PERSONAL archives from famous author Iain Banks, never seen before by the public, will form part of an exhibition at the nearby University of Stirling.

The ever-before-seen notes show the author's writing process, personal correspondence with fans, fan art inspired by his work and a poem he wrote as a student at the university.

The exhibition, which shares the work of the university's most famous alumni, also features annotated schedules, international translations of Iain’s books, and correspondence with translators.

It was created by history and heritage students as part of their course work wit the students granted access to the collection, which was deposited with the university archives after Banks’ death in 2013.

Iain (M) Banks: Two Authors, One Man will launch at a free event in the University of Stirling library on Thursday, April 4, from 4pm to 6pm, and will run until August 30.

Born in Fife, Banks studied English literature, philosophy and psychology at Stirling and he was also a contributor to Brig, the university's student newspaper.

He graduated in in 1975 and went on to worldwide acclaim as the author of more than 20 published books, including The Wasp Factory, The Bridge and The Crow Road.

He wrote literary and science fiction, the latter under the name Iain M. Banks.

Sarah Bromage, head of University of Stirling Collections, said: “We are delighted to be sharing these never-before-seen items, which give a unique insight into Iain Banks’ writing life and the life of an acclaimed author.

“Two Authors, One Man is unmissable for anyone interested in his work and in creative writing in general.”