Northlight Gallery

Northlight Gallery occupies a single white-walled room of 24 square metres on Graham Place in Stromness, run as a non-profit exhibition space by Cary Welling since 2015. There is no permanent collection; instead, individual artists and small groups apply to show work for a set run, with recent exhibitions featuring archaeological-themed pieces and prints drawn from sketchbooks. An attached workroom, fitted with a sofa bed, shower and small kitchen, lets visiting artists from off-island stay on-site for the length of their show rather than commute in each day. Demand for slots has grown enough that the gallery has had to turn down applications for self-funded residencies in 2026. It sits within walking distance of the Pier Arts Centre, giving Stromness two exhibition spaces within a few minutes of each other.