Writers Retreats in Scotland

There are a number of writers retreats in Scotland. Some are open throughout the year, while others have fixed writing programmes. Some simply provide a space away from modern life allowing you to concentrate on your writing; others run writing courses.

Some retreats also offer spaces for artists, or sell rooms for business meetings, so it's worth doing a little research first. Most pride themselves on not providing mobile phone reception!

Glencanisp Lodge

Glencanisp Lodge is a large country lodge near Lochinver, offering 10 bedrooms in beautiful surroundings. The lodge is available for holidays, conferences and other group events, and is run by the Assynt Foundation.

There are typically two writing weeks each year, costing around £400 per person.

http://www.assyntfoundation.org/section81640.html

Jura Malt Whisky Writer Retreat

The Jura Malt Whisky Writer Retreat is an awarded position, organised by Scottish Book Trust. Each year three writers are awarded a bursary to spend a month living in a luxurious lodge, part of the Isle of Jury Single Malt Whisky distillery.

Each writer is asked to keep a diary of their time on Jura, and previous recipients have included Will Self and John Burnside.

http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/writers-and-publishers/training-and-awards/writer-retreat

Writing on Iona 2009

Angela Locke runs a creative writing retreat in the Argyll Hotel on the Isle of Iona each year. In 2009 the retreat will be held between the 7th and 12th of May.

The retreat costs from £525 per person.

http://www.angelalocke.co.uk/iona.htm

Moniack Mhor

Teavarran, Kiltarlity, Beauly
Inverness-shire

Moniack Mhor is the Arvon Foundation's Scottish retreat, 14 miles from Inverness. They run an extensive programme of courses, some led by leading Scottish writers. They also take bookings for simple retreat weekends.

http://www.arvonfoundation.org/p94.html

Cove Park

Cove Park is a centre for the creative arts and industries, about 20 minutes away from Helensburgh and overlooking Loch Long. Resential programmes are organised on behalf of the Scottish Arts Council, Hi~Arts, and others. The accomodation and studio spaces can be hired, starting from £40 per night.

http://www.covepark.org/

Genoch Cottage

Genoch Cottage is a small retreat for writers and artists run by Liffy Grant and Jonathan Meuli. There are two rooms to rent in this former shepherd's cottage, a mile from the Galloway forest park in South Ayrshire. Self catering begins at £45 per person per day.

http://genochcottage.com/

Glencanisp Lodge, near Lochiner

Genoch Cottage, near Maybole

Last modified Tuesday 03 February 2009