Otterly fabulous: The artist who has been painting his furry friends for 20 years



He's studiously observed otters for 20 years carefully sketching and painting their every detail.

So when it came to his book launch, well it was natural they had to be there.

Derek Robertson, one of Scotland's leading wildlife artists, today held a book signing accompanied by some of his subjects.

I'm not really sure you've captured my likeness there, you know: Tay the otter takes a moment to look at the work of wildlife artist Derek Robertson

One otter named Tay even dabbed its paws in ink and wandered over copies of the book to leave its own signature of approval.



At the otter enclosure at Camperdown Wildlife Centre in Dundee Mr Robertson spoke of his time as a wildlife artist.



'The book took a year to complete and brings together a collection of sketches, paintings, and essays on otters, and looks back on 20 years observing them all over Scotland,' he said.



'They are amazing creatures and I never tire of observing them.

'I'm really happy with how the book has turned out, and I hope that people enjoy it as much as I have in putting it together.'

The semi-aquatic fish-eating mammals are related to the weasal family and are found along the coast of Scotland and the Shetlands. Although they are found here in salt water they need access to freshwater pools to clean their insulating fur.

It wouldn't be complete without his signature. Tay wanders over blank canvas

Derek Robertson has observed otters for 20 years. Here is one of the sketches in his new book







