PHOTOGRAPHER to the stars David Eustace has been appointed Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, the institution where he studied his art.

Eustace, a former prison officer at Barlinnie, graduated with distinction with a BA Photography, Film and Television from the university in 1991.

He went on to become one of the most respected photographers, with his subjects including Sir John Mills, Dame Judie Dench and Sophia Loren. He has work in the collections of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery in London and also directs commercials.

Eustace, who splits his time between Edinburgh and New York, will take over from current Chancellor Tim Waterstone in the autumn.

He said: "I'm incredibly humbled, honoured and excited to be part of this forward thinking university.

"Returning to education many years ago as a mature student, my life changed forever when I walked through the doors of Edinburgh Napier University.

"The inspirations, encouragement and experiences I absorbed then, and on my travels since, are what I now hope to pass on and share with others."

Eustace, who was awarded an honorary degree by Edinburgh Napier in 2013, added: "My outlook is relatively straight forward. It's never too late to learn, to enjoy and to share."

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said: "He is a worthy successor to Tim Waterstone, who has given us eight years of dedicated service as Chancellor, and I look forward to the passion and commitment that I know David will bring to the role."