Gallery collection in the frame as the toast of the Capital

Marcus Macleod with one of Scott McGregor's paintings in its whisky-scented frame

The frames have been specially created from old whisky barrels, and are being used in what is thought to be the Capital's first ever "multi-sensory" exhibition.

New Town-based Braewell Galleries used whisky barrels from the former Caledonian Distillery site at Haymarket to make frames for a new collection of pub paintings by Scottish artist Scott McGregor.

They are thought to be the first ever Scottish paintings that provide a sense of smell that matches the theme of the painting.

Slight incisions have been made into the wood of the former barrels in order to release more of the smell.

And those who want to get a stronger smell can rub a small amount of water onto the barrel frame in order to release more of the scent.

In one image, featuring two men drinking together while their dogs salivate over their pints of beer, Mr McGregor, from Fife, captures a memory of visiting pubs in the Grassmarket during trips to Edinburgh.

Marcus Macleod, director of the Dundas Street gallery, acquired the whisky barrels from a friend who uses them for his sustainable wood company. He said: "With these pub paintings, we thought it would be great because you will be able to go up and actually smell the pub as well as see it.

"It is the first time that I have ever come across that third dimension on a painting."

The frames also contain the "Edinburgh Distillers" branding used at the former Caledonian Distillery site, giving a historic link to the city's distilling and brewing heritage. The distillery closed in 1988 and is now a development of flats and shops.

Mr McGregor's artwork has already been snapped up quickly at Braewell's Glasgow gallery when put on sale in the past, and the addition of the frames made of former barrels is expected to mean the paintings go for around 2000 each when they are released for sale tomorrow. Mr Macleod said: "Since the paintings are about 2000 each I don't know if they would be put up in a pub but we expect interest from a pub or distillery owner, or someone attached to the pub or whisky industry.

"We imagine there will be a lot of interest from people in Edinburgh, especially with the old Edinburgh Distillers branding, logo and stamp."

Braewell Galleries opened in the Capital earlier this month and has been working with the city council to fill empty shops in the west end and Leith Walk with massive vinyl prints.

Councillor Deidre Brock, the city's culture leader, said: "It's perhaps unsurprising this novel concept is being trialled here in Edinburgh, given the city's long history of association with the distilling and brewing industries."

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