The iconic beast in the world-famous Monarch of the Glen painting is regarded globally as a symbol of the Highlands. But now it’s been claimed the animal was in fact part of a herd in Cambridgeshire where it was painted.

The artwork’s misty mountain background was then added later – like a 19th century photoshop. The revered oil canvas was the work of English artist Sir Edwin Landseer who completed it in 1851 at the stately mansion Stoke Park.

The revelation about the stag’s nationality comes after the National Galleries of Scotland forked out £4m to “save it for the nation” by ensuring it stays north of the border.

Stoke Park – now a five star hotel – states on its website: “Sir Edwin often visited Stoke Park during Lord Taunton’s (Henry Labouchere) and later Edward Coleman’s ownership and it was at this time that part of the ground floor of the house was beautifully furnished as a studio.

“Sir Edwin painted many pictures of the herd of deer in the park including the famous ‘Monarch of the Glen’ and ‘Running Deer’.”

Stoke Park Head of Communication Nick Downie said: “Our information comes from the history books.