PRIZED PHOTOGRAPHS of the Dalai Lama are to go on display for the first time this weekend in an Angus exhibition.

The prints are the work of Angus couple Jack and Marion MacDonald, who live near Kirriemuir, and in June 2004 were for two days the official photographers for Tibet’s spiritual leader during a visit to Scotland.

Over just 48 hours the MacDonalds amassed some 1500 images of the many tightly scheduled and varied events packed into visits to Edinburgh and Dunfermline to promote world peace.

The Angus couple’s work is to go on show at Glens and Kirriemuir Old Parish Church from tomorrow until Sunday, August 24, and they hope many will take the opportunity to enjoy the pictorial insight into the character of the 73-year-old Nobel prizewinner.

“This was the most demanding and exciting commission Marion and I have undertaken and it was an honour and a privilege to wave our fees, as did most of the other professional contributors to this great occasion,” said Jack.

“Our reward was in simply being there, close to this charismatic and inspiring leader.”

“It was thrilling,” added Marion.

“I felt tears come to my eyes when His Holiness first stepped out of the limo early in the morning in Edinburgh, and I still feel emotional.”

The Kirriemuir exhibition will be open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am-noon, and Monday to Thursday, 2-4pm. Entry is free.