Wigtownshire art collection's future debated

Public views are being sought on the future use of an art collection in south west Scotland.

Works by contemporary Scottish artists were purchased by the Wigtownshire Educational Trust during the 1970s and 1980s and loaned to local schools.

However, many schools no longer have the space or facilities to display the paintings.

The collection will go on show at Stranraer library from 19 June.

It includes work by leading artists such as Archie Sutter Watt, William Birnie, Sheena Begg and Claire Harrigan.

Over the years, the paintings have been loaned to local schools so that pupils had the opportunity to appreciate original works of art.

It has now been recognised the scheme is not operating as effectively as first intended.

The trust has come up with four future options - loan the collection to Stranraer museum, consider its purchase by Wigtownshire's Common Good fund, sell the paintings on the open market or carry on with the service unchanged.