Scotland’s iconic deer in Sir Edwin Landseer’s Monarch of the Glen painting is actually ENGLISH according to sensational claims

SCOTLAND’S most iconic stag is ENGLISH, it has been sensationally claimed.

The iconic beast in the world-famous Monarch of the Glen painting is regarded globally as a symbol of the Highlands.

But now it’s been claimed the animal was in fact part of a herd in Cambridgeshire where it was painted.

The artwork’s misty mountain background was then added later - like a 19th century photoshop.

The revered oil canvas was the work of English artist Sir Edwin Landseer who completed it in 1851 at the stately mansion Stoke Park.

The revelation about the stag’s nationality comes after the National Galleries of Scotland forked out £4m to “save it for the nation” by ensuring it stays north of the border.

Stoke Park - now a five star hotel - states on its website: “Sir Edwin often visited Stoke Park during Lord Taunton’s (Henry Labouchere) and later Edward Coleman’s ownership and it was at this time that part of the ground floor of the house was beautifully furnished as a studio.

“Sir Edwin painted many pictures of the herd of deer in the park including the famous 'Monarch of the Glen' and 'Running Deer'."

Stoke Park Head of Communication Nick Downie said: “Our information comes from the history books.

“The background could well be from Balmoral where Sir Edwin visited and Scotland has every right to adopt The Monarch of the Glen as its own.”

The name of the painting is also misleading as the stag isn’t a Monarch but a Royal which has 12 pointed antlers rather than 16.

The image is recognised worldwide and was used as a trademark for Dewars and then Glenfiddich whiskies.

Owners Diageo put it up for sale for £4m last year and it was “bought for the nation” by the National Galleries of Scotland.

The National Galleries of Scotland admits the animal might not be Scottish.

A spokesperson said: “Landseer was born in London and from the 1820s made many visits to Scotland, where he studied, drew and painted the magnificent wildlife and landscapes of the Highlands.

“His most famous painting, The Monarch of the Glen, is an image which for many people around the world encapsulates the grandeur and majesty of Scotland’s highlands and wildlife.

“It has in the popular imagination become a romantic emblem of Scotland and the natural wonders the country encapsulates.

“The precise landscape depicted and the location where the stag was studied has not been definitively identified and is the subject of much debate.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund pledged £2.65m, followed by £634,00 from private trusts and foundations, £350,000 from the Art Fund and £100,000 provided by the Scottish government from the NGS acquisition fund.

A public campaign, with donations from around the world raised £266,000.

Earlier this month it was announced the painting will go on tour of Scotland with spells on display in Inverness, Perth, Paisley and Kirkcudbright.