IT was where she was kidnapped and died, but now stunning photographs of Afghanistan taken by aid worker Linda Norgrove will help raise money for the people of that country.
The pictures are being used in a calendar to raise funds for the foundation set up by her parents John and Lorna Norgrove, who live on the island of Lewis.
The aid worker, who grew up in the Western Isles, was working in Afghanistan for the second time in 2010. She was killed by a grenade thrown by a member of the US special forces in an attempt to rescue her from her kidnappers. She was 36.
A keen photographer, Linda had travelled extensively throughout the country.
Lorna Norgrove explained: "It is a great comfort to us to see all these wonderful photographs of the landscape and people Linda loved.
"She was a very talented photographer and took her camera everywhere with her. The photographic library we have is a lasting legacy. She had really enjoyed her travels all over Afghanistan.
"We wanted to share these images with other people, not only to raise much-needed funds, but also to let people see good things about Afghanistan and the richness of the culture of this beautiful country, one which is always portrayed in such a negative way.
"It's particularly noticeable how many of the images resemble the north of Scotland and it perhaps helps explain why she felt so at home in this country."
Images of high mountain ranges, remote valleys and unusual rock formations sit alongside pictures of children in brightly coloured costumes and fierce horsemen.
To date, the foundation has funded nearly 30 grass-roots projects, investing about £100,000 in life-changing projects in Afghanistan.
Recent grants include £2236 for a marimba – a type of xylophone – for the Afghanistan National Institute of Music that supports street children in Kabul.
It also gave £10,000 to Afghan Actions Training and Business Incubation Centre in Kabul. This centre provides vocational skills training (in carpet weaving and tailoring) education and on-site healthcare.
The calendar, on sale for £10, has been sponsored by Lewis Builders. It is available from outlets in the Western Isles and can be ordered online at www.lindanorgrovefoundation.org.
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