The free exhibition, which last year attracted nearly 30,000 visitors, showcases the best press photography from across the globe.

The exhibition, which will be displayed in the main hall of the Scottish Parliament, will run from 3 – 26 August and will feature 178 images drawn from news coverage of world events in 2006. Among those images on display will be photographs of the aftermath of a petrol pipeline explosion in Nigeria, Darfur refugees on the Sudan-Chad border awaiting food distribution and bombed buildings in Lebanon during the Israeli Hezbollah conflict.

Welcoming the exhibition Fergusson said: "This world-class photojournalism exhibition proved a huge draw for visitors last year, attracting thousands into our building to see the thought-provoking images which lined the public foyer.

"I'm delighted that the World Press Photo exhibition is returning to Holyrood as part of this year's Festival of Politics.”

Fergusson went on to say that photography will feature prominently in this year’s Festival of Politics, which also includes a discussion session with internationally acclaimed photographer Harry Benson and former World Press Photo winner Kieran Dodds on 25 August.

The Festival of Politics will run from 24 – 26 August. For more information visit the Festival’s website. www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk