A Chewin’ The Fat sketch has inspired a surprise schools tour of one of Scotland’s most famous paintings.
The majestic Monarch of the Glen, by Sir Edwin Landseer, was taken on the road ahead of its highly anticipated arrival in Perth.
The iconic painting made an unannounced stop at Breadalbane Academy in Aberfeldy on Wednesday.
Pupils got the chance to step on board the National Galleries Scotland’s (NGS) art-moving truck and check out the Victorian masterpiece up close.
Gallery bosses revealed they came up with the initiative after watching a sketch on hit BBC Scotland comedy show Chewin’ the Fat. It featured a mobile shop van bringing art into the community, complete with uniformed attendant and velvet ropes.
In the sketch, the attendant is asked by a mother-of-two: “I was hoping the weans would get a swatch o’ the Rubens.”
An NGS spokeswoman said: “The sketch prompted staff to look at ways of using elements of this humorous vision to progress their ambition to make the collection as widely available as possible.”
Breadalbane Academy S3 pupils and primary-age pupils from Breadalbane Gaelic School took part in the unusual art lesson. The painting is on a tour of Scotland after being acquired by the NGS in March following a four-month fundraising campaign.
The 1851 artwork, which depicts a proud stag surveying a Highland landscape, will go on show at the Perth Museum and Art Gallery from Saturday.
Sir John Leighton, director-general of the NGS said: “We work with partners across Scotland to ensure that the national art collection is shared as widely as possible, but bringing a masterpiece straight into a school like this is something new.
“I hope the surprise close encounter with The Monarch will inspire the children of Breadalbane and help to bring the whole thing to life for them.”
Academy headteacher John Devine said: “It’s a real privilege to have this world famous painting visit the school and I’m sure the experience of seeing it right here on our doorstep is something the students will never forget.
“Taking such important works of art out of the gallery and into the community is a great initiative, and we’re thrilled to have had the chance to take part.”
The tour was supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Government.
Helen Smout, chief executive of Culture Perth and Kinross added: “I am delighted Perth Museum and Art Gallery has been chosen to host this iconic painting which comes with such a rich and cultural significance.
“Culture Perth and Kinross is committed to bringing the arts to all parts of the region, so it is particularly pleasing to see the Monarch of the Glen take a detour via Aberfeldy.”
The painting will go on show at the George Street museum until the middle of January, before it is transported to City of Culture contender Paisley.