The Wee Gallery: New shop opens on Bonnybridge High Street

The Wee Studio, at Bonnybridge Toll, now has a new neighbour – The Wee Gallery, which sells modern photographic prints, many of which are exclusives.

Provost Billy Buchanan was invited to open the new business, which he warmly welcomed, saying it was “an exciting venture” for the village.

Owner Lauren Campbell – who is herself a professional photographer – said the new shop is a natural addition to the Wee Studio, which offers unique gifts and cards, which are ethically sourced and sustainable.

Ms Campbell, who lives in Bonnybridge, said: “The gift shop has been doing really well and with my photography background I felt that a gallery would be good.

“It’s really cool and different with very modern, unique designs and a little bit quirky.

“I hope that people of all ages will find something they like between the two shops.”

The new gallery will include prints by big names such as Social Recluse; We Are Dorothy; and the East End Print Company.

Ms Campbell’s aim is to host live events once the coronavirus restrictions ease and she has plenty of ideas for the future.

She says the new shop, which just opened this week, is already generating interest and attracting people – including those who wouldn’t normally visit the gift shop.

The new manager, Christo Craig, has a background in fashion and Ms Campbell says his experience has been invaluable.

Ms Campbell hopes that the shops will be a real asset to the community and she was thrilled to raise more than £1200 for Roots foodbank at Christmas by selling “jingle bells”.

She thanked the people of Bonnybridge, where she has now lived for eight years, for their amazing support through lockdown.

The next step will be to get a website, which she thinks will be important for the gallery where people will come to browse but will then order online.

“I’m really proud of the shop and proud to be a part of the community which has really supported us,” she said.