Writing retreat launches 2022 programme

Moniack Mhor, Scotland's National Writing Centre, is delighted to be opening its doors again to a full residential programme with a selection of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, picturebook and crime writing courses and retreats. 

Among the tutors lined up for 2022 are author and BBC broadcaster Madeleine Bunting, Scottish crime greats Val McDermid, Abir Mukherjee and Louise Welsh, Booker shortlisted author Graeme Macrae Burnet, award-winning poet and new Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery and poet Holly McNish, the highly acclaimed non-fiction writer, Cal Flyn, as well as bestselling novelists James Robertson, Tim Pears, Polly Clark and Sara Sheridan, and musician Boo Hewerdine.  

In addition to relaunching its residential programme in full force, Moniack Mhor has weathered the Covid storm and created a whole new online programme including workshops and one-to-one mentoring for novelists, poets, playwrights and songwriters. The centre also offers writing retreats providing time and space, free from distractions, where attendees are part of a nurturing writing community. Other support offered by Moniack Mhor includes awards, bursaries, mentoring, professional residencies to develop works in progress and a programme for young writers.

Rachel Humphries, Centre Director of Moniack Mhor, said:

“Moniack Mhor has weathered the turbulence of 2021; we ceased residential activity in March 2020 when the country went into lockdown and opened our doors in a scaled-down way from summer of this year. I am thrilled that we are launching our full residential programme for next year. Having writers with us over the last few months has reinforced more than ever that community is one of the vital components for human happiness. Sharing words around the fire nurtures our wellbeing and fuels the creative drive. To have writers back through our doors makes life seem real once again.

“We are currently working hard to review our writer development programme to see where the gaps truly are. These will be filled by new support schemes including a wider online programme, expanded mentoring opportunities, more international collaboration and courses and retreats with childcare. We are excited to be getting back fully to what we know, welcoming tutors, guests and participating writers with Highland hospitality to a space for creative expression.”

Viccy Adams, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said: 

“Scottish writers not only produce world-class literature to enthral readers, they’re also well versed at supporting the next generation of talent to shape and share their words. The glorious landscape and welcoming atmosphere of Moniack Mhor provides space and time for new and established writers to explore and hone their craft, with guidance and inspiration from an amazing array of writers at the top of their game. It is a joy to see Moniack Mhor come through the challenges of the past 18 months with a full residential programme, as well as continuing some of the one-to-one and online provision that has opened up their programmes more broadly.”

Course bookings open to the public on Wednesday 8^th December.

For further information, and to book, visit the Moniack Mhor website.