Bryan captures County spirit in photographs
A Stirling-based rugby photographer has seen his work go on display as the National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) put on a specific exhibition in the National Portrait Gallery from submissions from the people that work there.
There are 121 works of art displayed, testament to the amazing creativity of so many of the colleagues that look after the National Collection on behalf of the nation.
Stirling County’s club photographer, Bryan Robertson, who works as a chief operating officer at NGS displayed seven of his photos of Stirling County, captured over his last 17 years of taking photos at the Bridgehaugh club.
Bryan, a well-known figure around the club, said:“capturing the spirit of sport in seven photos – that is the challenge I set myself at every game and indeed in any sport I am taking photos of. For the exhibition at the gallery, I have chosen seven photographs, from 17 years of taking sports photographs, that I think capture the spirit of rugby and the spirit of Stirling County.
“From the central photo of a defining moment – the celebration of scoring a try, to celebrating the encouragement Stirling County and rugby has given to help with the growth of girls and women’s rugby. From young Grace leading the shaking of hands at the end of a junior game, to Rachel leading the way in typical determined fashion in a women’s game, to the under-18s celebration their successful victory at Murrayfield.
“All the way through to the late great Easton Roy celebrating his 95th birthday with a game of rugby, scoring a try and a taking a well earned drink from bottle of port as he marched off the pitch.
“But none of these events happen, without the support of all the friends, families and amazing volunteers that give up their time to help the players realise their potential, start great friendships on the pitch and on the touchline and most of all have fun and create amazing memories. That is the photo in the top left – the supporters.
“Being there to capture these moments for the rugby community, is something I really enjoy and feel lucky to be able to do so.”
The exhibition has been running since October last year and closed at the weekend.