Scottish landscapes brought to life in new photographic exhibition at Queen Margaret Hospital

The exhibition has been developed in partnership with Kirkcaldy Photographic Society and showcases the work of two of its members, Arthur Mitchell from Glenrothes and Martin Watt from Crossgates.

A new exhibition funded by Fife Health Charity, featuring striking images of Scotland’s landscapes, has opened at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline.

The exhibition has been developed in partnership with Kirkcaldy Photographic Society and showcases the work of two of its members, Arthur Mitchell from Glenrothes and Martin Watt from Crossgates.

Fife Health Charity funded the exhibition as part of its work to create a more welcoming and engaging hospital environment for patients, visitors and staff. The charity is hosting the collection in its dedicated gallery at Queen Margaret Hospital until early 2027.

The gallery itself was established with funding from Fife Health Charity to help enhance the hospital environment for patients, staff and visitors. Since opening in 2023, it has provided a dedicated space in which local artists and community groups can share their work with the thousands of people who pass through the hospital.

The new collection includes scenes from the surrounding area and locations further afield, offering two distinctive perspectives on Scotland’s natural landscapes.

Arthur Mitchell, known to many as Spud, works in colour and uses the changing Scottish light to create atmospheric images, with several photographs captured around dawn. Arthur is a highly acclaimed photographer with many ‘highly commended’ images and is a gold medal winner for his image ‘Fisherman’s Hut’, which is on display as part of the exhibition.

In contrast, Martin Watt’s black-and-white photographs present dramatic and recognisable views of Scotland. His landscape photography has previously received a commendation in the Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.

The photographs have been hung slightly lower than conventional gallery height to enable the collection to be enjoyed by everyone passing through the gallery, including wheelchair users and patients being transported through the hospital in beds. 

Mark McGeachie, Director of Fife Health Charity, said: “We are delighted to fund and host this impressive collection of Scottish landscape photography at our gallery in Queen Margaret Hospital.

“Supporting exhibitions like this is an important part of the charity’s work to enhance hospital environments and make them more welcoming, stimulating and enjoyable for patients, visitors and staff.

“The contrasting styles of the two photographers work wonderfully together, offering people the chance to enjoy familiar Scottish landscapes from new and creative perspectives. We are also particularly pleased that accessibility was considered during the installation so that the exhibition can be enjoyed by everyone.”

The exhibition builds on an ongoing partnership between Fife Health Charity and Kirkcaldy Photographic Society. Earlier this year, the charity supported the society’s “Kirkcaldy Then and Now” exhibition at Victoria Hospital, bringing together historic and contemporary photographs showing how the town’s familiar streets, landmarks and coastline have changed over time.

Cathy Davies, President and Exhibition Coordinator with Kirkcaldy Photographic Society, said: “We are very grateful to Fife Health Charity for allowing us to exhibit the works and providing this opportunity to share Arthur Mitchell and Martin Watt’s work with patients, visitors and staff at Queen Margaret Hospital.

“While their photographic styles are very different, both photographers capture the beauty, character and atmosphere of Scotland’s landscapes. We hope people enjoy exploring the collection and return to see the different images that will be introduced during the exhibition.

“We are also looking forward to further collaboration with Fife Health Charity to bring more exhibitions across NHS establishments.”

The exhibition will remain in place until early 2027, with photographs refreshed during that period to provide a changing experience and encourage people to return.

It is free to view and can be found by entering Queen Margaret Hospital through the Phase One entrance and turning right towards the rear of the building.

To find out more about Kirkcaldy Photographic Society, including its weekly meetings and how to join, visit: kirkcaldyphotographicsociety.co.uk.

To learn more about Fife Health Charity and how you can support our work across Fife, please visit: www.fifehealthcharity.org.