Ann Marie Harper, a 71-year-old grandmother from Ayrshire, Scotland, has made history at Miss Great Britain, becoming the oldest Scottish finalist in the beauty pageant's 81-year history, according to reports ahead of the competition.
Known online as 'Glamour Gran Ann', Harper competed in the Ms Great Britain Classic category at the national final in Leicester on Friday, 16 October. The category is open to women aged 45 and over, placing her among contestants as much as 26 years younger than her.
Although she did not make the top five in her category, Harper received the 'impact over image' award, recognising her contribution to the competition beyond its traditional focus on appearance. Following the event, she described the experience as wonderful and said she hoped her participation would encourage more older people to pursue similar opportunities.
Who Is Ann Marie Harper?
Harper, from Prestwick in Ayrshire, has built a public profile through beauty, makeup and social media. Under her 'Glamour Gran Ann' persona, she shares her love of dressing up, colourful cosmetics and personal style with thousands of followers.
Her interest in beauty also extends to business. She launched her own cosmetics brand at the age of 66, introducing the Glam Goddess Collection makeup palette. Her work combines her enthusiasm for makeup with a message about self-expression and the freedom to embrace personal style at any age.
Harper has spoken about the restrictions older women face around fashion and appearance. She has described being told throughout her life what she could and couldn't wear, explaining that her public persona lets her express a side of herself she once felt she had to hold back.
Her participation in Miss Great Britain brought that approach to a national audience, as she represented Ayrshire in a competition that brought together women from different age groups and backgrounds.
From Ayrshire Winner to National Finalist
Harper qualified for the national competition after winning the Ms Great Britain Classic Ayrshire pageant in June 2026. Her regional win secured her place at the Leicester final, where she competed against other women aged 45 and over.
Before the final, Harper said she was excited about the opportunity and recognised that competing at 71 could make history. She also made clear that winning the crown was not her only motivation, describing the experience as an opportunity to show what women can achieve later in life.
The national final took place on 16 October. Ally Sussex from Surrey won the Ms Great Britain Classic title, while Harper finished outside the top five but received the category's 'impact over image' award. Speaking after the competition, Harper said she was still on a high from the experience. She also welcomed the response from older people who had told her they were considering taking on new challenges themselves.
'This is only the beginning,' she said, reflecting on what the experience could mean for her future.
Supporting Older People Beyond the Pageant
Away from beauty competitions, Harper has used her platform to raise awareness of loneliness and isolation among older people. She supports the Community Led Action Support Project (CLASP), an Ayrshire-based organisation that works with people aged 50 and over to help reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. Her involvement includes community activities intended to help older residents feel less alone and more connected with others.
Harper has spoken about the importance of making support accessible to people who may struggle to leave their homes or feel disconnected from their communities. Her work with the organisation reflects a wider part of her public profile, alongside her beauty business and social media presence.
She has also discussed her own experiences with mental health difficulties and the importance of seeking help when needed. In pre-pageant interviews, she said she wants others to understand that support is available and that people don't have to face difficult periods alone.
'Glamour Gran Ann' Looks Beyond Age
Harper's Miss Great Britain appearance marked a significant milestone in her journey from regional contestant to national finalist. While she did not take home the Ms Great Britain Classic crown, her award and the response to her participation gave her another opportunity to promote her message about ageing and self-confidence.
At 71, Harper competed in a category with contestants decades younger than her, showing the pageant stage isn't limited to one generation. Her involvement also highlighted her ongoing work in beauty, community support, and efforts to address loneliness among older people.
