A new independent art gallery and coffee shop has opened its doors in the heart of Aberdeen, offering locals and visitors alike a fresh cultural space to enjoy creativity, connection and coffee.
Photo credit: David Clark
Aberdeen in Colour, located at 35 Castle Street, is the brainchild of local photographer and artist Soran Xurmale. Officially opening on Saturday 12 July, the venue is set to operate Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm, and aims to be more than just a coffee shop – it’s a space where artistic expression and community spirit meet.
Xurmale, who moved to Aberdeen several years ago, said the gallery is the culmination of both personal and creative growth.
“I’ve always had a strong connection to art and culture,” he said. “Photography helped me reconnect with that after moving to Aberdeen. This gallery is the result of years of creative passion and personal reflection.”
The walls of Aberdeen in Colour will showcase a rotating programme of work from local photographers and visual artists, all available to purchase directly. Alongside this, Xurmale is planning a calendar of workshops, exhibitions and collaborative events.
(Photo credit: Union Media)
“I hope it becomes a place for connection—a creative space where people from different backgrounds can come together, share, and feel inspired,” he explained.
Workshops in photography, painting and storytelling are expected to launch in the coming months, offering opportunities for people at all stages of their artistic journey to learn and grow.
“I want to create opportunities for artists to grow, share their work, and learn from each other,” said Xurmale. “It’s taken a lot of hard work and risk to bring this to life, but seeing the idea become something real has been incredibly rewarding.”
Alongside its creative offering, the gallery also serves artisan coffee and traditional Turkish chai, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment for all.
Looking to the future, Xurmale hopes Aberdeen in Colour can play a role in shaping the city’s evolving cultural landscape.
“I want it to be part of Aberdeen’s creative future – a place where art is accessible and community-driven,” he added.
The public is warmly invited to visit and explore the new space, which Xurmale describes as a celebration of creativity in all its forms.
