AN exhibition featuring one of Scotland’s most famous paintings has opened at Paisley Museum.

Pupils from Arkleston Primary, in Renfrew, were special guests for the local unveiling of The Monarch of the Glen, by Sir Edwin Landseer.

The painting is an iconic image associated with Scotland – and Paisley is one of just four venues in the country chosen by the National Galleries of Scotland for it to go on show.

People can view The Monarch of the Glen for free at Paisley Museum until March 11.

The painting was bought for the nation for £4million from drinks giant Diageo last year, after a four-month fundraising campaign supported by the National Lottery, Art Fund, the Scottish Government, private trusts and public donations.

Diageo had agreed to sell the painting for half its market value.

The image of a majestic red deer stag on a mist-covered Highland hilltop was painted in 1851 and has been used in modern times as an advertising tool on everything from biscuit tins to bottles of whisky.

Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chairperson of Renfrewshire Leisure, which operates Paisley Museum, said: “Having this painting on view is a huge coup for Renfrewshire and shows we are at the cultural centre of Scotland. I would encourage people to come along to see it. of The Monarch of the Glen and it certainly is, as the pupils have been telling me – stag-nificent!”

Our photo shows nine-year-old Karhys Chalmers, of Arkleston Primary, with Monarch of the Glen tour manager Zoe Gamble (left) and Councillor Hughes.