Moniack Mhor is located in the Scottish Highlands, at the top of the hill between the communities of Abriachan and Foxhole.
The homely centre comprises the main house (a converted steading), the cottage (a traditional croft house), the straw bale studio and an extensive garden. With panoramic views taking in Glen Strathfarrar, Glen Convinth, Ben Wyvis and beyond, Moniack Mhor provides an inspirational setting to progress your writing.
Our supportive staff create a nurturing atmosphere for all, while our surrounding natural environment provides an invigorating backdrop for exercise as well as peaceful relaxation.
Facilities
For full information on access at Moniack Mhor, see Access.
• 10 single rooms
• 2 twin rooms (one in cottage)
• 2 ensuite rooms (cottage – only on untutored retreats)
• WiFi (in house and cottage)
• Printer/photocopier
• 3 laptops to borrow
• 3 bikes for student use
• Yoga mats
• Tutor books for sale
• Maps and books on the local area
• Fiction and poetry libraries
• Vegetable, herb and fruit gardens in season
• Drystone storytelling circle with firepit
Main house
The main house, a cosy converted steading, provides simple yet comfortable accommodation on two floors. Every room has a single bed and a writing desk. Most rooms provide a view of the landscape. There are four bathrooms (shared), two on the ground floor, including a wheelchair-accessible wet room. Workshops and meals usually take place in the living/dining room downstairs, which is adjoined by our homely farmhouse kitchen.
Cottage
The cottage is the original crofthouse at Moniack Mhor. It has two ensuite bedrooms upstairs which
provide accommodation for our tutors, and a downstairs twin guest bedroom with
adjacent shower-room for course participants. Ensuite cottage rooms
are available to book only on untutored retreats, and also may
be available to writing fellows and during residencies. The cosy living
room/kitchenette offers a relaxed space for one to one tutorials, and also
houses our poetry library.
The Straw Bale Studio
Our eco-friendly straw balestudio is used for one-to-one tutorials, some workshops and
guest readings. Outwith these times, the studio can be used as a
quiet space for reading, writing or yoga.
In 2013 we fundraised to support
the build, receiving generous funding from Creative Scotland, The Gannochy Trust,
The CPF Trust and The Robertson Trust, and many kind donations from
individuals.
The building has environmental
sustainability at its heart: using a passive solar heating system,
solar-powered electricity, turf roofing and straw bale insulation. Steve James
of Envisioneer.net was our project manager and builder.
Garden
The acre of rough land surrounding the buildings of Moniack Mhor was
transformed into a garden in 2013. As well as providing inspirational views,
our garden offers the following:
Drystone storytelling circle with firepit for sharing
tales under the stars
• Alpine rockery
• Colourful planting around the main entrance, rear and
cottage
• Packed gravel paths for access around the garden
• Timber benches for quiet reflection
• A patio area at the entrance to the building
• Native trees and plants
• A pond
• Vegetables, herbs and soft fruit in season
The garden is open to the public outwith course times.