A Highland artist’s painting of a north-east landmark has been chosen as the official Christmas card sent by Alex Salmond and his wife.
Aviemore-based Ann Vastano was asked to design the memento after the former First Minister was impressed by an exhibition in the Scottish Parliament of her paintings of the Cairngorms.
The card – entitled “Yonder Harthill’s silent towers, Where at moonshine midnight hours” – shows a snowy Harthill Castle, near Oyne in Aberdeenshire, at night and draws inspiration from Robert Burns’ poem “Ca’ the Yowes”.
It has been signed by Mr Salmond and his wife Moira.
Ms Vastano follows in the footsteps artists such as Jack Vettriano and Alasdair Gray who have previously created Christmas cards for the former SNP leader.
She said: “The Salmonds were able to see my work at the parliament, though I didn’t get the chance to see them viewing it.
“It was a huge surprise when they got in touch to ask if I wanted to design the card. It was all very last minute but it was an honour to be asked.
“I basically had a week to put a few designs over and then they chose the one they liked best.”
Mr Salmond said: “I was greatly impressed when I saw Ann Vastano’s artwork at an exhibition marking the 10th anniversary of the Cairngorm National Park and so was delighted when she agreed to create an image for my 2014 Christmas card.
“Moira and I are thrilled with this festive image, inspired by Robert Burns, and depicting Harthill Castle in the shadow on Bennachie.
“As a scene from my constituency in Aberdeenshire it has particular meaning and I think is a wonderful piece of work. The original artwork and a series of limited edition prints will be auctioned to raise money for charity and I am certain this year’s image will prove a big success in raising funds.”