Scottish independence: Female politicians captured on canvas

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Portraits of some of Scotland's leading female politicians have been captured on canvas.

Ahead of the 18 September Scottish independence referendum, Glasgow-based artist ID Campbell persuaded Scotland's deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon, as well as Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont and Ruth Davidson, who leads the Scottish Conservatives, to pose for hundreds of photos so he could capture their images in paint.

Mr Campbell, said: "We are living in an exciting period in Scottish politics and, unusually, at the heart of the debate are three powerful women.

"Nicola Sturgeon, Ruth Davidson and Johann Lamont may have different political outlooks, but they are all role models for anyone who wants to see politicians becoming more representative of the people they serve."

The portraits are being shown at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, in Edinburgh, between 5 September and 4 October.

Nicola Sturgeon spoke to the BBC News Website as part of a series on high-profile women in the independence debate, saying: "I think women are naturally more sceptical. I wouldn't use the term 'risk averse' but 'risk aware', perhaps,"

On the subject of women voters, Johann Lamont told the BBC: "I'm resistant to the idea that women are less bold, or on the 'No' side, that they are only concerned about their children - that panders to another stereotype."

Ruth Davidson said of female voters in the referendum: "I think women, particularly - and the research backs this up - are very aware of what matters to them and their family and that they want assurances."