How many people can come on a residential course?
A course can be up to 16 young people. They need at least two adult supervisors with them throughout the week.
How is the course structured?
The day usually begins around 9.30. They meet in the house sitting room for a group workshop led by one or both tutors that lasts until lunchtime, with a tea break around 11. This time is for generating ideas and discussing technique. Participants are often encouraged to share their work.
One-to-one tutorials fill the afternoon. Each participant gets one twenty-minute meeting with each tutor during the course. Tutors often ask for work ahead of these meetings so they can give specific feedback. It is also a time to enquire more about publishing, careers, or anything about writing that has you curious.
Outside of that the afternoon is filled with unstructured writing time. People gravitate to an inspiring place and get stuck in – sometimes their bedroom, sometimes the couch, sometimes an inviting patch of grass on the hillside.
At 4, the cooking team assembles in the kitchen with an adult supervisor to start on that evening’s meal. Moniack Mhor staff are always on hand to gather the ingredients, explain where things are and how to use them, and walk through the recipes together. Once dinner is finished, the group also clean up.
After dinner there is usually a group activity. Certain days are saved for the tutors to share their work. Or a guest reader could talk with the group. On the last night of the course, this time is for participants to share what they have worked on.
Do I have to be a certain age to go on a residential course?
Groups coming on residential courses tend to be 15 or over. This isn’t to say we are not open to hosting a group younger than that. With the right structure and adult supervision, it could work splendidly.
Do I have to have a lot of writing experience to come on a course?
Not at all. Courses are for people of all abilities and are tailored to each group. As long as you have an open mind and a keen interest in improving, your visit will be a success.
Is the cooking hard?
No. Recipes are chosen because they are both delicious and easy to make. You also have two or three other people there to help you move things along. It is a fun part of the course that produces more laughter than stress. Plus, you only have to do it once!
Do I need to have a laptop?
No, but it helps. The cottage has three desktop computers and a printer. There is a laptop available to in the office, but demand is high, so it is suggested that you bring your own if you have one.
What do I need to bring?
A few changes of warm clothes, waterproofs, wellies or walking boots, toiletries and a USB drive are the essentials. Make sure to check the local weather before coming (search Beauly or Kiltarlity on your weather service) and dress appropriately. It is certain you will be more creative if you stay warm and dry.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary depending on the length of the course, number of participants, how many tutors there are and if there is a guest reader, among other factors. Once these things are determined, the Moniack Mhor team can draw up a quote.