WRITING WORKSHOPS

“ A whole week to write, what more could I ask for and in a wonderful house on a beautiful island with such stimulating and encouraging companions. It was truly a dream come true to be so well looked after and to have the support, instruction and inspiring ideas from a brilliant writer then to have a room of my own in which to work free of all distraction and interruption. If only every week could be like this.”
— Kate Fazakerley
“ Eilean Shona is a perfect writer’s retreat. A private island away from it all, which allows the world to fall away. I found a rhythm of writing at my desk and taking walks in the mossy forest like breathing in and out everyday. Rare it is to have such calm and be fed and cared for while attending to one’s craft. The food was absolutely superb; artisans inspiring artisans. I have been on writing retreats before on my own, completely unguided. Left up to me, I have been known to drift. This retreat was perfect. ”
— Peggy Markel

Eilean Shona is a stunning private island off the West Coast of Scotland with no cars, a small community and in the midst of breathtakingly beautiful wilderness. The perfect place to retreat and re-charge batteries, learn new skills or practise old ones, spend time alone or with new friends.

Our writing retreat, led by experienced teachers, will focus on exploring creativity in this unique island setting - cut off from the world and all its stresses, immersed in nature and surrounded by wildlife.  The groups spend as much time as possible outside and immersed themselves in the tranquility of the beautiful and inspiring landscape. Eilean Shona house provided comfortable accommodation and delicious homemade food, with plenty of quiet spots for writing and reading. There is time to share your own work and the writers you love, and to hear the authors read from their own work and from other writers the admire. Long a place of literary inspiration—once a writing retreat for J.M. Barrie himself—Eilean Shona continues to spark the imagination of writers today. The focus of these workshops is to progress your work with in-depth support from your tutor and suit all levels of writers.

What Can You Expect From A Shona Writing Workshop?

  • a mix of group sessions concentrating on learning, sharing and reflecting and quiet time for personal writing

  • a small group with no more than twelve participants, ensuring space for individual attention

  • passionate and experienced workshop tutors

  • guided hikes around the island, with plenty of time for solo exploration

  • access to stunning landscape, unspoilt nature, wilderness and an abundance of wildlife

  • optional yoga and meditation sessions, wild swimming, boat trips, paddleboarding and kayaking

  • a safe and nurturing environment with supportive leaders and like-minded participants

  • charming, comfortable accommodation with a mix of either en-suite or shared bathrooms, a billiard room, piano, library and sauna

  • delicious meals prepared by our top chef, using locally sourced ingredients

The upcoming writing workshop and retreat will be 25 Feb - 8 March 2026.

The days start with an optional loch swim and morning yoga, followed by a delicious breakfast for the group. This is an opportunity to gather, share work and set some writing challenges for the day before settling down to the morning’s work. After a group gathering for lunch, afternoons will offer exploring the island, boat trips, picnics and/or pre-booked sessions with our author, as well as independent writing time. Everyone will gather in the evening for lively discussions over dinner, and some nights will have special themed events. During the workshop, each participant can have two in-depth one-to-one sessions with our author.

Writing Retreats

Following the guided workshop, we also offer a self-led writing retreat. It’s the perfect opportunity to stay on the island and dive deeper into your work. Free from the structure of scheduled teaching, this week is designed to give you uninterrupted time to write at your own pace, while still enjoying the quiet companionship of fellow writers. Surrounded by nature and far from everyday distractions, this is a rare chance to immerse yourself fully in your writing and let your ideas unfold.

Writing Fellowship

We are also committed to help nurture young emerging writers. This year we have collaborated this year with Forward Arts Foundation to offer a fellowship place to one of their members on our writing workshop. Please see our scholarship page for more information. For future opportunities, please enquire here.

Accommodation and Prices

The retreat is held in the beautiful Eilean Shona House, built in the 1800's, and comfortably furnished with four poster beds, large cast iron baths, a long mahogany dining table and an amazing contemporary art collection. There is a mix of double and twin bedrooms, some with en suite and others with shared bathrooms.  Food on Eilean Shona reflects the surrounding environment and the island’s commitment to health and sustainability.  As much as possible is locally grown and organic and particular dietary requirements can be catered for. 

One week guided writing workshop- full board and tuition, Double with ensuite bathroom (£2400), Double with shared bathroom (£2000), Twin with shared bathroom (£1800)

One week self led retreat -full board, Double with ensuite bathroom (£1800), Double with shared bathroom (£1400), Twin with shared bathroom (£1200)

All prices are for single occupancy and a special discount rate for combined workshop and retreat stay

Please register your interest in the retreat by emailing here.