A Musselburgh artist is set to dazzle this festive season with a new installation at Christmas at the Botanics.

Visitors to the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh can look forward to a host of “spectacular” botanical-themed installations in an “awe-inspiring after-dark experience”.

Running from November 16 to December 30, Christmas at the Botanics will transform the garden with a trail of installations created by artists both local to Edinburgh and from around the world.

Six dragonflies measuring almost two metres in length have been created by Martha Ellis, 39, who is originally from Yorkshire but made Musselburgh her home three years ago.

The dragonflies will appear to defy gravity as they are suspended over the serene pond.

Martha’s work takes inspiration from pop artist Roy Lichtenstein and contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.

She said: “I am super excited to have my work displayed in Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

“My last set of dragonflies, which I made with my friend Luke Oldale, have been displayed down in England and I haven’t got to see them yet.

“It will be lovely to be able to see them in the beautiful grounds of the Botanics and share it with friends and family.

She added: “I have two parallel creative ways of working which don’t often overlap.

“My ‘everyday’ art practice involves using laser technology and traditional methods to create distinctive and bold ‘cut-out’ drawings, which are either wall mounted or freestanding sculptures.

“My other talent is making willow light sculptures. Working with willow feels more like my family trade as all my family have grown up making willow lanterns and my mum was a basket weaver.

“I worked as a junior artist making light sculpture for the Manchester Commonwealth Games closing ceremony and have worked in theatres making willow and bamboo puppets and light sculptures.”

She said: “The dragonflies bring together both my creative styles as the delicate wings of the dragonfly are made from laser-cut acrylic sheet and the body of the dragonfly has a willow armature.”

Simon Milne, the Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden, said: “This year’s transformed Christmas at the Botanics trail promises our visitors a new and impressive nocturnal garden exploration, and will be a fabulous festive outing for friends and families.

“I am very proud of our team’s artistic and fun creations that bring together Christmas, plants, light and creativity.

“The introduction of off-peak tickets will enable more people to join us this year, and it is important to note that all profits from Christmas at the Botanics will help advance our national and international plant research, conservation, and education programmes.”

For further ticket information, pricing and timings, visit www.rbge.org.uk/christmas