Doyens of the international art world have donated £50,000 to a Deeside village to support its arts venue.
Iwan and Manuela Wirth of Hauser & Wirth have galleries from New York to Hong Kong and now have their sights set firmly on Braemar.
The couple, originally from Switzerland, have already bought two hotels in the area, the Fife Arms and the Invercauld Hotel.
Now they have donated £50,000 to Braemar arts venue St Margaret’s – with the investment swiftly hailed for helping to secure its future.
Brian Wood, chairman of St Margaret’s, said: “The donation from the Wirths has made it possible for us to run a programme and gives us reassurance that there is money to cover costs.
“We hope to attract an additional type of visitor to Braemar.
“For many our the heritage, Highland Games and landscape are the attractions.
“Now, we’re hoping out high quality arts venue will appeal to a wider range of tourists.”
The money will allow a programme of concerts, talks and exhibitions to run at St Margaret’s, a Grade A listed former church built in the late 19th century to house congregations of English tourists at the height of the village’s Victorian popularity.
The Wirths, who have a home in the area, are passionate about the landscape and environment found in the Dee Valley.
Upon their move to Scotland, Mr Wirth had his own tartan designed by fashion legend Sir Paul Smith.
Their investment in local businesses has also been welcomed.
The Fife Arms Hotel – a former hunting lodge dating back to the 17th Century – has been undergoing restoration for the last two years as it is transformed into a 46-room boutique hotel.
The Invercauld Hotel, on Main Street, is currently advertising for at least ten staff to join the ranks.
Throughout the rest of Braemar the couple are supporting the community through the Wirth Family Trust project and their company, Highland Hospitality.
They also recently donated £500K to a local heritage centre,
One source said: “The Wirths are pouring money into the village. It hasn’t had this level of investment since the Victorian times. People are excited.”