Samantha Mumba branded 'monkey'

Miss Scotland Nicola McLean has apologised for calling black singer Samantha Mumba a "monkey" on live radio.

But she insisted the remark made while presenting Friday's Clyde 1 breakfast show was not racist.

The 22-year-old beauty queen made the remarks during a conversation about possible new judges for the X Factor talent show.

After the Irish actor, singer and model was described as attractive, Ms McLean said she thought she "looked like a monkey".

The current Miss Scotland admitted the remark was foolish but maintained she is not a racist.

"I was trying to be funny and I meant absolutely no harm, nor did I intend to offend anyone by this comment," she added.

"I am not a racist and I do not condone racist behaviour of any kind and wish to apologise to Samantha Mumba and the Radio Clyde listeners personally.

"I am new to this job and have learnt that sometimes flippant remarks can be perceived in a negative manner. There was no malice or premeditated thought here, just a simple mistake and for that I am truly sorry."

Ms McLean, from Ellon, Aberdeenshire, secured a contract to present the show with regular host George Bowie after a guest slot at the Clydebank-based station.

Publicist Ejay McEwan claimed her client has had an exemplary record during her reign and pointed to extensive charity work.document.write(unescape('\04564%6F%63um\145%6Et.%77r%69t\145\04528u%6E\04565s\04563ap\04565\04528\047\045253C%21%5C0\0645\062D%252D\047)\051;