AN IMAGE of fishing boats returning to a harbour was unveiled yesterday as First Minister Alex Salmond’s 2008 Christmas card.
Scots artist John Bellany donated a canvas of Macduff harbour which has been reproduced as the official card.
At the launch at Banff’s Duff House art gallery, Mr Salmond said the painting will be auctioned with the proceeds going to four major charities.
He said the painting was appropriate to herald the 2009 Year of Homecoming to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.
He said: “I cannot think of a better image for the job than John Bellany’s spectacular canvas of Macduff harbour.”
Mr Bellany, who was unable to be at the card launch but was represented by his son Paul, is one of Scotland’s foremost living artists whose work is in constant demand.
His painting will be on show at Duff House and Edinburgh’s Dean Gallery and will be auctioned next year to raise money for charity.
The four to benefit are Aberdeen Cyrenians, Islamic Relief, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund and the RNLI.
The artist said: “I am delighted that the first minister has chosen this image for the Christmas card and I hope it gives as much pleasure as it gave me to paint.”
Representatives of the four charities were present and Aberdeen Cyrenians chief executive Paul Hanna said: “We are delighted the painting will help the Cyrenians provide much-needed support for homeless people.”
Islamic Relief spokesman Tahira Sabri said: “Christmas is a time when we unite with our Christian brothers.”
RNLI fundraising manager Isla Dewar said: “The theme is very apt for us as there is no better sight than the safe homecoming of a lifeboat.”
Guests at the launch included north-east born singer Sandi Thom, who performed the Year of Homecoming anthem Caledonia, which she is to record. Mr Salmond revealed that he had agreed to perform a duet with the singer next February at Banff as part of a Homecoming tour.
Pupils from Macduff Primary entertained the guests with seasonal songs.