Galleries Top 10

Royal Deeside is known for its quality of light, space and colour and has inspired artists for centuries. Queen Victoria herself was inspired to come here by Aberdeen artist James Giles' watercolour of the Balmoral estate. A vibrant artists community still exists here today expounding applied arts, painting, in multiple media, and of course photography. Creative Cairngorms is a not for profit organisation that promotes the works of current artists living in the Cairngorm National Park and may be helpful to you. The Scottish Sculpture Workshop is situated in the town of Lumsden, on the edge of the Royal Deeside area and is a rewarding visit.

Art is a long lasting souvenir and we suggest here a selection of galleries, which are listed alphabetically. 

Banchory Gallery : Situated on the High Street in Banchory, Banchory Gallery, offers a range of art works and changing exhibitions which feature work of local subject, in addition to local artists.

Braemar Gallery : A delightful gallery, nestling in the village of Braemar with many landscapes of Royal Deeside and Cairngorm area available, in addition to iconic images of Scotland and contemporary sculpture.

Butterworth Gallery : A family run gallery, the Butterworth Gallery, is home to a permanent collection of the work of Howard and Mary Butterworth.  Situated in Ballogie, south of the River Dee, between Banchory and Aboyne, this light and airy space has a whole range of publications allowing everyone to take away their own Butterworth momento from a visit sure to enchant.

Knock Gallery : For its elevated position alone, a trip to Knock Gallery is a memorable one. At 1400 feet, it affords views across Royal Deeside into Lochnagar and over Balmoral. Central European artists are displayed alongside Scottish offerings in addition to the tempting work of the best Polish and Lithuanian silversmiths using Baltic amber and other stones. 

Lark’s Gallery : Larks in Ballater, offers a changing selection of work from leading Scottish artists, as well as some of the best emerging talents in painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, textiles, photography and jewellery design. A truly friendly contemporary gallery.

Lost Gallery : Getting Lost should be a must to every visitor in Royal Deeside. The Lost Gallery is one of the most interesting and unusual venues in Northern Scotland, with an excitingly eclectic selection of paintings, sculpture and photography. Lost is home to Peter and Jean Goodfellow whose association with the Scottish Sculpture Workshop provides access to large scale international and domestic sculpture. Download the Lost itinerary on our Great Days Out page.

McEwen Gallery : The McEwan Gallery, a family business, specialising in quaility paintings of the last three centuries, was founded over forty years ago. Although dealing primarily in works by Scottish artists, including contemporary examples, the Gallery also carries a small selection of English & Dutch works. With a lifetime of experience in the art world, Peter, Dorothy and Rhod welcome you to browse through their collection at leisure. Peter wrote the definitive Dictionary of Scottish Art & Architecture, available from the Gallery, and produces a quarterly catalogue of rare books. The Gallery is situated west of Ballater off the main road to Braemar.

Milton Gallery :The Milton Gallery was established in 1997 to promote and support local artists and since, has developed into a creditable showcase for aspiring and established artists living and working in Scotland. The work on show is an eclectic mix of medium, style and price, literally ‘something for everyone’. The location of the gallery, in the heart of Royal Deeside, is very close to Crathes Castle in a renovated courtyard complex including other retail offerings and AA rosette accredited restaurant.

Platform 22 : Platform 22 is a ceramics studio run by Emma and David Pattullo. Emma and David produce a range of ceramics including hand painted table and giftware, commemorative plates and bowls and tiles for interior decoration. Most of their work is bespoke but they do produce one-off art pieces and are currently introducing some new "stock" items. A cafe, where the cakes are also art works, completes a charming location.

The Wee Boorachie : A gem of a gallery offering locally crafted, artisan art works, particularly, 3D items of ceramic and wood. It is part of the Milton courtyard complex. Visit and you may even find out what Boorachie means!