SCOTLAND FOR
ART LOVERS
Scotland’s art galleries span an almost unimagineable breadth of time. Here, elaborately knotted Celtic jewellery sits alongside vivid Modernist masterpieces, while Pictish monoliths rub shoulders with ground-breaking 21st-century artists from around the globe.
t The striking interior of the V&A Dundee, designed by Kengo Kuma
Modern Marvels
Dada and Surrealism rule the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art’s permanent collection, but the gallery also hosts exhibitions by contemporary art titans from all over the world. The most recent addition to Scotland’s modern art scene is the V&A Dundee, a stunning piece of architecture which opened on Dundee’s waterfront in 2018.
Off the Beaten Track
In Glasgow, you don’t have to go to a gallery to see great art, as gable ends and derelict walls become canvases for eye-catching works on Glasgow’s Mural Trail (www.citycentremuraltrail.co.uk). In Ullapool, An Talla Solais offers visitors the chance to get creative through a variety of hands-on art classes.
Scottish Masterpieces
The Scottish National Gallery houses a world-class collection of Scottish and international art. Meanwhile, the stars of the Glasgow Style and Scottish Colourist movements share space with Dalí, Rembrandt and Monet in the halls of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
Ancient Treasures
Silver torcs, bejewelled gold arm-rings and an intricately carved ivory chess set on display at the Museum of Scotland are evidence of the artistic brilliance of ancient Celtic and Norse cultures. Older still are the enigmatic pinnacles that form the mysterious stone circle at Callanish on the Isle of Lewis. Stop by the visitor centre to uncover the fascinating story of these ancient stones.
Arts, Crafts and Textiles
Scotland’s local makers create all manner of authentic products, including textiles, pottery, jewellery and glass. In Shetland to Stranraer, you’ll discover a dizzying diversity of local artisans on one of Scotland’s many art trails, where studios and workshops welcome visitors with open arms.
DISCOVER Scotland Your Way
Scottish Artists
Henry Raeburn (1756–1823)
Royal portraitist knighted by George IV.
Samuel Peploe (1871–1935)
A leading light of the post-Impressionist “Scottish Colourists”.
Anne Redpath (1895–1965)
Star of the “Edinburgh School” known for her vivid use of colour.
Eduardo Paolozzi (1924–2005 )
Pop art pioneer and creator of massive bronze sculptures.