A truly wee gallery makes a big start

Three talented Arran artists quietly opened a tiny gallery in Kildonan earlier this year. They made no fuss about it beyond a few small posters, but visitors have already got wind of it, and are coming to investigate – and to buy, as well. Freya Gaia, Sheila Bryson and Susan Maun produce between them a magical mix of jewellery, photographs, pottery and enamelled copperware, and exhibit it in the minuscule entry to Sheila and Freya’s house. You can find it by taking the Kildonan road on your left at Dippen and following it through tight corners to its straight run down the hill with the sea ahead of you. When the road turns right, slow down and look instead for the track that parts from it on the left. A helpful sign will point you to the wee gallery only a few metres further on.

Don’t expect a shop-window – we are not talking big city stuff here. Go to the clearly labelled door and someone will gladly let you in to browse in the tiny space among detailed small treasures. People are finding this quirky little place enchanting, and the small things it sells are ideal to take home or give to friends. Christine McDonald will soon be joining the little co-operative group with her hand-made soaps, beautifully packaged.

‘Everyone has been so helpful,’ Freya says, speaking warmly of the way neighbours have made no objection to visitors parking in the space between houses, even agreeing to take their share of any needed upkeep of the stony surface. This little corner, not far from where the old look-out tower used to stand, is beautiful, nestled between trees. There is no space for big oil paintings, but little pictures, cards, pendants and beautiful small hand-made things abound. A visit to this tiny gallery makes all comers feel that they have been given an insight into a gentle, modest side of Arran that is full of charm.