The spectacular Cowal peninsula in Argyll, just an hour or so west of Glasgow, is home to a thriving colony of artists and craftmakers who take inspiration from the all-enveloping vistas. Over 50 of them are gearing up for their annual Cowal Open Studios weekend, when you can visit them in their natural habitat and find out what makes them tick. Their work covers a wide range of disciplines, from painting, jewellery, pottery, glass and textiles to printmaking, photography, woodturning, tapestry weaving, collage and metalwork. There’s a digital map which can be downloaded, with four possible routes designed to help you visit as many artists as possible.