Wall Projects 2

Wall Projects 2 sits just outside Montrose, a working gallery space where contemporary art isn't cordoned off behind velvet ropes. The whole thing operates on a refreshingly informal basis - you wander in, look at whatever's currently on the walls, and that's it. No gift shop nonsense, no overwrought interpretation panels. Just art and the space it occupies.

What you'll find changes regularly, but the focus is on emerging and established artists working across painting, sculpture, and installation. The venue itself has character - it feels like you've stumbled into someone's serious creative project rather than a polished institution, which is precisely the appeal. Half the interest lies in discovering what's showing when you visit.

This works brilliantly if you're the sort who actually enjoys galleries without feeling obligated to. History buffs and families with young kids might find it a bit thin for an afternoon - there's no café, no activities, nothing to anchor a longer visit. But serious art types, photographers, and anyone interested in what's happening in Scottish contemporary practice will find it worthwhile.

Pair it with St Cyrus Holiday Park, just five miles away, and you've got a proper creative break built in. Montrose itself offers enough - a decent high street, decent fish and chips - to round out a day. Go without expectations and you'll likely leave pleasantly surprised.