July 2026

Name: Firefly Gallery

How did your organisation start?

Firefly Gallery opened 8 years ago, founded by two old friends from their art school days. Diane Cook studied fashion design at Edinburgh College of Art, and Lindsey Parker studied jewellery design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. “We wanted to create an inspirational gallery/workshop space in our hometown of Bo’ness which would entice artists and buyers alike. We named it Firefly because it was like a light had switched on in Bo’ness town centre. Artists came flocking in with their artwork to be shown and sold. We knew there were lots of fantastic artists in Bo’ness but had no idea how many there were!”.

What creative activities you offer as an organisation?

Firefly has evolved into a community of award-winning, established artists, as well as young, budding artists. We hold four major exhibitions a year alongside solo shows, pop-up shops, workshops and artist support groups.

Who are you aiming to support?

We’re a social enterprise, so it’s our mission to support as many artists as we can. In return, many of the artists support us and all of the different events we hold in the gallery. They can volunteer to help out, do demonstrations or just bring friends in to see the eclectic mix of work on display. We especially like to support art graduates and young people applying for art school through portfolio classes and a range of different workshops.

What advice would you give creatives who are just starting out?

Attend some of the many classes in the local area so you can get to know people, get involved, join the community, come to the exhibition openings and meet the artists. Diane and Lindsey have lots of experience and advice to share, so come and have a chat.

What can visitors expect when visiting your space during Falkirk Open Studios?

Come to Bo’ness and discover a hidden gem (as described by many of our artist friends). It’s got so much history and interesting places to explore, from a steam railway to Scotland’s oldest cinema, James Watt’s house, a Roman fort and Kinneil House. The John Muir way runs along the foreshore at the edge of the town centre and we have some lovely shops too. The gallery has a dynamic mix of good art and is friendly, inclusive, inspirational and inviting – you will love it!