Scots catwalk star Dr Brigid swapped medicine for modelling

Oct 5 2008 By Katrina Tweedie

MODEL Brigid McGaw is one of many bright young Scots stamping their mark on the fashion industry.

She was studying medicine at Edinburgh University when an agency spotted her.

Brigid, 23, who was compared to Kate Moss, has graduated and for the past few months has been modelling full-time in London with Premier, one of the world's top agencies.

With the world's eyes on the Spring 2009 catwalk shows in Paris, London, Milan and New York, the newly formed Scottish Fashion Council are set to boost our talent even more.

Founder Tessa Hartmann said: "We have great initiatives where new talent can tap funding for their fashion business. We want to ensure that when they stretch their wings and hit the global fashion carousel, they are known for being Scottish before anything else."

Brigid is just one of four young Scots we turn the spotlight on today.

She said: "I started with no expectations but I have ended up enjoying modelling and now see it as a bit of a career.

"When I was part-time, I travelled all over Europe and was in Milan last year which I loved. One of the reasons I want to try it full-time is to travel even further afield and I'm hoping to go to New York and Japan.

"Modelling is really good fun.

Despite people saying it's not as glamorous as it's made out to be, there is still a lot of fun to be had and it can be a lucrative job."

Brigid, of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, does magazine fashion shoots as well as catwalk work, including several shows during London Fashion Week last month.

Brigid adds: "Very few models will make it a lifetime career so, at the risk of sounding like my mum, it's always important you have an education to fall back on.

"I know modelling is a short-term career so I plan to pursue medicine later. But I definitely see myself doing this for the next year."

Budding models should make sure they get signed by a reputable agency advises Brigid.

She said: "There are a lot out there who are not so good. If you are in London, visit them, go in and have a chat and see what they think.

"I visited several and was offered a contract with Premier who were happy for me to work part-time and had a lot of good girls on the books."

She accepts it is a competitive industry with pressure on models to look slim.

Brigid said: "A good agency will work with your own look and not all models have to be that slim.

"There are lots of girls with curves working in top-end jobs.

"So find your own niche but if the image and weight becomes such an issue that it takes over making money or having fun then it's probably time to step out of modelling."