WILD-PLANT DYEING
23rd to 26th October 2025
Gift yourself a creative retreat on the stunning Isle of Lismore with Scottish textile artist, Sarah Campbell!
Immerse yourself in the art of dyeing using wild flora to extract vibrant and complex colours directly from nature. You'll also have the opportunity to learn distaff spinning and design your very own beanie and with only eight places available you will receive personalized attention.
This is your chance to take a break, recharge and connect with the natural world. Enjoy wild swimming, making music, scenic walks and delicious meals from our kitchen garden.
This retreat offers a unique opportunity to deepen your relationship with nature while exploring your creativity. Reserve your spot today for this enriching experience!
COURSE FEE £350 (includes all materials and food) + ACCOMODATION
Limited spaces available
"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. Made from wood, straw bales, and recycled stone, it offers a unique space with handcrafted details and also serves as a gallery for Sarah's paintings, lampshades, and furnishings.
Accommodation options include spacious double rooms in the main house, as well as bell tents and a pod in the garden. There is also room for camping or parking a campervan, and you can arrange your own accommodations off-site if preferred. Each option is priced based on space and privacy. Guests in the pod and bell tents can use the washing and toilet facilities in the main house or the compost toilet and bathing facilities provided.
The main house has communal bathroom, shower, and compost toilet facilities for all guests.
HOVER over the images below for further details and prices and availability
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.
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
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 . Mini workshop
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.
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.