Inside Tighnabruaich Gallery: Local Workshops and the Creative Impact of Mach Squared

Since reopening in summer 2025, Tighnabruaich Gallery has been working to strengthen its role as both a cultural hub and a creative space for artists and the local community. While the reopening marked a new chapter, much of the groundwork had already begun through the development of the Scottish Contemporary Collective (SCCoCO), a mentoring, exhibition, and residency support initiative designed for emerging artists.

Owned by artist Ross Poole, the gallery carries nearly four decades of history, giving it an established place within the community while creating opportunities to rethink what a modern gallery space can offer. The aim has been not only to preserve a valued local institution but also to make contemporary art more accessible and engaging.

Poole says the creation of both the gallery’s new direction and SCCoCO came from growing frustration with how difficult the contemporary art world can feel for both artists and audiences. Instead of focusing on exclusivity, the goal has been to build a more open environment that supports creative development and encourages wider participation.

Local workshops have become a key part of this approach, helping connect artists, residents, and visitors through hands-on experiences and collaborative learning opportunities. These programmes have expanded the gallery’s role beyond exhibitions, turning it into an active community space.