Landscape focus for Glencoe exhibition

Over 50 print works, silk art and cards depicting the landscapes and seascapes of western Scotland, from Arran to Ullapool, are included in the exhibition, which runs daily until Saturday 28 September, 10am–5pm.

Hamish MacDonald (1935–2008) studied at Glasgow School of Art and is regarded as one of Scotland’s finest contemporary artists. Nicola MacDonald, Hamish’s youngest daughter, has curated the exhibition and will be on hand to chat about her father’s work and the inspiration he took from Scotland’s landscapes and heritage.

Emily Bryce, Operations Manager for Glencoe said: ‘Quirky design and sculpture inspired by the glen can be found throughout our new-look visitor centre, so we are delighted to provide a space for showcasing art inspired by the Highland landscape too. Hamish’s work reflects the ever-changing vitality of the scenery, the weather and the wildlife here so well, and brightens up even the most dreich of summer days.’

We’re keen for this to be the first of many artists, craftspeople and other creative minds to hire the flexible events space at Glencoe Visitor Centre, since the centre was refurbished this spring.

As well as offering a free meeting space for community groups, the MacIain Room can be booked for private functions on a daily rate or leased for longer spells. It offers a unique opportunity for artisans or enterprises to engage with some of the 250,000 local people and tourists who visit the centre every year. Please email glencoe@nts.org.uk if you have any enquiries.

We invested over £1 million at Glencoe Visitor Centre during the last 12 months, transforming the existing eco-friendly buildings into a more modern, immersive and welcoming ‘gateway’ to Scotland’s most famous glen.

In addition to Hamish MacDonald’s Summer Exhibition, the visitor centre has a 50-seat film screening space. It shows a specially commissioned film that takes viewers on a 10-minute journey, from the glen’s volcanic origins to the tragic events of the 1692 Massacre and then on to its popularity today.

Also in the visitor centre, the ‘Pioneers of the Peaks’ exhibition reveals the glen’s role in shaping mountaineering and climbing in Scotland over the last 100 years. While in the Info Hub, a large 3D map and knowledgeable staff help visitors to plan their adventures and share advice on how to explore responsibly.

With a new café and shop too, Glencoe Visitor Centre plays an essential part in generating income to support the National Trust for Scotland’s conservation work in Glencoe National Nature Reserve, where we care for over 5,600 hectares, including 60km of footpaths and 8 Munros.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!