Glasgow’s Eilidh MacDonald was crowned Miss Scotland 2025 during a ceremony held at the Grand Central Hotel ballroom on November 23rd. The 26-year-old, who entered the competition for the first time, won the title in the pageant’s 25th anniversary edition (after it started competing in Miss World independent from the UK).

Ten finalists from across the country competed for the crown, with MacDonald, who works as a customer relations manager for her family’s business, emerging as the winner. Miss Scotland 2024 Amy Scott crowned the new winner.

Speaking after her victory, MacDonald said she was “absolutely over the moon” with the result, praising the strong group of contestants. “We had such a brilliant group of girls and I honestly couldn’t have asked to be in a better year,” she said. “It’s the 25th anniversary so it just means so much, and I am so grateful that I’ve been chosen as the 2025 Miss Scotland.”

MacDonald revealed to the local media covering the event that she chose to compete because it was her final year of eligibility. “I’m 26 and the age range is 18 to 26. I thought I might as well just go for it, what’s the worst that’s going to happen? I just decided to go for it and it ended up for the best.”

The new Miss Scotland plans to dedicate her year to raising awareness and funds for St Andrew’s Hospice in Lanarkshire. “As a family, we have always supported them,” she said. “They sprinkle so much joy into the most heartbreaking last moments, and I think that is just brilliant. I can’t wait to shout about them on the Miss World stage and the entire year.”

MacDonald also highlighted the friendships formed during the competition, describing the camaraderie among contestants as one of the pageant’s most rewarding aspects. “We built a lovely team around us, it was fantastic and I hope I’ve got friends for life.”

As Miss Scotland, Eilidh MacDonald will represent her country at the 73rd Miss World Festival, in 2026.