A competition to find the YL Magazine Face of Country Ways 2017 has been inundated with entries.
The country and equestrian clothing store in Aberdeen teamed up with the P&J’s Saturday magazine and launched a search to find one male and one female who would take up the role of brand ambassador.
The lucky winners will bag themselves a photoshoot and feature in the fashion pages of our YL magazine, as well as receive a fabulous pair of Dubarry country boots, a clay pigeon shooting lesson at Lochter Activity Centre and a voucher to spend in Country Ways.
Entrants were asked to send a photograph of themselves plus a short essay on why they should win the coveted prize.
The judges – Cheryl Livingstone from the P&J, Rosemary Michie from Country Ways and Graeme Duncan from Dubarry – have whittled the entries down to six finalists.
And are now asking you, the readers, to vote for who you think should win.
Head to Country Ways’ Facebook page to cast your vote now. You have until 11pm on Sunday, October 8.
THE FINALISTS
The boys
- Fraser Macdonald
“Born and bred country lad and farmer’s son that loves nothing more than a walk in the country with the dog, the fiancé, the gun or even better all three! I’m a passionate game shooter and deer stalker and know when it comes to being outdoors in Scotland the weather can be so unpredictable so only the best clothes that look and perform well can be worn.”
- Finlay D’arcy Girdwood
“I have been born and bred in the country, it’s all I know. I am 21 and have now made a career for myself as a gamekeeper. I live and work at Glen Prosen estate as a beat keeper, so the right clothing is essential – we work outside constantly in all-weather so a good set of work clothes are worth their weight in gold!”
- Lewis Lilburn
“I have lived in Deeside my whole life, I grew up on an estate just outside Aboyne and studied at Gordonstoun and this has given me a good understanding of the country way of life. I have also attended many Scottish events. I am a 4th generation Committee member of the Aboyne highland games, my great grandfather was chairman for 25 years and also my grandfather for many years. I feel that I am a man of the country, enjoying all aspects of the outdoors.”
The girls
- Lauren Babcock
“I moved to Aberdeen three years ago from living in downtown Chicago and have to say I’ve embraced all aspects of Scotland’s country life. Since moving here I’ve taken up riding and bought my first horse less than a year ago (and just competed in our first dressage competition). I have recently taken up clay pigeon shooting and enjoy taking friends visiting from the states or participating in ladies shooting days. Otherwise, you can find me discovering new trails and enjoying the gorgeous Aberdeenshire scenery with my dog, Stella.”
- Chloe Sangster
“I love the outdoors – such as riding my horses, shooting, fishing and walking. I feel being involved in the country lifestyle and equestrian world of show jumping would make me a suitable candidate as I participate regularly in these activities and have a real passion for them. I like to make an effort in my appearance and the clothing I wear as I believe dressing well is a form of good manners and you never know who is looking at your outfit!”
- Lianne MacLennan
“I am a gamekeepers wife and now run two of Scotland’s moorland groups. My job is to promote Game Keeping and Sporting Estates, educating people about rural life and the positive impacts they have on local communities and businesses. I am actually a city girl living in the country, so it would be lovely to really look and feel the part. What a super opportunity to be an ambassador for one of my local businesses, something I would be extremely proud of if given the chance and would add a touch of glamour into my life behind a computer!”