Statuesque 16-year-old Leanne Jeffrey from Craigmarloch was the toast of Stirling Castle on Sunday night when she seized the laurels after being named Scotland's New Face 2008 at the third annual Scottish Fashion Awards.

The image of the 5ft 11ins former Greenfaulds High School pupil has commandeered column inches more often afforded to movie stars when the results of the model search were announced.

Indeed Leanne easily upstaged a number of high profile fellow guests at the event, including heiress Daphne Guinness, television presenter Lisa Butcher and actress Laura Fraser.

The event saw high profile figures like Lanarkshire's Christopher Kane named Designer of the Year and singer Darius Danesh named Scottish Fashion Awards icon.

But all eyes were on Leanne as she worked the specially woven 'tartan' red carpet in the uniquely atmospheric 700 year old venue, beating three other finalists who had been selected by readers of a national newspaper.

The event which boasted a £250 a-head dinner by chef Nick Nairn had been run in conjunction with Vogue magazine website and was presented by GMTV's Louise Roe. Leanne won £1000 of vouchers for fashion chain Warehouse, a makeover at top stylists Toni & Guy, custom-made jewellery and is to have her portrait taken by one of Scotland's top fashion photographers Stephen Kearney.

When the News caught up with Leanne at her home in Glen Sannox Drive, she said: "I was completely shocked when the result was announced. It was so hard to take in.

"But when I woke up the next morning, I was delighted,'' said Leanne.

"The best part was when there was a photocall at the end and I was in the same room as someone like Christopher Kane,'' said Leanne.

It would appear that Leanne has a greater interest in buying fashion than modelling it - and her career choice would attest to this.

"I am starting a course in Fashion Merchandising in Glasgow after the holidays and I don't feel I should give that up just because I have won this competition,'' she said.

But she does want to model part time - and believes that her experience in front of the cameras will give her a better idea of what the business side of the fashion world involves.

Picture by ALAN MURRAY
(Ref cn08381d)