Iconic Vettriano sketch for sale

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A retrospective sketch of one of Jack Vettriano's most iconic images will be auctioned for charity.

The artist gifted The Singing Butler to the University of St Andrews after producing it while giving a one-hour masterclass to students in 2003.

It is expected to fetch up to £20,000 when it goes under the hammer at Sotheby's Scottish pictures sale at Gleneagles Hotel.

The Vettriano sketch is one of about 260 pictures being sold.

Proceeds from the sale of the picture will go to the St Andrews Students Charities Campaign, which supports local, national and international charitable causes.

The original painting itself sold for a record £744,800 in 2004.

Andre Zlattinger, senior director and head of Scottish art at Sotheby's, said: "We're very excited to be handling the sale of this retrospective sketch of Jack Vettriano's The Singing Butler on behalf of the University of St Andrews.

"The sketch captures one of Jack's most iconic images and will, I'm sure, have huge appeal to collectors around the world."

Lock of hair

Jenny Mackay, the university students association's director of development and activities, said they were "elated" that the painting had been given to them for their fundraising.

Other pieces on sale include works by William McTaggart, Joan Eardley, Sir John Lavery and Peter Howson.

A lock of hair belonging to Mary Queen of Scots is also being auctioned at a separate sale in Edinburgh on Tuesday.

Jack Vettriano gifted The Singing Butler to the University of St Andrews

It was found in a secret drawer in an old bureau in Holyrood Palace by the 8th Lord Belhaven, who was Lord High Commissioner in the late 1800s.

He had private apartments in the palace, which were acknowledged to have been used by Mary Queen of Scots.

The envelope had a hand written note which said "a lock of my own hair" and was signed "Mary R".

The signature was later authenticated as that of Queen Mary Stuart.

When its importance was realised the lock was split in two. Lord Belhaven kept one half and the other was given to Queen Victoria.

It is mounted on top of a jewellery box and is valued at £3,000.

The lock, which is being sold by Lord Belhaven's descendants, will go under the hammer at Lyon & Turnbull.