To fly with the angels

The small gallery at Guise of Tough is an unexpected find in rural Aberdeenshire - a converted space devoted entirely to religious and spiritual art that catches most visitors off guard. Walking in, you're confronted with work exploring angels, faith, and the divine through painting, sculpture, and mixed media. It's genuinely thought-provoking rather than saccharine, and the scale of it means you won't feel rushed.

This isn't somewhere to drag reluctant teenagers, but if you're travelling with older kids or adults who appreciate contemporary visual art with serious subject matter, it rewards a visit. Walkers exploring the Highlands will find it a worthwhile hour-long detour from the main routes - somewhere quiet to sit and think rather than another gift shop experience.

The location itself is peaceful, which suits the work on display. You're in proper hill country here, far enough from Aberdeen to feel remote but accessible enough if you're basing yourselves at Haughton Holiday Park just down the road. That park's four-star rating suggests decent facilities, making it a sensible hub for exploring what this corner of Aberdeenshire actually offers beyond the obvious tourist circuits.

Bring a notebook if you're the type. The pieces provoke questions rather than providing answers, which is exactly what art in a gallery should do. Check ahead for opening hours before making the journey - it's worth confirming they're open, as smaller rural galleries can be unpredictable.