STIRLING’S Miss Scotland 2015 winner said her goodbyes in style last weekend as she sets off to take part in this year’s Miss World event in China.

Mhairi Fergusson enjoyed the send-off party with friends and family on Sunday (November 15) with an evening at one of her favourite restaurants, Bar Aldo’s, in Alloa.

The 22-year-old has been a regular at the Italian restaurant all of her life, and she was thrilled to have the chance to spend time with loved ones before heading off to Asia on Friday (November 20).

Aldo Pia and his family – wife Fiorinda, son Giovanni and daughter Carolina Divito – are close friends of the Fergusson family and organised the meal in order to wish Mhairi the best of luck before her Miss World adventure.

Mhairi said: “My life has changed significantly since winning Miss Scotland and it has been pretty hectic – in a good way, of course.

“The next month is going to be even busier, so it was really nice to be able to have a relaxed evening with my closest friends and family and reflect on everything that has happened in the last few months.

“I can only thank the Pia family for their hospitality and support – my family and I really appreciate it. It was real treat and a brilliant night.”

Mhairi will take part in a host of events upon arriving in Sanya, China, concluding in the grand finale on Saturday, December 19.

As part of her preparations, Mhairi has been learning about the Chinese language and culture by visiting the Chinese Centre in Stirling High School and she will also show off her Scottish Highland Dancing talents during the competition.

Importantly, the Miss World competition also provides Mhairi with a platform to raise awareness of her work with epilepsy support charity, the Muir Maxwell Trust, and it is her Miss World "Beauty with a Purpose" project too.

The charity has provided invaluable support and guidance to Mhairi, who was diagnosed with epilepsy when she was 12.

She said: “Competing in, firstly, Miss Scotland, and, now, Miss World has been invaluable for raising awareness of the fantastic work which the Muir Maxwell Trust does for epilepsy sufferers and their families.

“Miss World is going to be an incredible experience, and I’m looking forward to meeting all the other girls and teaching them a little bit about our Scottish culture.

“It’s also a great opportunity to showcase the work of the Muir Maxwell Trust – which is really important to me.”