PUPILS from Arkleston Primary were special guests at the launch of the exhibition of one of Scotland’s most famous paintings, writes Emma Maxwell.
The youngsters from the school in Renfrew were given a sneak preview of The Monarch of the Glen by Edwin Landseer before it goes on public display tomorrow at Paisley Museum.
The painting was purchased by Diageo last year for £4 million, however after a four-month fundraising campaign supported by organisations such as The National Lottery and the Art Fund, the drinks giant has agreed to sell the painting for half of its market value.
It is composed of the iconic image of a majestic red stag on a mist-covered hilltop, consequently most remarkable for its recent use in the advertising of biscuit tins and bottles of whisky.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chairperson of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “Having this painting on view in Paisley is a huge coup for Renfrewshire and shows we are at the cultural centre of Scotland.
“I would encourage as many people as possible to come along to see the original version of The Monarch of the Glen and it certainly is, as the pupils have been telling me – stag-nificent!”
The painting is on display for free at Paisley Museum from tomorrow until March 11.
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