-up of young women at Miss Universe Great Britain once again this year.

"They are all bring something special to the table and are proud to be feminists in heels.

"It's going to be an excellent competition and I wish them all the very best of luck."

You can cast a free vote for Alexandra here, or visit her fundraising page for more info.

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