A PHOTOGRAPHER has become the first recipient of a new award presented to recognise outstanding artwork.

Stuart Kerr’s photograph, Loch Ard Forest II, was the winner of the Provost’s Prize at the Clydeside Open Art Show at Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery.

The prize, which is to be awarded annually by West Dunbartonshire Provost Douglas McAllister, is presented to the artist selected by the panel of judges as the most outstanding from all accepted submissions received for the annual show.

The panel was chaired by Provost Douglas McAllister, and included celebrated Scottish artist Mary Batchelor and Gill Graham, manager of libraries and cultural services.

The art show, which opened on Thursday, November 5, features a stunning collection of paintings and photographs by some of Scotland’s most inspiring artists.

Mr Kerr’s winning photograph will be on display, alongside over 110 other art works for sale by over 70 participating artists, until January 16.

Provost Douglas McAllister said: “There was a wide variety of work submitted by both professional and amateur artists for this year’s show and it was extremely difficult for the judging panel to select a winner as the standard was so high.

“We were all drawn to Stuart’s striking landscape image and felt it really captured the beauty which surrounds us.” This year’s exhibition showcases several artists new to the Clydeside Open Art Show, alongside artists who have supported the show for a number of years.

The breadth of artists participating is reflected in the variety of work being exhibited.

The exhibition includes photography, mixed media work, still life and landscapes of the Scottish countryside,