Creative Retreats for Writer’s Block

8th July 2018

Retreat to Islay Cottages…

Dying to put pen to paper and churn out that next chapter of your debut novel? Perhaps you’ve simply had enough of your final year university dissertation? A writer’s retreat can work absolutely wonders … and Islay Cottages is the destination for you!

A Writer’s Retreat Surrounded by Nature

Whatever the block is to your creativity, the Queen of the Hebrides, Islay is certain to help clear your mind. Benefit from a stroll across one of Islay’s twenty unspoilt beaches and meditate on the tranquillity that the remote island brings.

Enjoy one of Islay’s many nature trails. Or, if you’re looking to give your mind a complete break, why not hop onto one of Islay Sea Adventures for a wildlife spotting excursion! Spot seals and porpoises in their natural habitat whilst scaling the Islay coastline. If you’re in luck, you may just spot some basking sharks too!

Look to Islay’s sky to spot some of the rarest and most majestic birds in the world. Islay is home to over 100 species of bird including eagles, hawks, falcons, ospreys and buzzards.

Immerse Yourself in Local Culture

Islay is also home to a rich culture and history. A quick visit to the Museum of Islay Life in Port Charlotte will be a testament to that. Be inspired for writing the next chapter of your book with the Islay community and take the time to explore the eight active whisky distilleries on the island. Dip your toes into whisky tasting with a tour around Kilchoman Distillery, conveniently located a stone’s throw away from our lovely self-catering cottages.

Exterior view of the Museum of Islay Life building

Escape to Islay and beat Writer’s Block

An escape to tranquillity and serenity can only be a good thing for writer’s block. Why not kick back and relax at Islay Cottages? We’re sure your writer’s retreat will be nothing but soothing. Bo ok now and get planning your trip to the Outer Hebrides!

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Celebration holidays on Islay

Islay is one of the most stunning destinations in the UK, and it makes for a fantastic and unique place to mark big life celebrations.

Enjoy Hogmanay on Islay

Hogmanay is what we call New Year’s Eve in Scotland. It’s a time of much celebration as we wave goodbye to the old year and welcome in the new with songs, fireworks and perhaps the odd dram of whisky.

Highland Cow Q&A

Here on Islay, we are no strangers to the Highland cow, a distinctive type of cattle that originated in Scotland. This hairy, horned beast can often be spotted grazing our rugged landscapes, whatever the weather. They’re a hardy breed, and they thrive where others would struggle. But they are friendly too, and popular with tourists.

An Essential Guide to Whisky Tasting

Whisky tasting is a niche for some, and most people will tell you that the perfect whisky has this or has that, or is between this age and that age. The truth is, it’s all subject to personal taste. But what really makes a whisky a whisky? In our essential guide to whisky tasting we’ve picked things which might help you work out what’s for you and what’s not when it comes to this fine art.

Testimonials

I contacted Gillian almost two years before I planned to visit as I was booking for a large group and the island has limited space for groups of around 20. Gillian couldn’t have been more helpful, establishing the tariffs far enough in advance that I was very satisfied.

A group of us had the big house and then two families also took two of the cottages in the grounds. I have been to Islay many times before but never stayed with such a large group so was anxious that everything would be great for everyone, and it was.

Gillian very kindly answered all my questions up front, and made sure that the accommodation was spotless on arrival. The grounds are huge and the children in the group happily played football, rugby and cricket for hours. We spent many happy hours in the dining room and the living room, both large enough for us.

The location could not be better. Remote, beautiful and peaceful.

I’d recommend staying here to anyone.

If you plan a large group please book restaurants and activities ahead to make sure you aren’t disappointed. We went on whisky and gin tours, boat trips, visited beautiful beaches, went clay pigeon shooting and painted pottery. Definitely a highlight of my 50th year