Sometimes writers can benefit from taking time off from their usual schedules and giving themselves some quality time on artist retreats. Space and seclusion on a writer's retreat often allows the writing flow to find its power again and for writers to focus on work that needs concentration. The following writer retreats in Scotland combine seclusion with stunning countryside at any time of the year and can give writers the chance to recharge their batteries again.
Heriot Toun Studio Offers Writer's Retreat Facilities in the Scottish Borders
A small hamlet tucked away in the Moorfoot Hills is a quiet and secluded place for writers to work on writing projects and to breathe fresh air and stillness. The Studio offers self catering accommodation for a handful of artists at any one time and has studio space for creative projects as well as making shared or twin accommodation available for the solitude and privacy needed for creative thought and expression.
Artists often come together here to collaborate on creative projects too, as well as individuals who simply want to get away and centre themselves again in beautiful surroundings. Places are available for weekends or for extended visits.
There is mobile coverage for those who need it, and there is disabled access although assistance may be required on the path up to the Studio.
Tel: +44 (0)1875 835 229
Crear – Space to Create Provides Writers Retreat Opportunities in Argyll & Bute
Looking across to the Isles of Jura and Islay is this working space converted from a byre into a haven for artists. Although not specifically geared towards writers, applications are welcome for writers to use the space as a writer's retreat, either as a group or as individual stays.
The studio space is massive and features huge windows that let in masses of light and breathtaking views of the skyscapes as well as sea and landscapes. Rates are available upon application.
Telephone +44 (0)1880 770369
Genoch Cottage is a Writer's Retreat in South Ayrshire
Genoch Cottage is in the grounds of Genoch Farm and was originally the shepherd's home. The place is run by two creative people who fully understand the need for solitude and space for creative work, and if sole occupancy is required then that can be arranged with a slight addition to the rates.
The cottage is self catering and is set in stunningly beautiful countryside. The village is just two miles away, the perfect chance for daily walks and fresh air, but if the time away is at a premium then stocking up with groceries for that period is advised. Complete peace and quiet is a rare commodity these days, and this writer's retreat is a perfect place to find it, whether for a couple of days, a week, or a month.
Telephone: +44 (0)141 959 2533
Creative Writing Space on Iona
There are a number of writers courses in Iona to be found online which offer seclusion and space as well as the chance to come together as a group of writers. Some are a few days, and some are a week, and each will offer something different. Most are held at the Argyll Hotel with writers organising their own accommodation which can be as sociable or as private as is needed. At least a week is recommended, if only to find time to visit the Abbey, wander along the remote beaches looking for mermaids' tears, and to see where the Kings of Scotland are buried.
Creative Writing Retreats in Argyll, Dumfries and Galloway and East Lothian
Opportunities for writing retreats at peaceful locations in Scotland, enabled by Alistair Paterson whose website gives details of creative environments in which to write. Retreats here are group based, giving writers the chance to connect with other creatives and to concentrate on the holistic approach to creativity.
Telephone: +44 (0)7960 823712
Of course, any writer can choose to simply book a cottage or a B&B for a week or a month just to find peace and quiet to concentrate on a writing project or to let the ideas start flowing again after a break. The main decision is to set time aside for a break from the everyday and make arrangements to be away; where that might be is entirely up to the writer as is the decision whether or not to be with other writers or to be solitary for the time away. Wherever the retreat, it cannot help but benefit a writer's work.
For further ideas for writer retreats north of the border, visit Five Writer Retreats in Scotland.
Suzanne Bosworth - Suzanne Bosworth BA (Hons) - a professional writer published in magazines, journals and websites, specialising in arts, history and ...
Join the Conversation