Since 2019, Ballater Gallery in Aberdeenshire’s Royal Deeside has built a reputation for showcasing original art from coveted Scottish artists. Founder David Reid talks a move from corporate life, the golden rule in investment and gaining royal approval

Changing course

I was a partner at a real estate agency, Knight Frank. I was the guy that sold top restaurants and hotels across the country. That was my speciality. I also worked in high-end residential sales. I’ve lived in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London, so I know people here, there and everywhere. When I was approaching 50, I decided to return to Aberdeen, my hometown. I got involved in charity art shows to raise funds to build a Maggie’s [cancer care centre]. After we’d done a few of those shows, the artists involved started suggesting I open my own gallery – then it all happened quite organically. We look after around 50 artists, including some big names like Jack Morrocco, Glen Scouller, Iain Faulkner, Stuart Luke Gatherer… We showcase the leading artists of Scotland – but not exclusively Scottish – and that’s what our clients are looking for. 

Floral artwork by Marion Drummond

Life right now

I’m helping people select the artwork for their house in London – and I know their tastes, so that works quite well – I might get three or four of those jobs a year. I’m also putting together all the art for a nice second home in St Andrews. 

Chosen with love

Well-known businesspeople will often come in and say: ‘David, any tips on who to buy?’ or ‘Who’s a good investment?’ I just won’t get into that. My own view on art has always been – and it’s the golden rule – don’t buy what you don’t like or what you don’t understand. Buy what you love and what talks to you – then you might get very lucky. If you’re interested in art you’ll start to get an idea of what’s selling, but it can be a fickle, difficult business to make money in.

Calum Stevenson – ‘Glasgow Night Study’

Trailblazing artists

We’ve just signed up a Scottish artist called Calum Stevenson – he became the youngest person to win the Sky Portrait Artist of the Year in 2021. It’s a huge prestige to win the award, and at that point prices often rocket. We’re cock-a-hoop that he’s chosen the Ballater Gallery to represent him. He sent one great big painting and two smaller artworks, and they’ve all sold straight away. 

Royal support

King Charles and Queen Camilla have been huge supporters of the gallery. When I met King Charles he was exceptionally nice, and Queen Camilla is very relaxed when she comes into the gallery – and very knowledgeable on Scottish art. She always buys something. We have quite a lot of artists who paint flowers – and if you have a look at artists like Marion Drummond and Andrew Thompson, they have an appeal to all the royals. We have a lot of celebrities that come in. We have a restaurant round the corner called Fish Shop, owned by the Fife Arms, which is up the road in Braemar. They welcome some incredible people and events. It’s no secret you have Margot Robbie, Sharleen Spiteri, Kylie Minogue… they’ve all been spotted in the area. 

Ballater Gallery in Aberdeenshire’s Royal Deeside

Passion project

I’m 62, and one of the lovely things about this job is I’m working harder than I ever did in corporate life, as a partner. There are none of the pressures, but I’m working more intensely and I’ve never enjoyed it as much as I do now. Sometimes it is 24/7. I’ve always had a love of houses. You go to all types of homes with paintings – I’ve been to the occasional skyscraper – but everybody will be treated the same. It gives you total joy when you see someone smile as a piece of original art goes on the wall. I’m really into interiors, and it just lifts a room when you have something that you want to touch, that’s got lots of texture. That’s what gives me the buzz. I’d say, look at the broader idea of what art can do for your life – it’s something tangible that may well cost a lot less than a holiday.