Writing Retreats in Northwest Scotland

A Writing Retreat in the Scottish Highlands

Welcome to your creative haven in Northwest Scotland — a peaceful, coastal hideaway where writers and creators of all kinds can retreat, recharge, and write.

The Old School Byre on the Stoer Peninsula in Assynt offers great hospitality, a cosy cabin with thoughtful workspaces, and outstanding Highland scenery. Whether you’re starting a new project, finishing a manuscript, or simply seeking inspiration and solitude, we provide everything you need to focus and make real progress with your writing.

A Writing Retreat in Scotland — Your Way

Our flexible accommodation sleeps up to three and is ideal for:

Solo writers looking for creative solitude
Academic writers seeking distraction-free space
Small writing groups or critique partners
Creative friends retreating together

You can build your retreat your way: tutored or untutored, catered or self-catered. Add creative coaching, nourishing meals, guided hikes, or astronomy evenings—or simply hunker down and immerse yourself in your writing practice.

When to Retreat

We run retreats from October to February, the quiet winter months when Assynt is at its quietest and most atmospheric. It’s the perfect time to slow down, reset your creative focus, and lay strong foundations for your writing goals in 2026.

Stay Length

Retreats range from 5 to 14 days
We find 7-day stays are ideal for building a writing rhythm
Shorter or longer bookings available by request

What’s Included

Private use of our self-contained byre with woodburner, kitchenette, and multiple workspaces
Welcome basket with local treats and tips for making the most of your stay
High-speed Wi-Fi (or not, if you’d prefer to disconnect), with external monitor display available
Complimentary teas and freshly ground coffee
Natural soaps and toiletries by Miniml
We are dog-friendly so feel free to bring your furry friends
Complimentary professional headshot photo shoot (if desired)

Accommodation Pricing

7-Day Writer’s Retreat (solo occupancy) – £1,050
Includes full use of the byre, writing desk, welcome hamper, Wi-Fi, and creative retreat resources.
Additional Guests – £250 per person
(Max 3 guests. One king bed and one single.) Perfect for writing duos or small groups. Each guest receives their own welcome pack and can customise their retreat with optional add-ons.

Optional Add-Ons

Writing Coaching

Creative Writing Coaching with Mandy Haggith – from £100
Feedback and coaching from award-winning local writer Mandy Haggith who brings deep literary and ecological expertise to her mentorship. Pre-submission of work required for tailored support. Learn more about Mandy.
Online Writing Portfolio Workshop with Monica Shaw – from £100
Create a professional writing portfolio with your co-host, founder of Writer’s Residence, serving writers with easy to use online portfolios since 2008. Ideal for freelancers, bloggers, academic writers, and professionals building their writing presence.

Meal Options

All meals are vegetarian and made with seasonal, local ingredients.

Full Catering Package (7 days) – £245
Includes breakfast basket, daily vegetarian lunch, and hearty evening meals
Healthy Eating & Juicing Package – £275
Daily cold-pressed juice, plant-based meals, herbal teas, and optional nutrition chat — perfect for a wellness-focused creative reset.

Individual Meals

Breakfast basket – £25 (2–3 days)
Packed lunch – £10
Evening meal – £15

Guided Experiences

Guided hill or coastal hike – £200 for a full-day walk
Tailored to your interest and ability: nature, creative inspiration, photography, geology, or simple escape. Led by host Monica, a qualified mountain leader.
Stargazing evening – £50 for 2-3 hours
Learn to read the night sky with the help of our on-site observatory and two telescopes. Ideal for beginners or anyone curious about stargazing and deep sky objects. Led by host Mark Washer, an astronomy enthusiast and fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society.

Bundled Retreat Package – £1,395

The ultimate writing retreat in Scotland for those seeking creative focus and full nourishment.

Includes:

7 nights solo accommodation
Full catering package (3 meals/day, pick from our standard menu or our juicing / wellness option)
One coaching session with Mandy Haggith
Welcome hamper and creative prompts
Access to observatory and retreat resources

A Creative Space to Call Your Own

The byre is warm and welcoming, with a writing desk, dining table, wood stove (firewood provided), and an unlimited supply of tea and coffee. There’s fast Wi-Fi for those who need it, though many find joy in disconnecting. Step outside to find big skies, quiet trails, and the occasional sheep at the fence. There are sea views from the sitting room, and a picnic table outside in a private garden overlooking the iconic mountain, Quinag.

Meet Your Coaches

Mandy Haggith

Mandy is a writer who has lived in Assynt for 25 years. She has decades of experience as a mentor and retreat leader, and teaches creative writing at the University of the Highlands and Islands. With more than 15 books —including award-winning fiction such as The Last Bear, Bear Witness, and the Stone Stories trilogy—and multiple poetry collections and non-fiction works, most recently The Lost Elms, she brings deep literary and ecological expertise to her mentorship. Her academic research spans poetic inquiry, environmental storytelling and imaginative time-travel. Learn more about Mandy on her website: mandyhaggith.net.

Monica Shaw

Monica is the founder of Writer’s Residence, created in 2008 to help writers build professional online portfolios and grow their freelance presence. With a background in data, web development, teaching, and mountain leadership, she supports writers with practical coaching on portfolio presentation, career planning, and online marketing. She also leads guided hikes and astronomy evenings at the Byre with her partner Mark. Learn more about their inclusive experiences in nature at their website: eatsleepwild.com.

Who Is This Writing Retreat For?

This retreat is open to writers of all backgrounds and levels, including:

Fiction writers, poets, and memoirists
Academic and research writers
Freelancers, bloggers, and content creators
Writing groups and critique partners
Anyone in need of a writing retreat in Scotland 2025 to focus, reset, and create

Booking & Enquiries

We’re now taking bookings for writing retreats in Scotland for 2025 and 2026.

To check availability, customise your stay, or request a bespoke quote: Email monica@writersresidence.com

Learn more about our other experiences at Eat Sleep Wild.

Writers' Retreat at The Old School Byre