Famous painting heads to region

The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) has announced that The Monarch of the Glen by Sir Edwin Landseer (1802-73) will go on display in four venues across Scotland, including Kirkcudbright.
The oil masterpiece was acquired for the nation in March after a four month fundraising campaign.
The tour will begin in early October 2017 in Inverness and will come to Kirkcudbright Galleries on March 25 for seven weeks.
The Monarch of the Glen is one of the most famous images associated with Scotland. It has become instantly recognisable, yet it remains an extremely powerful work of art and a rich source of debate about issues of history and identity.
Sir John Leighton, NGS director-general, said: “Thanks to the generosity of The National Lottery and the Scottish Government we are able to take this fantastic picture across the country to be enjoyed by as many people as possible.
“We want this tour of The Monarch of the Glen to be seen as a huge thank you for the overwhelming support that we received during the fundraising campaign and as a celebration that this amazing work of art now belongs to all the people of Scotland. We hope that it will be admired and debated by wide audiences across the country.”
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop added: “This tour will support people of all ages and backgrounds across Scotland to access and enjoy this iconic painting in their own communities, and will hopefully inspire those who see it to seek out further opportunities to engage in culture and the arts.”
And councillor Andy Ferguson said: “It’s a privilege to be able to show this iconic painting in our new Kirkcudbright Galleries and we are grateful to the National Galleries for giving us this fantastic
opportunity.