Writing & Photography Retreat

Unlock your creativity

Unlock your creativity on our short course aimed at people who want to capture the essence of travel through writing and photography. Jean West and Colin McPherson will lead you on a three day exploration about what it takes to bring together the written word and images to create compelling personal stories from a luxury 5 star hotel setting on the majestic banks of the River Ness.

Are you interested in developing your writing skills with a writing retreat or keen to build skills in storytelling through photography? Join us for a three day, three night retreat on the weekend of Scottish Bard Robert Burns’ birthday. And, enjoy the sumptuous and inspiring backdrop of 5-star luxury at Ness Walk, as you settle into a Laurel Room for three nights.

It’s time to get creative…

• Arrive on Friday 24th January from 3pm
• Depart on Monday 27th January at 1pm

Learn from the best

Joining us and hosting your three day writing retreat are news and features writer Jean West and photojournalist Colin McPherson. Together, you will embark on a three day exploration. If you are interested in writing, blogging or documenting your experiences, Jean and Colin will encourage, guide and support you to learn the skills you need to communicate ideas effectively in words and pictures.

Jean West is a freelance journalist, trained in news and features, who has worked for most of the British national newspapers and in documentary filmmaking. Travel writing is a passion and she contributes regularly to The Times specialising in off-the-beaten track stories. You are in great company as Jean helped judge this year’s Scottish Press Awards and runs travel writing workshops online.

Colin McPherson creates photojournalism, films, and writings, exhibiting and publishing internationally over the last three decades. Colin’s work is on display at the National Galleries of Scotland. Additionally, for over twenty years, he worked on a freelance basis for the Independent newspaper as well as a host of other media and corporate clients at home and abroad. He also runs photography courses on the west coast of Scotland.

Our 3-night break includes:

• Complimentary glass of champagne on arrival
• 3 night stay in a Laurel King Room
• 3 course dinner, each evening in Torrish Restaurant
• Exclusive daily workshops with Colin & Jean over three days
• Lunch & refreshments
• Local excursion to gather content
• Evening refreshments by the fire pits
• À la carte breakfast each morning
• £955 per person, based on 2 adults sharing
• £1105 per person, based on single occupancy

This offer is coming soon. Sign up below to be added to the waitlist

Workshops

Arrive to Ness Walk in the afternoon on Friday 24th January 2025. Your writing retreat has begun! From here, your hosts will meet you with an introductory session, including some group activity for our 10-12 guests. This will include tips on research and structuring of articles and how to develop photography skills, understanding composition, lighting and subjects.

Saturday begins with an à la carte breakfast experience. Sessions will last from 9-5pm and will include the opportunity to venture outdoors into the inspirational Highland capital, Inverness. Take in the charismatic city centre and the River Ness, gathering content and material. The day draws to a close with the finest hospitality at Ness Walk’s Torrish restaurant. Furthermore, you can soak up the twinkling views that envelop the Ness Walk courtyard which our restaurant overlooks.

Sunday offers a hands-on and interactive process in your full-day workshop. Jean and Colin will work with you distilling your ideas and deciding how they might be presented. Possible outcomes include presenting to a live audience, writing an illustrated blog piece, publishing an article, or exhibiting, displaying, or sharing photographs online. Another hearty dinner awaits followed by warming drinks by the fire pits.

Before departure on Sunday at 1pm, you will enjoy a show-and-tell session, where you will have the opportunity to share with your fellow participants and tutors the work or stories you have made during the course.

Opulent accommodation

Then, retreat, to your luxurious accommodation. With our rooms reflecting seasonal landscapes, laced with soft colours and textiles, you can sink into oblivion. Floor-to-ceiling windows or direct access to private gardens link you to the sleepy outdoors.

Book your writing retreat today

If you want to experience this luxury winter offer then book your space in Inverness today. The aim of the course is to be creative, imaginative and give you ideas about what comes next for you.

*T&Cs: Three night stay and workshops for two costs £955 per person or £1910 in total, based on two people sharing a Laurel King Room and subject to availability. Single occupancy £1105 total. This offer cannot be combined with any other deal. This offer is available exclusively on 24-27th January 2025. Dinner is included on 3 nights, lunch is included on 2 days and breakfast on each morning

This offer is coming soon. Sign up below to be added to the waitlist

.