The Scottish National Portrait Gallery

The Scottish National Portrait Gallery is one of Edinburgh’s most remarkable buildings – a great red sandstone neo-gothic palace which sits proudly on the city’s skyline. Following a dramatic three-year refurbishment, completed in December 2011, the Gallery now offers 17 new displays. Each of these explores different aspects of the story of Scotland and her people, told through a wealth of imagery. These stories, naturally, include portraits of pioneers in sport.

Featuring portraits of everyday sporting events such as Reverend Robert Walker (1755 – 1808) skating on Duddingston Loch, through to modern day luminaries such as golfer Colin Montgomerie, the collection is extensive and showcases Scotland’s sports and leisure pursuits. Moreover, 87 of the portraits are available to view online.