A SCALE model of the Battle of Borodino made of more than 17,000 tiny soldiers has gone on display at the Scotland-Russia Institute in Edinburgh.

The incredibly detailed diorama is the handiwork of battle enthusiast Gerry West, above, who has spent more than 30 years painstakingly crafting the landscape and researching details – even down to the correct soldiers' water bottles.

The Battle of Borodino was fought between Napoleon's troops and the Russians in 1812, and saw the greatest loss of life in a military action until the First World War. The diorama, finished this year to mark the 200th anniversary of the battle, has also been exhibited at the Russian Embassy in London.

The Scotland-Russia Institute is a voluntary organisation which works to increase understanding between the two countries.

Picture: Steve Cox