Margaret and Charles will be joined by Strathcarron Hospice to talk about their work made to mark Strathcarron’s 45th anniversary.

Strathcarron Stories

Award winning Scottish photographers Margaret Mitchell and Charles McGuigan were each commissioned to make new work to mark Strathcarron Hospice's 45th anniversary - 'Celebrate45'.

For this event, we are delighted to combine presentations, from Strathcarron Hospice, Margaret, and Charles, giving the background and creative insight into their projects.

Margaret will discuss her approach to her work developed at Strathcarron Hospice, reflecting on her observations and the themes emerging, and how these are informing her ongoing project, 'Of Stillness and Care'. Working within the hospice, Margaret considers the ecology of care: “What I found within the walls of Strathcarron was a place of compassion, a community of kindness and a practice of deep care.”

Charles’s collection ‘More Than a Building’ sought out the connections and people within the communities they serve, providing vital support and care across Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth. Charles says "The people I met were all connected with the hospice in different ways... the hospice is woven into the lives of countless people across the community".

Exhibition Opening Times

The exhibition at The Barracks Conference Centre will feature a selected preview from both series during Stirling Photography Festival, showing from 13 August to 25 September. The full exhibition will be exhibited in late 2026 at the Tolbooth Gallery.

As the Barracks is a working conference centre the exhibition can be viewed Monday to Friday only, by arrangement . Please call 01786 641800 prior to planning your visit. The Barracks Conference Centre, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ

About Strathcarron

Strathcarron Hospice opened in 1981 with capacity for 12 patients. Forty Five years later, the Hospice has a 24 bed inpatient ward and supports more than 1400 people per year on average, with 80 percent of the vital specialist care taking place out-with the Hospice building in local communities.

About Margaret

Margaret Mitchell is an award-winning documentary photographer whose work bridges psychological landscapes and social realities. Her projects explore the complexity of the human condition and are recognised for their relational, ethical core.

She has exhibited widely including at the National Portrait Gallery, London and the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh, and her work is held in the permanent collections of the National Galleries of Scotland, the Martin Parr Foundation, and the University of Stirling Art Collection.

She was recognised as part of the Hundred Heroines initiative, acknowledging women who have made a significant contribution to photographic practice. She is also a member of Women Photograph and Document Scotland

Born in Stirling, Margaret grew up in Plean and Dunblane and now lives in Glasgow.

margaretmitchell.co.uk

www.instagram.com/margaret.mitchell

About Charles

Charles McGuigan is a seasoned documentary photographer based in Stirling, renowned for his mastery in headshots and landscapes. With a BA in Art and Photography, he possesses a profound understanding of the craft that shines through with every shot.

"Photography has allowed me to meet people from all walks of life and hear stories that I might never otherwise have known. As a documentary photographer based in Stirling, I am interested in creating honest photographs that reflect people as they are, rather than who they think they should be.

I believe the best images begin with trust, conversation and taking the time to listen. My work is often centred on community, everyday life and the moments that reveal something genuine about a person."

Charles lives in Stirling.

Charlesmcguiganphotography.myportfolio.com

Instagram – charles.mcguigan

Our Hosts and Sponsor

This element of the Strathcarron Hospice ‘Celebrate 45’ has been made possible through generous sponsorship by The Robertson Trust and our long term partners at The Barracks Conference Centre..

Getting Here

The Barracks Conference Centre is situated close to Stirling's public transport network, there are bike sheds on site and there ample public parking a short walk away. Please see here for more information on transpost and accessibility.

If you have special access need, please do let us know on booking.

As the Barracks is a working conference centre the exhibition can be viewed Monday to Friday only, by arrangement . Please call 01786 641800 prior to planning your visit.

Description supplied by the event organiser.