A PHOTOGRAPHER has told of how his ‘striking’ image of Gourock Outdoor Pool has landed on the cover of the new Blur album.

Martin Parr spoke to presenters on BBC Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme today, after the cover of The Ballad of Darren – Blur’s ninth studio album - was unveiled on Thursday.

It features a photograph taken in 2004, with a stormy, grey sky contrasting with the bright blue lido as a lone swimmer, Ian Galt, makes their way past.

Mr Parr told BBC Scotland that was commissioned to take images of the A8 by Dunoon architect John McAslan.

He said: “This is one of the pictures I took.

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“It’s in the summer, but there is a grey cloud. It’s actually turned out to be one of the most popular pictures I’ve ever taken.

“I’m very grateful to have that opportunity and indeed, to Gourock lido for supplying me with this amazing picture.”

Mr Parr said he stood for almost half an hour waiting for the ‘right person’ to swim by. He has since sent Mr Galt a print of the photo.

The photographer, from Surrey, told how he met Damon Albarn in the past and took his portrait.

He added: “I don’t know how they quite found [the pool image], but I’m very happy to supply the picture.”

The new album is due to be released on July 21.