The National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) has launched an appeal to secure an iconic painting for the nation.
They want The Monarch of the Glen, a 19th century work by Sir Edwin Landseer, for permanent public display in Scotland.
Drinks giant Diageo has agreed to gift half the estimated market value of the painting and NGS needs to secure £4million to allow the painting to pass from private to public hands for the first time in its history.
Sir John Leighton, NGS Director-General, said: “This offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for this major work to be acquired for the nation.
“The Monarch of the Glen is an iconic image which is famous across the world.
“The ideal home for such an important and resonant picture is the Scottish National Gallery where it can be enjoyed and admired by millions of visitors.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, said: “Recent reaction to news of the auction underlined the importance of this painting.”
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