Iona Leishman-artist-in-residence Stirling castle

Dropped in to the Cowane hospital, or Guildhall, a 17th century former almhouse in Stirling for lunch today with some friends.


It also houses resident artist Iona Leishman and she offered to show us her studio apologising for the sub-zero temperatures.

This is the archetypical image many folk have of painters - an artist working away in some freezing garret.

But Iona assures us it is only temporary and she hopes to get the heating fixed soon.

And Iona is no impoverished artist. She was the first artist- in- residence in Stirling castle earlier this year and her work enjoys a growing reputation in Scotland.

The painting behind Iona is of an imaginary scene of life as it would have been lived in Stirling castle, and it is typical of her colourful and expressive work.

Despite having lived in the area for more than twenty years I had never visited this building, a hidden gem only a stone's throw from Stirling castle.