ARTISTS from all over the Borders are set to participate in a special Local Heroes exhibition as part of next month's Borders Art Fair.

Award-wining painter and President of Visual Arts Scotland, Andrew Mackenzie from Stow, will be joined by and Selkirk-based artist, Anna King, to feature in the Local Heroes exhibition.

The Borders Art Fair, features over 70 exhibiting artists and galleries.

The exhibition will highlight some of the region’s top names in the world of contemporary art, all of whom have donated the commission from work sold at the Fair to a special bursary fund to assist artists exhibiting in the future.

Other leading names exhibiting as part of the Local Heroes exhibition include Susan Ryder RP NEAC, a Coldstream-based painter known for her Prince Charles-commissioned portrait of Princess Diana in her wedding dress, a commission of Her Majesty the Queen, and for her exquisite interior scenes.

Innerleithen-based sculptor Angela Hunter, whose commissions include the Turnbull Monument in Hawick, will also be taking part, as will self-taught artist, Helen Tabor from Midlem and portrait artist and tutor, Aine Divine RSW from Midlothian.

Multi-award winning painter, Frances Bell from North Northumberland will also exhibit.

Frances Fergusson, Borders Art Fair director, told us: “The Scottish Borders is awash with creative talent, including some of the finest contemporary artists in the land.

"The Borders Art Fair aims to celebrate that and to enthuse and encourage the next generation of artists in the region.

"As well as providing practical assistance for emerging artists through this new bursary fund, we hope that our Local Heroes exhibition will provide some unique inspiration for everyone who visits the event.

"We would like to thank all of this year’s artists for participating.”

In addition to the Local Heroes exhibition, the Borders Art Fair will feature dozens of exhibiting artist and gallery stands, as well as live art demonstrations, creative talks and artist-led workshops.

Admission is free and visitors will also be able to hear about the processes involved in creating some of the artists’ work, ask questions and have a go at creating their own masterpiece.

They will also have the opportunity to purchase pieces of work created by the region’s artists.

Other leading names from the region who will exhibit at the Borders Art Fair include St Boswells wildlife artist, Chris Rose, painters Rob and Alex Hain from WASPS studio in Selkirk, Galashiels-based artist, Janet Cleghorn and Peebles textile artist, Moy Mackay.

Several galleries will also attend including The Scottish Gallery, who will show work by Earl Haig and Sir William Gillies.

By special arrangement, exclusive private tours of the outstanding works of art in Floors Castle will also be available to enjoy when the home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe is opened, out of season, as part of the Fair.

The Borders Art Fair is part funded by the Scottish Government and the European Scottish Borders LAG LEADER 2014-2020 programme, and also by the Fallago Environment Fund.

Event sponsors include Marchmont Farms, Bruce Stevenson Insurance, Vivid Design Consultancy, Steven Rae Accountancy, Born in the Borders and Airhouses Self Catering.

The Borders Art Fair takes place at Springwood Park in Kelso during the weekend of March 16 to 18.