Inchgowan Fine Art

A small art gallery tucked away near Gairloch in the Highlands, Inchgowan Fine Art is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. The focus is on contemporary and traditional Scottish art, with a rotating collection that actually changes, so you won't see the same work twice if you're visiting the area regularly.

It's worth an hour of your time if you're passing through Gairloch heading toward the coast. The gallery isn't massive - you'll move through the rooms fairly quickly - but that's rather the point. There's genuine quality here, and the staff know their stuff without being precious about it. Good for anyone who actually enjoys looking at art rather than ticking boxes.

The nearest parking is straightforward, and there's no charge to get in, which is proper. If you're staying at Sands Caravan & Camping just down the road, it makes a fine half-hour detour on a rainy afternoon when the beach is looking grim.

Truth is, this works best if you care about art. Bring the kids expecting entertainment and they'll be bored within fifteen minutes. But if you're genuinely interested in what Scottish artists are doing right now, or you just want a bit of culture between walks, it's absolutely worth the stop. The Gairloch area itself has plenty to keep you occupied, so don't make the gallery your only reason to visit - think of it as a bonus.