One of Aberdeen’s newest buildings was spectacularly bathed in colour as the city’s first Festival of Light was launched last night.
Robert Gordon University’s Riverside East Plaza was the setting for a light show which was devised by one of the institution’s academics.
Artist Jim Buckley, a sculpture tutor at RGU’s Gray’s School of Art, watched as the front of the building was lit up in the evening darkness.
His installation, called Rainbow, had been meticulously planned with the lighting system, secured on a lorry, delivering the show with split-second timing.
Spectra – Aberdeen Festival of Light will continue on a similar colourful vein tonight at various locations in the city centre.
It is the first of four nights of light works, projections, exhibitions and events, with Mr Buckley illuminating landmarks such as the Art Gallery and Citadel in the Castlegate.
Also featuring are students from Gray’s, including Eilidh McCormick, whose community-themed project, People, will be displayed on shop windows in Schoolhill.
Meanwhile, a concoction of coloured tape, light and shadow, created by fellow-student Jitka Zabkova, will go on show at the Tippling House, Belmont Street.
The first show starts tonight at 5pm when a three-hour Light Garden, comprising 2,000 shimmering flowers created by P5 and P6 pupils, will transform Union Terrace Gardens. Then, at a secret surprise location to be revealed just before it starts, a projection by Torsten Lauschmann will take place in the heart of the city.
Other highlights include Reclaim The Night, when the creative learning team from Aberdeen City Council will turn backstreets and alleyways into a blaze of colour.
Between 6pm and 10pm each night, a building at 105 George Street will present the work of accomplished light artist Adam Barker-Mill.
Aberdeen Art Gallery will open until 8pm during the festival, featuring exhibits which have been inspired by light.
Also involved is the arts centre, Seventeen, in Belmont Street, which will host an interactive display, turning sound into light.
Convener of education, culture and sport, Jenny Laing, said: “Aberdeen’s Festival of Light will offer a fabulous assortment of light installations, exhibitions and events for the citizens of the city and visitors alike to enjoy.”