A new art gallery in Ross-shire's Black Isle, displaying the largest selection of original paintings and sculptures for sale anywhere in the Highlands, is set to open its doors for business.

Tore Art Gallery, housed in the former Free Church at Killearnan, near Tore, will open to the public on Monday 22nd November.

The ambitious venture is the brainchild of local artist Clare Blois and her husband Ian, who bought the building at the end of last year when the dwindling congregation felt they could no longer manage such large premises. The church has been carefully renovated, keeping most of the original features, to create a spacious, light and airy gallery.

The couple have been assisted by Ross and Cromarty Enterprise (RACE) in the form of a business start-up grant of £3000, which has helped them realise their dream of owning their own gallery and making art more accessible to a wider audience.

Clare, who has been painting and exhibiting her work since 1990, when she moved to the Black Isle, has shown her work regularly in various Highland galleries and has also exhibited in Edinburgh, Perth and further afield.

She was the 2003 winner of the JD Fergusson Award, presented by the trustees of the famous Scottish colourist painter, as well as being voted 'best local artist' in Inverness. She and Ian were the main organisers of the successful annual Tore Art Fair.

"We have recognised that there is a definite gap in the art gallery market," said Clare. "There are some excellent galleries for contemporary art in the area, and although this is personally our main interest, our gallery has the space to include work in more traditional styles such as botanical and wildlife paintings, and good watercolour landscapes.

"We shall also stock a good range of interesting cards and prints made by Highland artists, and a few smaller items too. We aim for the gallery to appeal to art connoisseurs and tourists alike; it will be welcoming, accessible and there will be something for all tastes and pockets.

"We have been looking for suitable gallery premises on and off for a number of years, so when Killearnan Free Church, which is very near our home, suddenly came on the market, it seemed like an opportunity that was not meant to be missed.

"The main challenge was renovating the floor, which was on a slope and partly rotten. We were determined to open the gallery in time for Christmas, which has been achieved thanks to the support of skilled joiners and helpful friends, neighbours and artists.

"We very much appreciate the assistance RACE has given us. Unexpected hitches always increase business start-up costs, especially when renovation of a building is involved, and the help from RACE has given us that little bit of extra security."

The opening Christmas exhibition will feature four main artists in contrasting styles: Hugh Kirkwood, an artist who works in oils in the Scottish colourist tradition; Denise Davis, whose figurative oil paintings can suggest landscapes; Jackie Devereux, who specialises in watercolour abstractions of still life; and Christine O'Keefe, who paints strong watercolour landscapes, full of movement.

These artists will exhibit alongside a large mixed exhibition of paintings by accomplished artists in all media, including Biddy Nicholson, Jim Neville, Colin Brown and Suzanne Gyseman. Highland silversmith Alan Baillie will also be taking up residence, working in the gallery.

There is room to hang around 200 paintings, as well as some 3D work, including fascinating mobiles by London-based Julian Champkin.

"For a century and a half the Church at Killearnan has played an important part in the lives of large numbers of people in this area," said Clare. "We are pleased that the building will keep its place in the community taking on a vibrant new role as an art gallery, offering a different but equally positive experience for its visitors."

For further information about the gallery, please contact: Clare Blois by email, clare@tore-art-gallery.co.uk or telephone, 01463 871444.