Today my portrait of The Laird of Balgonie and Eddegoll was unveiled at a charming event at Balgonie Castle (where the American TV series "The Outlander" was recently filmed). It was a most agreeable afternoon. The sun welcoming us with a warm embrace while 5 musicians from the Fife Strathspey and Reel Society filled the courtyard air with the most delicate tunes. The event was well attended. It was wonderful to meet many friends, the local press and some dignitaries.

Stuart Morris, The Younger of Balgonie, welcomed guests to the Lundie Hall and invited me to deliver a presentation on the making of an oil portrait in the classic style. I used some projections to illustrate some of the principles of classic oil painting and the approach that I had chosen for this project.

Afterwards, I had the honour to assist The Lord-Lieutenant of Fife, who represents HM The Queen, to unveil the portrait, and there was more to come. The Laird of Balgonie and Eddergoll then closed the ceremony with a lovely speech. His words of recognition were very touching for me and I was honoured again with an appointment to his own household as his official portrait painter.

After the ceremony everybody was ready for the delicious refreshments that were served in the Lundie Hall. We walked and talked around in the sunny gardens, while some people enjoyed the cool shade inside a marquee that was beautifully set up for the event. It was indeed a most memorable occasion.

Please see below some photographs of the portrait and the event.

**The Much Honoured Raymond Morris of Balgonie and Eddergoll**

**Mrs Margaret Dean, Lord-Lieutenant of Fife, unveils the portrait**

**The Laird addressing an attentive audience**

**Certificate of Appointment to the Laird's own Household - Portrait painter to the Laird of Balgonie**

**Balgonie and myself holding the appointment certificate**

**The Scottos under the bright afternoon sun in the Castle's courtyard**

**My son, outside Balgonie Castle, perhaps wondering why these neighbours had not been invited to the party!**