Monarchs from George III onward have collected works by Scottish artists - paintings and drawings that now form a distinct group within the Royal Collection, and provide a fascinating way to explore developments in both British artistic styles and royal patronage. The works in this book provide evidence of what, in 1843, the painter Sir David Wilkie called 'The taste for art' in Scottish culture. They highlight the influence and importance, both at home and abroad, of artists such as Allan Ramsay, who was born and trained in Edinburgh and became painter to the King, and later figures such as David Roberts, John Phillip, Alexander Nasmyth, Kenneth Macleay and James Giles. Deborah Clarke is Senior Curator, Palace of Holyroodhouse, and has written widely on the history of the Palace. Vanessa Remington is Curator of Paintings, Royal Collection Trust.