A stately visit from the world famous Monarch of the Glen could strengthen Perth’s case for the UK City of Culture crown.
The 1851 masterpiece by Sir Edwin Lanseer will go on display in the Fair City this winter.
The painting of a magnificent stag in the rural Highlands is one of Britain’s most iconic artworks.
It was on loan to the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh for 20 years before its owners, drinks giant Diageo, decided to put it up for sale for the first time in more than a century.
The move sparked fears that the painting could leave the country and a global fundraising campaign was launched to keep it in Scotland. Eventually, a deal was struck between Diageo and the National Galleries of Scotland to sell the painting for less than half of its £10 million valuation.
Now it being prepared for a nationwide tour, with Perth Museum and Art Gallery one of four stops on the circuit.
It will also go to City of Culture rival Paisley,as well as Inverness and Kirkcudbright.
The tour is being paid for by the Scottish Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Helen Smout, chief executive of Culture Perth and Kinross said: “This underlines Perth’s ability to host these big name travelling exhibitions and consolidates our credentials as a serious contender for the UK City of Culture status.
“I am sure the Monarch of the Glen will be a big draw for art lovers across Perthshire and beyond.”
Museum staff will take the opportunity to display other works from the council’s permanent collection, including the much loved Loch Katrine by Horatio McCulloch.
The exhibition, which will look at romanticised visions of Scotland from the 19th Century, will be supported by a wider programme of events and activities.
Sir John Leighton, director general of the National Galleries of Scotland, said he was thrilled to be able to show the Monarch of the Glen to 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.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, 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 arts.”
The city’s Museum and Art Gallery is about to undergo a major £10 million refurbishment as part of a shake-up of the region’s cultural assets.
The Monarch of the Glen will arrive in the city on November 25 for a seven-week run.
