Highland Quill:
The Writers’ Retreat
July 13 – 17 2026 • Burgie Estate, Moray, Scotland
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Five unforgettable days of writing, reflection & inspiration among the Scottish Highlands.
Write where the Glens meet the Sea
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Set upon the Moray Firth overlooking Findhorn Bay, Burgie House is a grand Scottish home furnished with antiques and sumptuous fabrics. Across four floors you’ll find twelve bedrooms (nine en-suite), four elegant sitting rooms, a grand dining hall for twenty-six, a billiard room, three open log fires, and acres of lawns, lochans, and woodland walks. It’s both inspiring and intimate — the perfect refuge for your words.
More Than a Retreat — an Experience
Four-Salon Circuit™ – Each sitting room becomes a creative hub: structure, style, world-building, and revision.
1:1 Mentor Hours – Two personal tutorials per writer.
Candlelit Storywalks – Evening guided prompts through the arboretum, ending by the fireside.
The Fireside Recording Booth – Capture your opening page to share after the retreat.
Industry Window – Exclusive Q&A with a UK editor or agent.
Writers’ Banquet & Ceilidh – A Highland celebration on our final night.
Your Five-Day Immersive Journey Includes
✅ 4 nights’ accommodation (Mon 3 pm – Fri 11 am)✅ Daily workshops + rotating salon sessions✅ Two private 1-to-1s with your mentor✅ Candlelit storywalks & fireside readings✅ All meals & refreshments (inspired by Highland flavours)✅ Thursday Writers’ Banquet & Ceilidh✅ Printed workbook & 30-day post-retreat plan
The Rhythm of a Writer’s Day
Morning light over the lochans, quiet writing hours by the fire, afternoon workshops, and evening readings as the Highland sky turns amber.​​
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Sample Schedule
07:30 Stroll or stretch | 08:00 Breakfast | 09:00 Quiet Writing Block 11:00 Craft Workshop | 12:30 Lunch | 14:00 Four-Salon Circuit & 1-to-1s 17:00 Free time | 18:30 Dinner | 20:00 Fireside Readings
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Rest and relax and do absolutely nothing but enjoy being a writer in the Highlands!
Stay in Comfort, Write in Luxury
Choose from charming private or shared bedrooms within Burgie House itself.
Overflow cottages available nearby.
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Room Type Early-Bird (First 5 places) Standard Rate
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Shared Twin w/Ensuite £550 pp £650 pp
Shared Twin w/Shared Bathroom £450 pp £550 pp
Single Room w/Shared Bathroom £650 pp £750 pp
​Double Room w/Ensuite £750 pp £850 pp
Added non writing partner £300 pp £400 pp
​ £150 deposit secures your place. Balance due 8 weeks prior.
Two partial bursaries for Scotland-based or low-income writers available.
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OUTCOMES
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You Leave With:
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25–40 new or revised pages
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Two rounds of personalised feedback
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A clear 30-day writing plan
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A recorded first-page audio sample
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A network of like-minded writers
GALLERY
