About the Gallery

For over 40 years, Tighnabruaich Gallery has been a cultural landmark on Scotland’s west coast, attracting visitors with its carefully curated selection of contemporary Scottish art. Situated in one of the most breathtaking locations in Argyll, the gallery has long been a place where art and nature converge, offering a unique space for discovery, creativity, and connection.

But the story of Tighnabruaich, and the building that houses the gallery, goes back much further.

A Historic Setting: Seaside House & the Growth of Tighnabruaich

The name Tighnabruaich comes from the Gaelic "Taigh na Bruaich", meaning “House on the Hill” or “House on the Knoll.” While the precise origins of this name remain uncertain, historical records suggest that an early house of significance may have once stood in the area, though by 1801, no trace of it remained on maps.

The building that now houses Tighnabruaich Gallery, however, has a clearer history. It forms part of Seaside House, one of a row of commercial buildings constructed between the late 1860s and early 1880s, during a period of rapid growth in the village. As Tighnabruaich evolved into a thriving coastal community, these buildings housed essential businesses that served the expanding population.

Originally part of Royal/Seaside Buildings, the structure was once home to Dewar’s fruit and vegetable shop, serving locals and visitors alike. Alongside neighbouring businesses—such as Ure’s Building (a grocer and provisions store), Post Office Buildings, and Smith’s Building (which housed a shoe shop and grocery)—it formed the heart of Tighnabruaich’s commercial centre at the turn of the 20th century. By 1901, Seaside House was officially recorded in census records, marking its place in the village’s history.

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