You only have a few days left to catch this superb exhibition in the atmospheric, lightly refurbished Old Rope Works in Montrose. Empire is A Society of Scottish Artists members’ exhibition, curated by Gayle Nelson PSSA and Alan Bond SSA. It looks at both the positive and sinister aspects of Scotland’s colonial history with tea, opium, imported plants, whalebone and a hangman’s noose all represented in the dimly lit, ivy clad walls of this raw, post industrial gallery space.

The SSA is an artist-led membership organisation which has hosted an annual exhibition since 1897 in the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh. It is committed to bringing high quality, contemporary visual art to other parts of Scotland and this is its first exhibition in Montrose. The twenty artists chosen to take part in Empire are: Katharine Aarrestad; Elaine Allison; Alan Bond; Julian Capes; Kate Clayton; Kyra Clegg; Rowena Comrie; Catherine Davison; Liz Douglas; Jean Duncan; Jana Emburey; David Forster; Louise Frase; Su Grierson; Koralia Maciej; Diane Maclean; Gayle Nelson; Jenny Pope; Deidre Robertson and Scarolyn Scott.

The Old Rope Works dates from 1789 and was once home to the Montrose Rope and Sail Company. The company is a still-flourishing enterprise and now operates from modern premises nearby. Montrose-based artist Kim Canale runs The Rope Works having returned from London eight years ago to set up Wall Projects, a studio and gallery that supports her own work and that of other artists. It aims to bring engaging and thought-provoking contemporary art to the north east of Scotland.

Empire ends on 29 August,. Entry is free.