BROADCASTER Sally Magnusson and artist and designer Angie Lewin are backing the launch of a £100,000 fundraising appeal for a leading Scottish arts school.

The charity-run Leith School of Art, is launching its Resilience Fund appeal, to rebuild resources after Covid, to help expand its work in the community, with schools, and to further develop its unique contribution to art education.

Founded in 1988, and based in the former Norwegian Seamen’s Church in North Junction Street, the school is well known for its foundation course that has propelled many young people into high-quality degrees and on to successful careers.

Magnusson backed the appeal saying that two of her sons had “benefitted enormously” from their time at the school.

More than 100 people registered for the online launch event, which featured a Q&A with Lewin, who is renowned for original prints and watercolours of plants in their native landscape and her St Jude’s fabrics and wallpapers.

Donations can be made to the Resilience Fund at www.donate.leithschoolofart.co.uk and details will soon be revealed of a silent auction featuring work donated by school alumni and well-wishers.