Ian McNab Gallery & Studio

You'll find Ian McNab's studio tucked away near Dunblane, and it's one of those places that rewards the detour if you're into contemporary art. McNab works primarily with sculpture and installation, and his space functions as both working studio and gallery - so you're not just looking at finished pieces behind glass, you're getting a sense of how the work actually gets made.

The gallery itself is intimate rather than grand. Walking through, you notice the pieces have a real physicality to them; they're not the sort of work that photographs well in a catalogue. McNab tends towards abstract forms that play with space and material, and depending on what's on, you might see anything from bronze castings to mixed media installations. It's worth allowing a good hour if you want to actually look properly rather than drift through in twenty minutes.

This works brilliantly as a stop between the caravan parks nearby - both Witches Craig and Craighead Howf are just a few miles away and excellent bases if you're exploring Perthshire. History enthusiasts and serious art collectors will get the most from a visit; it's less of a casual family drop-in and more for people who actually engage with contemporary work. The real draw is the chance to see art in a working context rather than a polished gallery setting. Before heading out, ring ahead to confirm opening hours and whether there's an admission charge - details aren't always kept up to date online for smaller independent spaces like this.