The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh is showing a new exhibition responding to the beauty of Scotland’s Northern Isles: Orkney and Shetland, which have long captivated artists, musicians, writers and travellers – all drawn to the elemental meeting of land, sea, and sky. Sitting in the North Atlantic, these islands are defined by shifting light, ancient histories, and a delicate balance of endurance and tranquillity. Each archipelago carries its own rhythm, with Orkney’s calm continuity contrasting with Shetland’s raw, volatile energy.

The exhibition, The Northern Isles, brings together artists responding to landscape and culture, including those born on the Isles, those who have made them home, and others who have journeyed north to explore them. On display are painting, printmaking, furniture, jewellery, ceramics, and sculpture, reflecting the shared heritage, craftsmanship and resilience of these communities; honouring contemporary and historic makers, the exhibition celebrates the dialogue between place and person, past and present, and reveals how art continues to interpret and renew our understanding of these extraordinary islands.

Orkney artists include Megumi Barrington Uenoyama, Anne Bevan, Ingrid Budge, Samantha Clark (whose work is pictured), Victoria Crowe and Laura Drever, while Shetland artists include Ruth Brownlee, Kate Downie, Peter Davis, Gail Harvey and Rod Kelly. They are joined by Roland Fraser (Orkney & Shetland) and Patricia Shone (Isle of Skye).