Murray signs up trio of young artists

THREE up-and-coming Scottish artists are being given a helping hand, thanks to the property investment and development arm of Sir David Murray's business empire.

Edinburgh-based PPG is assisting with the cost of professional studio accommodation for a year, in an agreement with Wasps Artists' Studios.

Wasps, which has just celebrated its 30th anniversary, provides affordable studio space to more than 750 artists each year at 16 locations across Scotland.

The three young artists – Fraser Gray, Joanne Sykes and Jack Wrigley – were chosen following visits to the degree shows at the Glasgow and Edinburgh schools of art and the Duncan of Jordanstone school of art in Dundee.

An exuberant Sykes tells us: "One Wasps studio, a lot of red pencils, a very gnarly girl, some ideas … imagine the chaos!"

A rather more reserved Lynne Higgins, director of PPG, adds: "PPG are delighted to be able to assist in making the studio space available to Fraser, Joanne and Jack. This is our first involvement with Wasps and we're looking forward to developing our relationship further."