 Portraits of George Reid and Lord Steel will cost �8,000 |
Plans to spend more than �8,000 of public money on photographing two of Scotland's senior politicians have been defended by Holyrood officials. Glasgow-born Harry Benson, based in New York, has been commissioned to take portraits of Presiding Officer George Reid and his predecessor Lord Steel.
The photographs will form part of Holyrood's art collection and "showcase Scottish artistic talent".
Solidarity MSP Tommy Sheridan described the cost as excessive.
Holyrood officials are to pay Mr Benson a fee of �4,000 per portrait and travel costs for flights from the US, with two nights' stay in Edinburgh.
'Unique spirit'
Glasgow MSP Mr Sheridan said: "Although he is world-renowned, I am sure we could find a very capable Scot who could take the pictures at a fraction of the cost."
Mr Benson is one of the world's top photographers and has worked with 10 US presidents and The Beatles.
A Holyrood spokeswoman said: "The parliament is proud to be involved in showcasing Scottish artistic talent.
"Whilst the portraits have not yet been taken, they will form an important part of the art at Holyrood, which aims to showcase the unique spirit and character of the Scottish nation and its people."
She added: "The artist is as much part of the collection as the portraits themselves."
The spokeswoman said the project had been agreed by Holyrood's arts advisory group, which comprises MSPs and arts representatives.
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