Inverness's Miss Scotland finalist reveals heartfelt reasons for choosing Highland Hospice

Miss Scotland finalist Chelsie Allison has revealed why she has picked the Highland Hospice as the charity she will raise money for in part of her competition pledge.

The 26-year-old, who works as a retail manager, is one of 11 finalists who will take part in the annual competition on September 29.

• Inverness woman says 'it is an absolute honour' to be Miss Scotland finalist

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She said: "A large benefit of the being in the final 11 is having the opportunity to raise as much money and awareness as possible for your chosen charity. As part of my fundraising I intend on planning as many events as possible in association with the Highland Hospice.

"The Highland Hospice is a charity that is and always has been very close to mine and my family's hearts. Ten years ago my great granny, Nancy Conaghan, sadly passed away from lung cancer; and around four years ago a very close family friend, Claire Rennie, passed away from pancreatic cancer. Before they both passed away, they were taken into the hospice where they were able to live the last of their lives to the fullest.

"They were provided with the highest level of care and through that, we believe they both passed in the most peaceful way possible. I truly believe the Highland Hospice should be a more widely recognised organisation – the work they do for both their patients and the families of the patients, is incredible; which is one of my goals throughout the my time in the Miss Scotland competition."

She has raised more than £200 so far.

Chelsie took part in her first pageant in 2018, when she was also a Miss Scotland finalist. She narrowly missed out on the crown on that occasion – and also helped the hospice at that time.

A hospice spokesman said: "We are delighted that Miss Scotland 2023 finalist Chelsie Allison has selected Highland Hospice as her charity of choice. Chelsie will be holding a variety of fundraisers including a lucky squares competition and a spinning class with Inverness Fitness Studio. She's also hoping to organise a few social events so watch this space."

The spin session will take place at the Seafield Road facility on October 8.

If Chelsie wins Miss Scotland, she will be asked to represent the nation at Miss World in India in December.

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