A new exhibition celebrating the life and influence of George Mackay Brown opened at Orkney Museum on Saturday 4 April, 2026.

‘Lines of Light, Letters of George Mackay Brown’ brings together artwork and personal correspondence in a deeply personal exploration of the poet through the eyes of artist Ian Charles Scott.

At the heart of the exhibition are a series of portraits shaped by decades of observation and a shared sense of place, offering a rare and intimate portrayal of Brown beyond his public literary identity.

These works reflect a long creative relationship between the two men, grounded in friendship, respect and a mutual understanding of the landscapes and communities of the north.

Raised in Wick, Ian Charles Scott has built an international career that has taken him from Caithness to Europe and on to New York, where he continues his work as a professor of art.

Despite that global reach, his artistic vision remains rooted in the people and places of the Highlands and Islands, with a focus on human character and emotional depth.

His connection with George Mackay Brown has been a lasting influence, shaping both his subject matter and his approach to capturing inner life.

Ian Charles Scott said:

“These images offer a way of seeing George not just as a poet, but as a person, someone thoughtful, warm and quietly humorous, whose presence stayed with me long after our conversations ended.”

Alongside the portraits, the exhibition features a collection of letters written by George Mackay Brown, offering insight into his thoughts on creativity, daily life and his ongoing dialogue with the artist.

These letters provide a powerful counterpoint to the visual work, allowing visitors to experience both the written voice of the poet and the visual interpretation of the artist in one place.

Together, the exhibition forms a deeply human narrative, revealing not only a celebrated literary figure but a friendship that shaped two creative lives across time and distance.

Marking three decades since George Mackay Brown’s passing in 1996, the exhibition stands as both tribute and continuation, reflecting a legacy that remains quietly influential across Scotland and beyond.

For visitors, it offers a rare opportunity to step inside that relationship and encounter the poet through a lens of friendship, memory and artistic exchange.