Future in Hand

Future in Hand sits in Argyll, a short drive from Alexandria, and it's a contemporary gallery focused on craft and design work - the sort of place that rewards a proper look around if you're into that sort of thing. You'll find pieces that lean towards sculptural and functional art, with a real emphasis on what makers can do with their hands. It's not a vast space, so you won't need hours here, but it's the kind of gallery where you might spot something that makes you stop and think.

This works best for adults with an eye for craftsmanship - potter types, design students, anyone who gets excited about process and technique. Kids under ten will probably lose interest quickly unless they're already gallery-trained. The real strength is that it's genuine and small-scale, not trying to be all things to all people.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Loch Lomond Retreat has decent reviews and sits about six miles away - you could easily tack this onto a day that includes a walk around the loch itself. The Lomond Woods parks are equally close. It's the sort of stop that slots in nicely alongside outdoor time, a break from fresh air and hills rather than a destination in itself.

Worth checking opening times before you head over, as smaller galleries can be variable. Entry details aren't readily available online, so a quick phone call first makes sense. Give yourself an hour if you're genuinely interested in the work on show.