The Galerie — Isle of Harris Art Gallery & Creative Space

The Galerie – an art gallery on the Isle of Harris

Art gallery Isle of Harris – Geocrab, Isle of Harris, HS3 3HB

Margaret Soraya’s The Galerie is an intimate art gallery and creative space on the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Nestled in the small coastal village of Geocrab, the gallery brings together fine art photography, paintings, books and creative workshops inspired by the wild Hebridean landscape.

The space is both a working gallery and a place of connection — shaped by sea light, weather, memory and the quiet rhythm of island life. Visitors are invited to experience a collection of contemporary coastal artwork, photography and creative gatherings rooted deeply in the spirit of Harris.

I first came to Harris in 2009 to photograph a wedding, and fell completely under its spell. For years I travelled back and forth,,,, sometimes twenty times a year  photographing weddings across the Outer Hebrides and Highlands of Scotland,

I had always dreamed of having my own art gallery on the Outer Hebrides, so I began planning straight away. The build fought against me, costs mounted, and everything stalled in mid-2023.

My mum was my biggest supporter of my creativity. I spent my childhood making, creating, and painting, and went on to study Art at Manchester and Photography in the Arts in Swansea. I started my own business when my youngest son was born in 2004. I attribute my dedication to living a creative life to my mum and her encouragement, and I believe strongly that we should all feel supported in being creative at whatever level. Creativity is one of the highest forms of well-being and self-care, and is incredibly important for all of us.

I am half Dutch and spent many months in Holland as a child, and somewhere along the way there must have been a gentle seeping into my mind of my Oma’s love for the Outer Hebrides. I was given an album a few years ago that she made on a solo road trip in 1980 through the Highlands and Hebrides. She wrote in-depth descriptions alongside images and maps; some of her words now appear on The Galerie walls.

My mum passed away suddenly in 2023, leaving me questioning everything. She left me just enough inheritance to see it completed, with the patience of my partner Rob and the unwavering support of Margot Kitchen. This quiet corner of Geocrab has been both refuge and inspiration.

I spent many holidays on the islands with my boys and my mum over the years — a place we all found soothing and beautiful. 

The Galerie is the Dutch spelling of gallery — a small nod to heritage that lives on in my art gallery on Harris.

I still photograph weddings on the Outer Hebrides  and throughout the Highlands and islands of Scotland and am also a wedding celebrant with Fuze ceremonies. My hope is that the gallery will be available for those weddings where the rain makes an outdoor location not to ideal! 

Where to find The Galerie

Find The Galerie

The Galerie is located in Geocrab on the Isle of Harris, on the corner just at the turning towards Skoon Art Cafe, which is well worth a stop for coffee and cake while you’re in the area.

Postcode: HS3 3HB

📍 The Galerie, Geocrab, Isle of Harris HS3 3HB

what3words : ///ranches.whirlwind.hoped

We are approximately 20 minutes south of Tarbert, following the road along the eastern Bays of Harris. The road winds through some of the most dramatic rocky landscape in the Outer Hebrides, and The Galerie is a natural stopping point along the way. There are several art galleries along this road so you can make a day of it.

If the flag is flying outside, the gallery is open  come straight in, take your time and enjoy the space. No need to knock.

To arrange a visit outside open hours, or if you’d like to know more about any of the work, feel free to message Margaret directly on 07709 362465. If you’re travelling to Harris specifically to visit, it’s always worth a quick message first to make sure I am around.

Open 10am-4pm Monday to Saturday April – Novmeber

Getting to the Isle of Harris:

Harris is reached by CalMac ferry — the main route is Ullapool to Stornoway (approx. 2h 45m), with Tarbert also served from Uig on Skye (approx. 1h 45m). Geocrab is on the eastern Bays road, a scenic drive from either ferry terminal.

Nearby:

• Skoon Gallery, Geocrab — coffee, cake and art
• Mission House Studio
• The Golden Raod
• Tarbert — ferry terminal, shops and Harris Distillery

                     What is in the galerie

The gallery holds original fine art photography inspired by the Hebridean sea, ink and acrylic paintings, and smaller gifts including hand-designed cards, bookmarks and postcards. Most work can also be bought through my online shop as well. 

It was designed to be calm and welcoming…. a place to stop a while and be surrounded by art rooted in the Hebrides.

The Galerie is also used as a teaching space for photography workshops on the Isle of Harris and creative retreats in the Outer Hebrides on Harris.

                     visiting the galerie

Where is The Galerie?

The Galerie is located in Geocrab on the Isle of Harris in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides.

Can I buy artwork at the gallery?

Yes — visitors can purchase selected artwork, prints, books and creative pieces directly from the gallery.

Is the gallery always manned?

The gallery is often unmanned, as I paint in the house next to it, but it is always monitored, and I am usually not too far away! You can self-serve purchase via QR code or with cash if I am not around.

Do you offer workshops and retreats?

Photography workshops and creative retreats are held throughout the year across Harris and the Outer Hebrides.

Is The Galerie open year round?

Opening hours can vary seasonally and around workshops or retreats, so it is best to check before visiting.

How far from Tarbert are you ?

The Galerie is about 20 mins drive from Tarbert. 

What else is close by ?

The Bays are Harris are known for their art galleries. Skoon Gallery is 2 mins away, Mission House is 15 mins drive, and there is a new cafe at the Bays Community centre 5 mins away. There is plenty to do along the beautiful scenic drive of the Bays Road,.