Iona Leishman (48) is the Perth-born artist whose residency at Stirling Castle has been hailed such an outstanding success that her stay has been extended until the end of March next year.

Thousands of visitors, including community and school groups, have enjoyed her work since she took up the post in July.

Iona has been painting professionally for the past nine years, following a career in public relations. Her work encompasses a varied palette incorporating real and imagined material, from lush naturalistic compositions to dreamy washes of colour haunted by ethereal figures.

The colourful mix of real and imagined subject created during her residency stretches to around 80 canvases, many inspired by the dramatic physical outlines and sheer power of the castle’s crag-top location.

Her portfolio also conjures historical moments inspired by the Royal court at Stirling, where kings and queens ultimately forged the political legacy of modern Scotland.

Before taking up her residency, Iona exhibited widely in Britain, including the Laurel Gallery in Edinburgh, The Red Rag Gallery, Cotswolds, and at Thompsons Gallery in London. Her work features in many collections, such as The John Muir Trust and The National Trust for Scotland.

When her residency at Stirling Castle is finished, Iona plans to travel to France and create a body of work celebrating the Auld Alliance.

The artist in residence project at Stirling Castle has garnered so much acclaim that Historic Scotland is extending the programme to Huntingtower Castle near Perth, and Jedburgh Abbey in the Scottish Borders.