Arts & Crafts

The Artists deliberately choosing to live and work in this wonderful area cannot help but have their work influenced by the environment around them, this manifests itself in many subtle ways in their artistic practice; they have a deep and powerful respect for the land, its people and culture as well as passion, skill and integrity in their approach to their art.

An Talla Solais is a community-led arts centre in Ullapool, located on Market Street (behind the Village Hall). An Talla Solais hosts an exciting programme of exhibitions of contemporary art by local, national and internationally acclaimed artists, with the gallery space open from April to October. Dedicated workshop and Artist studio space offers classes and courses for beginners and professional artists alike throughout the year, enabling people to connect with art. A small pop-up shop is open at the entrance to the Gallery from April to October, displaying beautiful hand-made artworks, ceramics and crafts. An Arts Library offers visitors to the Gallery space during the exhibition season a chance to browse through a range of beautiful artist books. Members have the option to take books out throughout the year to enjoy at home. Membership to An Talla Solais is open to all. In September 2024, An Talla Solais hosted Art Week Ullapool, a week long celebration of creativity and the visual arts and included a vibrant and varied programme of exhibitions, workshops, talks, events and an artist studio trail around Ullapool and beyond.

RhueArt gallery is 3 miles north of Ullapool. Originally the open studio of James Hawkins, who is considered to be one of the best contemporary landscape painters in Scotland. Now it is a large gallery where you can view his incredible paintings alongside brushes and pots of paint. Beside the studio a beautiful new gallery and sculpture garden has recently opened which shows an exciting schedule of exhibitions by established and emerging artists.

Bridge house Art is a creative environment for making and studying art. This small, independent school and studio was established in 1995 and continues to offer a rich and varied programme of courses in the visual and creative arts. Throughout the year we endeavour to offer a range of courses that both inspire and educate simultaneously. The ethos behind all of their courses is that we all can think and communicate visually and express, through a variety of media, a genuine response to the environment around us.

There are some excellent Arts and Crafts galleries in the area as well.

Ceard, Formally Ceàrd, HavØrn in West Argyle Street show some of the best Scottish contemporary crafts, showcasing the many excellent local makers.

The Harbour Gallery shows paintings by Stuart Herd along with a range of crafts and memorabilia.

Achiltibuie and Lochinver also have some great artists, galleries and photographers. Some of the Ullapool photographers such as Steven Gourlay and Angus Bruce have contributed to this site and we try to feature examples of the work of professional and other photographers around the area on our Facebook page and Twitter.

Pottery is famous in the region, the Highland Stoneware has outlets in both Lochinver and Ullapool where visitors can buy their fabulous products and also watch the potters and artists making and decorating their plates and other products. Smaller but equally talented potters are based on Lochside and again can be visited whilst they work.

Many of the local markets at Ullapool and Elphin feature the art, pottery, crafts and clothing made by many of our resident artists and local talent.