LOCAL artist Rob Black is donating his own private collection of paintings to raise funds for Gala Rugby Club.

The 85-year-old former painter and decorator, sign-writer and artist's entire collection, painted over 50 years, will be exhibited at the Maroon’d Festival at Netherdale on August 18 and 19.

His paintings include landscapes, portraits and many well-known events.

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His personal favourites include pets of many friends and his particular fondness is for Findhorn Bay at sunset.

And now he wants to see them passed on to locals to enjoy.

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In his youth, Rob started off as a forward before moving to the wing for Gala Wanderers and he wants all the money raised to go Gala Rugby Club.

Rob said: “I thought I had around 40 paintings in my attic but when I checked I discovered that I actually had 90.

“One in particular is of Old Yair Road which I’ve painted many times, and I just change the position of the pheasant in each one and the BGH [Borders General Hospital] has one on the second floor.

“The painting won the public vote at the East Linton Show twice, 50 years apart.”