SEX workers have been given the chance to tell their own stories in a new art exhibition.

Inside Outside shines a light into the world of sex work in Scotland with photography, video and audio installations by women taking to art for the first time.

It has been produced by women currently or previously involved in sex work and offers a "privileged glimpse" into their lives.

The project was co-ordinated by Linda Thompson from the Women’s Support Project on behalf of the Encompass Network. 

Linda said: "The sex industry is something that everyone has an opinion on but it is impossible to have an informed opinion unless you know the stories of all the women.

"And we don't tend to hear that. We hear the stories of women who are media savvy and who have blog sites.

"These women are not used to having that voice and some were even surprised that we would want to hear their stories.

"Sex work can be a dark, scary, lonely, isolated place to be and this is a privileged glimpse into that world."

The exhibition was initially shown to MSPs at Holyrood and Linda said it brought several of the politicians who visited it to tears.

Linda added: "The quality of the women's work is absolutely incredible.

"We just scratched the surface and all this incredible talent came forth." 

The women involved have worked in street prostitution, escorting, brothels and saunas.

Katie, one of the Inside Outside participants, said: “I have learnt quite a lot about myself throughout the course of this project so far, which I didn't expect to. 

“I actually like taking pictures and editing.

"I have found that I'm arty, that I'm stronger than I thought I was. After going over my story I realise how much I have dealt with and overcome and the fact I'm still here, I'm still standing, still doing something positive.

“I think the idea of getting women to tell their stories in such an individual way and using our minds to create something so beautiful that is going to reach so many people is amazing and shows why we shouldn't be ashamed of our stories - they’re our stories. 

"They have made us who we are."

Inside Outside runs at the Collins Gallery at Strathclyde University today and Friday and there is a website: insideoutsidescotland.wordpress.com.

Photographer Kathryn Rattray supported the women to take their own which chronicled their background, life in sex work and how they went about leaving it behind.

Encompass, a network of Scottish agencies that works directly with those involved in the sex industry, initiated the exhibition in partnership with the university and the Equally Safe in Higher Education project.

Anni Donaldson, Equally Safe in Higher Education project lead, said: “Equally Safe in Higher Education at the University of Strathclyde is delighted to be co-hosting Inside Outside. 

"The debates about prostitution are often polarised and we think it is vital that all voices are heard. 

“The women who have created this powerful exhibition have some very important things to say. 

"They have found artistic and creative ways to share with us the lived reality and personal consequences of being involved in prostitution.”