As retreat hosts, we are dedicated to creating a unique and meaningful experience: thoughtful instruction, time for deep work, and an intentional community of willing, open writers who we trust will appreciate the place and contribute their own presence and gifts. If you’ve received an invitation from us, it’s because we genuinely want you with us—at the long table, and in the bright hours of early June in the Outer Hebrides. When we envisioned this gathering, we included you at the long table. We hope you say Yes!

This retreat happens in a remote part of the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, the largest island of the Outer Hebrides, off the North-West Coast of Scotland’s mainland. The landscape is dramatic, wild, and enchanting. We will encounter sea, sky, shore, and ancient standing stones during our time in this remarkable place. There are stunning nature walks in every direction, as soon as you leave the lodge.

We promise enriching daily workshops, generous meals, poetry picnics and a few surprises. We will read, write and live the poems—alone and together. There will be a gentle structure to support your creative process, and we also want to ensure that you have time and space to gather inspiration from your surroundings. During your stay with us, you can take your sweet time, leaning into the sensual pace of island life. 

Mornings will be quiet and you are encouraged to find your own rhythm. After breakfast, we will either meet for a workshop or strike out on an adventure. For the most part, afternoons will offer open space to do as you would like: birdwatching, hiking, fly fishing, and cold plunges (and skinny dipping) are all good options. Lunch is always worth returning for, however. After dinner, we’ll look forward to poetry readings, stargazing, and a private Scotch whisky tasting. It’s all optional. Follow the path that is most pleasurable and enchanting for you. Our hope is that you will feel a sense of spaciousness and sufficiency of time. You will write something new every day, learn to give and receive sensitive feedback, and present some of your work during our closing ceremonies.

Eating well is important to us and one of the ways we intend to savor this time together. All meals will be made fresh each day by our chef. Among other delights, we’ll experience some traditional Scottish food, locally harvested seafood, and gorgeous salads and desserts, served family style in our gorgeous dining room. As we get closer to departure, we will be in touch about dietary needs. 

May and June bring lengthening days, drier weather, and warming temperatures. Wildflowers are in bloom on the Hebridean machair, and hawthorn hedges flower. Cherry blossoms arrive and yet there are very few tourists on the island. If we are lucky, we will see a range of weather, from haar to sunshine to the famous Scottish rain, and conditions that are ideal for walking to the waterfall or plunging into the sea. We've seen it all and it's all magical.

Uig Lodge overlooks a stunning bay with soft sand beaches and uninterrupted views in every direction. All of the bedrooms are located on the second floor of this historic family-run lodge, accessible by stairs (there is no elevator), and offer comfortable beds, quality bedding, and incredible sea and/or mountain views to rival anywhere in the world. Three of the bedrooms are en-suite. The remaining bedrooms have wash basins and access to nearby family bathrooms. The lodge’s common spaces encourage a sense of community but there is enough room for sensitive poets to find a quiet nook of their own, whenever they wish to step away from the group. 

There is a spacious drawing room (aka The Poetry Room) with an open fire, where we meet for morning writing, workshops, happy hour, and evening readings and entertainment. We’ll invite you to step away from digital connection in favor of connecting to the Hebridean landscape, each other, and yourself. Wifi is available on site, however we ask that mobile phones are left on airplane mode, and that in communal spaces, these are only used for capturing the magic of the retreat. We realize people may have to make private calls to family, and simply ask that those happen in the privacy of your own room. 

There will be flowers on each desk, a fire in the hearth, and we will do everything we can to ensure you are comfortable during your stay. We’ll enjoy exclusive use of this family run lodge during our stay.

The cost of this retreat includes all programming, comfortable lodging in an historic lodge, three chef cooked meals each day, afternoon tea, visiting artists, a private whisky tasting, and transport for any of the outings we offer during the week. Rooms will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. We are committed to your comfort and will work together to ensure your needs are met. Here are the options:

Double (queen bed) with ensuite bathroom

$4600 single occupancy 

$3800 per writer, double occupancy. 

*For a partner/companion wanting to stay with you in an ensuite room, but not attend the writing portions of the retreat, the cost is $3000 

Twin room (two twin beds) with shared bathrooms nearby

$3800 single occupancy 

$3600 per writer, double occupancy

*For a partner/companion wanting to stay but not attend the retreat, the cost is $3000

We understand that you might like to share this adventure, and perhaps extend your travel beyond the retreat itself, therefore we are allowing the option for partners/companions to stay over at the lodge as well, with the understanding that they will be surrounded by poets. There is very limited availability for this, but it is possible. The best thing to do is to drop us a line and we can discuss the practicalities. Companions join us for meals and all extra-curricular activities, including a private whiskey tasting and one or more excursions to explore the island’s natural beauty and culture.

A $600 deposit will hold your place in this retreat. This allows us to book exclusive use of the lodge, arrange for the chef who will cook for us, and begin preparing for your arrival. Your deposit is non-refundable and the final balance is due by March 1, 2026. Payment plans are available—just ask. If need a little time to organize your calendar, just get in touch and we can hold your spot.

Your hosts are Holly Wren Spaulding and Heather Mackay Young. We'll be joined by our partners and Heather's mum, so there will be five us looking after you all week. In addition, we've arranged for a private chef to be on site, visits from local artists, and a dear friend will be there to transport us when we set forth for local excursions. In terms of invited guests, we're sharing this opportunity with those who've studied with Holly and/or Heather, and whom we feel will genuinely fall in love with The Blue Shore.

We have space for up to 14 guests.