Gerard Murphy Photography

Gerard Murphy's photography gallery sits quietly in Strathdon, a small corner of Aberdeenshire that doesn't announce itself loudly to passing tourists. Inside, you'll find a focused collection of work that captures the Scottish Highlands on film - the kind of images that make you understand why people move here and never leave.

Murphy's work ranges across landscape and wildlife photography, with a particular eye for light and season. It's not a massive operation, more a working artist's space than a grand gallery, which means you get something genuine rather than polished tourist fare. Expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour here, longer if you're the type who reads captions and actually thinks about composition.

This works best for serious photography enthusiasts or anyone wanting to see the landscape through a proper eye rather than their phone screen. Casual visitors might find it a bit niche - it's not a day-long activity, more of a considered stop. Kids would likely get bored quickly unless they're genuinely interested in how professional photographers see the world.

Combine it with the excellent nearby camping options - Cairngorms Glamping sits just 4.7 miles away with top reviews, or Howe of Torbeg at 5.8 miles if you want something more traditional. Either makes a good base for exploring this part of Aberdeenshire. The gallery itself sits in proper Highland country, surrounded by the kind of scenery Murphy documents, so you're literally walking into the photographs before you step inside.