Top Laggan Art & Culture: A Traveler’s Guide

Laggan, way up in the Highlands of Scotland, isn’t just someplace pretty; too it’s almost brimming with art and culture. So, when you swing by, getting a feel for the local creative spots should be on your list. Like your experience wouldn’t be complete without seeing what the local artisans are up to. Read our full review: Laggan Scotland Culture Art Full Review and Details

1. The Highland Folk Museum: Echoes of the Past

First up, there’s the Highland Folk Museum in Newtonmore. Basically, it’s a bit outside Laggan itself, yet very it is super easy to get to and paints such a clear picture of how folks around here used to live. You know, think of it as stepping back hundreds of years, with buildings that show the lives of Highland people through time. Is that neat, or what? See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Highland Folk Museum)

I remember one time, I went there during their annual “Gathering Day,” and they had people demonstrating old crafts like spinning wool and thatching roofs. We actually got to try our hand at a few of these skills, which gave us such a respect for what people could do before, you know, all our modern stuff came about. That the Highland Folk Museum captures an awesome collection of old buildings over a very large area – you will easily spend the best part of a day, looking at old homes, old farming ways, old school. It’s a pretty comprehensive day out.

2. The Clan Macpherson Museum: Tales of Heritage

Then, there’s the Clan Macpherson Museum, which gets you up close and like, personal with all the lore surrounding this Highland clan. The museum is in Newtonmore and showcases the history, weapons, and garments relating to Clan Macpherson. Apparently, these items offer insights into clan life, its leaders, and its impact on Highland history. So, it’s one for understanding the Highland Clan system. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Clan Macpherson Museum)

I’ve got a soft spot for old tales and history, yet I also know it can seem stuffy sometimes. However, the Clan Macpherson Museum does such a great job bringing these old stories to life. When you wander through the exhibits, you will get a real sense of their history. I think I found my new, number 1 favourite place to visit. A family, small and very local, place. A real pleasure. As a matter of fact, I learned there was one particularly fierce character. He apparently turned the tide at a famous battle. We left very happy that, seemingly, small, local places like this still exits.

3. Art Galleries in Aviemore: Modern Scottish Visions

Just a quick drive away, Aviemore has, like, quite a few interesting art galleries featuring a whole mix of modern Scottish artists. First, there’s the Osprey Gallery and studio showing local artists’s works from stunning landscapes in oil and watercolor to works in acrylic and glass. That, too, you’ll find contemporary stuff alongside those classic landscape paintings. I mean, apparently it’s such a nice spot to see what’s going on in the Highlands’ current art scene. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Art Galleries Aviemore)

One spring, I took my friend Sarah to visit one of those galleries. The exhibition had pieces which had been inspired by the Cairngorms. I’ve lived there and found it amazing all my life. And she really wasn’t keen on landscape art. Well, that’s what she thought. Actually, she wound up buying a piece; it was of these loch reflecting the light just perfectly. Honestly, I’ve got it hanging up now. Still, it reminds us both of that very cool day. Anyway, apparently these local galleries aren’t just filled with art, that really they are about bringing the countryside right inside.

4. Ruthven Barracks: Standing Through Time

Right outside Kingussie are the ruins of Ruthven Barracks, just massive. Actually, this old military fort has stood there since the 1700s. First it’s a bit of a marvel just standing looking across from it at Kingussie’s strath. Yet very more than that you realize it was there for real during the Jacobite risings, so it gives you a feel for a proper slice of Scottish history. It’s a proper historic landmark, I mean. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ruthven Barracks)

Visiting the Ruthven Barracks gives one an odd sense of presence. Even now, the presence is visible. Ruthven Barracks sit up on the mound looking at Kingussie from across the River Spey and meadows on each side. You might be there with many visitors, you might be on your own, yet very one is caught by the same feeling when on that mound looking at the ruin and view. Some, could be, folks may dismiss these barracks as nothing more than a pile of old stones, just in a brilliant situation. To be honest, a proper peek, I would say, will bring a real sense of atmosphere and of what these must have witnessed and, still, looked upon, throughout a rather very troubled portion of Scotland’s story. Honestly, this place brings the history to life. If only, just a little, we might add.

5. Cairngorms National Park: Nature’s Art

You can’t just miss the Cairngorms National Park; so, it really covers everywhere nearby and is more than an art spot. Actually, it has huge, expansive landscape which is beautiful. I’m talking like dramatic mountains, old forests, plus quiet lochs and rivers. Obviously, spending time walking around really lets you see art and culture, the most organic, outdoors-y way you could, too it’s almost like nature putting on its own show. Anyway, what’s extra special is how the landscape has shaped local culture so profoundly, and this shows right through in the traditions, stories, and how local communities approach things here. Honestly, pretty awesome when you see how much the wild landscapes affect the place and the people. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Cairngorms National Park)

Every season, Cairngorms National Park gets new clothes: That, I think, can be a rather a magical sight, especially when the heather blooms and paints all these hills purple. One summer, my pals and I actually went camping way out. Then, one evening as dusk approached, sitting quietly we saw a couple of golden eagles, so, flying above our campsite: I will never forget seeing nature work at that close and so beautiful! To be honest, even when you aren’t purposely visiting an “art” spot, there really is a ton of artistic experiences just waiting. Anyway, everywhere you peek offers these very spectacular visions which you should check out. Right then!