Peter Irvine’s Scotland the best
Amazing art
Scotland has no shortage of art in galleries so beautiful, they are almost works of art themselves Jupiter Artland
West of Edinburgh. A world-class open-air artland assembled by Robert and Nicky Wilson in the gardens of their home, Bonnington House. Some of the UK’S leading artists have been commissioned to produce site-specific work. This is art exposure and extraordinary patronage on a grand scale. There are temporary exhibitions in the courtyard gallery. Workshops and courses. Book online. Lovely courtyard café. jupiterartland.org
The Fergusson Gallery
In distinctive round tower (a former waterworks) in Perth. The assembled works on two floors of JD Fergusson (1874-1961) and his partner Margaret Morris. Though he spent much of his life in France (illustrated here), he had an influence on Scottish art and
was pre-eminent among The Colourists. It’s a long way from Perth to Antibes 1913 but pictures are a draught of the warm south. culturepk.org.uk
Duff House
Nice walk and easy to find in Banff. Important outstation of the National Galleries of Scotland in meticulously restored Adam house with interesting history and spacious grounds. Ramsays, Raeburns, Gainsboroughs, portraiture of mixed appeal and an El Greco. Go further up the Deveron for a pleasant stroll. Nice tearoom. historicenvironment.scot
Kirkcaldy Galleries
Near railway station. One of the best galleries in central Scotland; recently refurbished. Splendid introduction to the history of 19th-/20th Century Scottish art. Lots of Colourists/mctaggart/glasgow Boys. And Sickert to Redpath. And famously the only public collection in Scotland showing Scotland’s “best-selling artist”: one Jack Vettriano, a Fife lad. onfife.com