Where I Go to Think

Cafes, creativity, and the spaces that open something up

I was interviewed recently by Lois Macleod, an MA student who is creating a zine based around Hebridean artists and how they connect to the land and how it influences their work.

She asked me, “What is your process to lead you into painting or photographing? Is there anything specific you do, like a kind of ritual, to help the creative process?”

Now, that is a very good question! I replied that yes, for writing, I have some very conscious practices. One is early morning. Getting up when it is still dark, lighting a candle, making a pot of loose-leaf tea, and sitting quietly at my writing desk. It is intentional, and easy to access… but, in all honesty, it doesn’t happen that much.

Another practice that has become more frequent is cafes. I’ve noticed that when I travel, I become much more creatively productive. New thoughts arrive, they get written down, and I find myself making plans, forming ideas, and telling stories. Some of the biggest shifts in my work have happened while sitting on buses, waiting for trains, or simply spending time in a cafe.

Because of that, I’ve started to intentionally build this into my routine and find time to sit in cafes that are quiet enough to think and those that are large enough not to mind you lingering a while.

I’ve always loved independent cafes. Perhaps it’s because I used to run one myself and know how hard it is to keep one going. Or perhaps it’s because I strongly believe in supporting individuals rather than larger, more predictable companies. There’s also something about being surrounded by creative decor, or books, and the people who design, brand, and carve out these wonderful spaces from the heart. Since writing this, I’ve realised just how passionate I am about supporting creative talent in all its forms. I’m now considering creating a guest artist wall in my gallery, inspired by Nomads and the way they supported my own son in his first exhibition. It feels like the right time to offer that same encouragement to others, and to create a space where new work and new voices can be heard and seen. Stay tuned!

For now here’s a list of cafes that I have visited over the winter months:

Cafe Artysans in Inverness is a favourite, not just for the food, but for the work they do as a social enterprise supporting young people. I spent a fabulous hour there writing recently while waiting for my bus.

Nomads in Paisley has a lovely atmosphere, great decor and the owner supports young talent through exhibitions and music evenings.

I visited Argonaut Books with my other son in Leith recently. A place where you can stop a while with a coffee and read or buy books - does it get much better?

A beautiful new cafe has opened in the old bank in Stromness, run by The Vintage Paper Company. During my week there, a highlight was an early morning coffee with my notebooks spread around me, surrounded by printing presses and printed papers and handmade books.

And finally, when I am in Drumnadrochit, a favourite is Cafe Eighty2, with great home-cooked food, a quirky atmosphere, and Skye is allowed to come with me! I usually get some writing done here, but maybe less than when I visit alone.

So it seems I am beginning to understand what I need in order to create the space for writing. And all these spaces seem to have something in common - art, books, quirky decor and supporting creative people.

In terms of what leads me into photography, that has always felt more straightforward, as it is often simply the weather. If I see a good forecast, I’ll get my kit ready in advance and make sure I’m there.

Painting, though, is different. I haven’t quite found the thing that brings me into that same space yet. No doubt it will come with time, but I am open to suggestions, and please do tell me what you do in the comments.

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News from The Galerie

My gallery has opened for the quietest Easter we have ever seen. A mix of forecasted storms, bad weather and widely reported ferry cancellations has kept things slow. But it has been so lovely to meet everyone who has visited so far, and I am grateful for a slow start.

Those ferry cancellations included my own ferry last week, and I ended up leaving the van and Skye on the mainland. She is now having to go to work with my partner instead, which means getting up at 7 am, much to her dislike. The positives are that she is a great van dog and loves going around in his van, meeting people and attending work meetings. I dread to think… But apparently, she is much better behaved for him than for me.

I’ll be heading back to collect them both next week, so the gallery will close for a few days. I’m updating opening times on social media as I go, so please bear with me while I find a rhythm.

In the meantime, my online shop is open this week, and I am adding new paintings today.

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New Photography Workshop Announcement

This year’s Long Exposure Photography workshop in Harris was a fabulous success, so I have decided to run another one next February in a similar style.

This time, Lesley Lintott will be joining me. We’ve worked together across the Scottish islands for many years, and she brings a brilliant complementary perspective, particularly with ICM and multiple exposure techniques. She’s also fantastic at teaching smartphone photography and is a talented painter, so between us, you can pretty much learn anything - well, almost! You can definitely be assured of a very relaxed, friendly and gentle time during your stay.

You will be staying at the Harris Hotel, and the dates are Feb 11th -17th, 2027

Book now by emailing me, or if you have any questions at all, please just ask! Details are here

Thanks for reading and Happy Easter Monday,

Margaret x