Forces sweetheart Katharine Brown was given a full military send-off when she left for the world’s top beauty pageant in China.
Hero troops, just back from a tour of Afghanistan, made the trip to Glasgow Airport to wish the Perthshire beauty good luck on Tuesday.
Crowned Miss UK earlier this year, Katharine is tipped to win the coveted Miss International title in Chengdu on November 7.
The 23-year-old from Dunblane boarded the plane in a mini kilt and Chinese jacket and when shopping for a pageant gown, she shunned city boutiques in favour of Auchterarder High Street.
Katharine is hoping to wow the crowds in a floor-length blue gown she hand-picked from Bear Necessities in Auchterarder.
The independent store has also provided her with three more dresses, shoes and beautiful jewellery.
After representing Scotland at Miss World last year, the tennis coach knows the importance of looking the part but says judges are also looking for more than that.
She told The Courier, “They want someone who is passionate about their home country and also the global community. The girls are all beautiful in their own way but they have to prove they could be a world ambassador and really want to help those less fortunate.
“My dresses are so gorgeous. It feels great to think I’ll be taking a bit of Perthshire with me on my trip I’m a big advocate for shopping local.”
She continued, “I can’t wait to get there, I’ve never been to the Far East, but have heard it’s truly amazing. We will tour across China and meet families affected by the earthquake in the Sichuan Province two years ago.”
As an ambassador for veterans’ charity Erskine, Katharine has spent time with many servicemen and women.
She said she was “truly honoured” that the soldiers took the time to bid her farewell.
“They are real heroes, who risk their lives for their country. I can’t thank them enough for coming and will try and bring home the crown in their honour.”
Katharine’s mum Marlyn and aunt and uncle Meg and John Robb are accompanying her to China.