Gillian first got involved in the u3a in Perth, where she co-led the Art Appreciation group for five years, even through the tough times of the pandemic and lockdowns. From that experience, she learned two things: mix up the meeting days to give more people a chance to join, and keep everyone engaged with opportunities for feedback.  

She stresses the importance of listening to members and welcoming their ideas, saying: “It’s their group after all.”  

Gillian enjoys exploring her interest in art, especially the post-impressionists, and often checks out exhibitions in Berlin, where her daughter lives. Her most recent favourite was the Scottish Colourists exhibition at Dovecot Studios. 

When she moved to Edinburgh in 2021, Gillian joined the Galleries 4 group, which she found a great way to settle into the City. The group leader there helped her start the Art Appreciation B group. She also got a lot of encouragement from Group Coordinator Louise Grimm and, with the help of an Art Historian guide, the new group launched in the summer of 2022 with eleven members.  

Gillian believes that leading a group requires solid people skills, clear communication, and an organised approach. Her group has grown to 45 members, with sixteen typically signing up for each visit. To stay on top of who’s attending, she uses a well-designed Excel spreadsheet.    

The group meets once a month, usually on Thursday afternoons, which works best for their guide. Gillian’s also added extra, informal trips, including some outside Edinburgh, which have been a hit. Most of the meetings happen in galleries or art venues, and afterwards, some members move to a cafe. Out-of-town trips often include a shared lunch too.  

For anyone thinking of starting a new group, Gillian’s advice is simple but spot on: start by connecting with others who share your interests and let the group grow from there. Start small and get help!  

Page last updated on 23rd October 2025