Escape to the enchanting Isle of Lismore for a transformative three-day creative retreat with Scottish artist Sarah Campbell.
Immerse yourself in “Abstracting the Wild Coast,” where you’ll explore the stunning landscapes that inspire Sarah’s semi-abstract work. Experience the interplay of light, weather, and nature through your own artistic expression as you pour, drip, and splash ink onto paper.
Enjoy scenic walks, rejuvenating morning movement, and meditation sessions, all while savoring delicious meals from our kitchen garden. With only eight spaces available, this intimate retreat promises inspiration, relaxation, and a vibrant creative community. Book your spot today and unleash your artistic spirit amidst the breathtaking beauty of Lismore!
COURSE PRICE £350 + ACCOMODATION
Limited spaces available
DRAWING IN the WILD
19th to 22nd June 2025
"I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. It is so novel and liberating to just be able to focus on something creative, uninterrupted, for a whole weekend."
Ann Campbell
CHOOSE your ACCOMODATION
Ballimackillichan Croft house was self-built and designed by Yorick, Sarah and many volunteers. It is built with wood, straw bale and recycled stone and is a beautiful, unique space with many hand-crafted details. It also serves as a gallery for Sarah's paintings, lampshades and furnishings. There are a number of sleeping options on Ballimackillichan croft from spacious double rooms in the main house to bell tents and a pod in the garden. Each is priced according to space and privacy. Pod and Bell tent dwellers can either use washing and toilet facilities in the house or the compost toilet and bathing facilities provided.
There is a bathroom, a shower room and a compost toilet in the main house which are all for communal use.
HOVER over the images below for further details and prices and availability
Spacious Double bedroom with garden view. Single occupancy £250 per course Sharing £150 each per course AVAILABLE
Spacious Double bedroom with view of the sea and the Isle of Mull Single occupancy £250 per course Sharing £150 each per course AVAILABLE
Compact twin dorm with bunk beds Single occupancy £180 per course Sharing £120 each AVAILABLE
Spacious and light bedroom with one double bed and two singles Double bed £150 per course Single bed £120 per course AVAILABLE
One Double bed £150 per course or 2 singles £100 each per course AVAILABLE
One double bed Single occupancy £220 per course Sharing £120 each per course Available
Seating area with original artwork by Sarah Campbell
Relaxation space with stove and original artwork by Sarah Campbell
Hand crafted kitchen table
Garden Room detail
How to get here
Lismore is one of the few Scottish islands easily accessible by public transport. Catch a train or bus from Glasgow to Oban and then a ferry from Oban to Lismore. The boat from Oban can accomodate cars but do book well in advance as capacity is limited. You can also drive to Port Appin and free park your car there, where there is a 5 minute foot passenger crossing to the island. We organise pick ups once you are on the island. More detailed information with timetable links and maps are sent out on booking.
What to bring
All art and craft materials are supplied, however, you may want to bring you current sketchbook if you have one.
The weather in Lismore is unpredictable and we'll be going out in it no matter what, so please bring good quality waterproofs and wellies, or fully waterproof walking boots.
If you fancy a loch or sea dip bring a swimming costume, body towel and a thermos for hot tea/coffee.
Music sessions are a regular feature at Ballimackillichan croft. If you fancy joining in, bring an instrument. We do however have acoustic guitars, a bass guitar, piano, drum kit, various percussion instruments and a fiddle which you're welcome to use.
Course schedule
Thursday evening - Settle . Welcome . Dinner . Celtic tea ceremony
Friday - Morning movement and meditation (optional) . Breakfast . Nature walk with mid morning picinic . Lunch . Studio workshop . Dinner . Free time
Saturday - Morning movement and meditation (optional) . Breakfast . Nature Walk and or wild swim with picnic . Lunch . Studio workshop . Dinner . Closing gathering.
Free time
Sunday - Breakfast . Leaving
Payment
25% desposit is payable at booking. The remainder is invoiced a month prior to your chosen course. Other payment plans are possible, please message me if you would prefer another approach and we can adapt.
** We want to ensure that everyone who feels called to join our retreats can do so and know that money isn't always free- flowing. If funding is an issue please don't hesitate to contact us and we can explore options that can hopefully make your participation possible.**
Cancellation
25% deposit is non refundable. Cancellations 14 to 30 days in advance of the course receive a 50% refund. Course fees are non refundable for cancellations up to 14 days prior to the course start.
In the event that Sarah Campbell cancels a course all paticipants will receive a full refund.
What else? Lismore terrain is rough, hilly, occassionaly muddy. My favourite walks involve following sheep paths around rocks and under branches. A reasonable level of stamina is required. Please let me know in advance if you have a health condition that affects your walking capacity and I can plan walks accordingly.