Scotland Residential Retreat: April 2025

Scotland Residential Retreat: April 2025

Enjoy breathtaking views over Loch Fyne and stitch in the company of friends.

March 31 - April 10, 2025

Dunollie Castle

Stonefield Castle Hotel

Multi-discipline

From $12,458

Deposit £500

Refund Policy and Terms

With the Following Tutors

Deborah Wilding
Deborah Wilding
Zina Kazban
Zina Kazban
Phillipa Turnbull
Phillipa Turnbull
Kate Barlow
Kate Barlow

Retreat Overview

Join us for an unforgettable 11-day Scottish retreat from March 31st to April 11th, 2025. Begin your journey with a night in Edinburgh, followed by a scenic coach ride to our historic hotel on the stunning shores of Loch Fyne.

Immerse yourself in enriching workshops led by renowned tutors Phillipa Turnbull, Deborah Wilding, Zina Kazban, and Kate Barlow, featuring designs inspired by Scottish embroideries.

Enjoy a unique foraging and dyeing workshop, informative lectures, and films. Explore breathtaking walking trails and indulge in local cuisine. Conclude with a visit to the Burrell Museum, making this retreat a perfect blend of creativity and Scottish charm.

The Details

Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Meet & Welcome at Radisson Blu, Edinburgh
Day 2 - Travel to Stonefield Castle Hotel via Inveraray Castle
Day 3 - Tuition
Day 4 - Tuition
Day 5 - Tuition
Day 6 - Excursion to Dunollie Castle & Oban
Day 7 - Tuition
Day 8 - Tuition
Day 9 - Tuition
Day 10 - Travel to Radisson Blu, Edinburgh via The Burrell Museum
Day 11 - Farewell

Arrival & Departure

Arrival: We recommend flying to Edinburgh Airport. The retreat will officially begin at 5pm on Monday 31st March at the Radisson Blu, 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, EH1 1TH.

Departure: We will return, by coach, to the Radisson Blu on Wednesday 9th April, where we will spend our final night. The retreat will officially end at 9am on Thursday 10th April.

Extra Nights: If you would like to extend your stay at the Radisson Blu, at either end of the retreat, you can add this to your booking in the next steps.

Tuition

During this retreat, we will offer four brand new designs developed especially for this retreat. With the kind permission of the Trustees of the MacDougall of Dunollie Preservation Trust, each design is based on an artefact from the Dunollie Collection.

Prior to the retreat, you will select two out of the four designs to focus on during your 6 days of stitching.

Class choices will be opened closer to the retreat, but please do not worry about places as we guarantee you your top choices. You will also have a chance to purchase all four kits if you wish to.

What's Included

Accommodation & Food
Full board accommodation.

Tuition & Kits
6 full days of tuition, workshop kits, loan of a frames, magnifying light and other equipment, refreshments during class, and a goody bag.

Excursions & Lectures
Local needlework excursions and informal stitching sessions, as well as optional walks and cultural visits.

Travel
Travel as per the programme. Transfers from and to Edinburgh Airport and local transport links.

Workshop Designs

Choose from four stunning new designs

Dunollie Thistle With Zina Kazban

In honour of Dunollie's important tartan collection, Zina Kazban has interpreted a classic Scottish thistle featured on the collar of a 17th century tartan suit, which once belonged to Sir John MacDougall, Vice-Admiral and 25th Clan Chief. 

Dunollie Rose & Honeysuckle With Deborah Wilding

Following the popularity of her Dunollie Rose and Honeysuckle kit, Deborah has continued to examine fragments of a vibrant bodice in the Dunollie Collection. This time, Deborah has chosen a roundel flowers featuring a Rose, Pansy, and Borage flower which come together in a beautiful composition of stitch and colour.

Feller Unicorn With Kate Barlow

Kate has selected a second motif from the Feller Mirror design, the Unicorn & Rose and will be working her magic to bring this design to life, using similar techniques to those worked on the Peach Tree, while keeping to the colour palette and design of the original mirror.

Dunollie Pocket With Phillipa Turnbull

Phillipa's design is based on a late-18th century tambour work Pocket. Phillipa has faithfully recreated the essence of the original artefact, both in colour and feel, but replaces the original tambour work with a variety of historic crewel work stitches.

The Heritage

Dunollie Castle

Dunollie Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the picturesque town of Oban in Scotland, is a historic fortress with roots dating back to the 13th century. Once the stronghold of the Clan MacDougall, the castle offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Isle of Mull.

During our Scottish retreat, we will focus on the renowned Dunollie textile collection, with three out of four tutors recreating designs inspired by it. Participants will also visit the castle itself on our excursion day, exploring its rich history and breathtaking scenery, making for a truly immersive and inspiring experience.

Stonefield Castle Hotel

Discover the historic charm of Stonefield Castle Hotel, set on the picturesque shores of Loch Fyne. This former hunting lodge, once the seat of the Cameron family, offers breathtaking views and a serene escape into nature. Guests can enjoy elegantly furnished rooms, reflecting the castle's rich heritage.

Explore nearby walking trails that showcase the stunning beauty of the loch and surrounding landscapes. Stonefield Castle combines timeless elegance with modern comforts, providing an ideal retreat for relaxation and exploration. Experience the unique blend of history and natural splendor at this enchanting destination on Scotland's West Coast.

What's Included

Accommodation & Food
9 nights full board accommodation throughout (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and refreshment break during class included)*
Excursions & Lectures
Evening lectures from local speakers as well as from our tutors. Visits to Inveraray Castle, Dunollie Castle and the Burrell Museum.
Tuition & Kits
6 full days of tuition with 2 tutors, 4 workshop kits, loan of a frames, magnifying light and other equipment, and a goody bag.
Travel
Coach travel during the retreat. Transfers from local train stations and Edinburgh Airport are available on request.

*Air Travel, extra hotel expenses and tips are not included

Meet your tutors

Deborah Wilding

Professional Embroidery tutor and Fellow of the RSN

Deborah Wilding is a distinguished embroidery artist. With a background in fine arts, Deborah has developed a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the natural world, which is reflected in her exquisite embroidery designs.
Learn More About Deborah Wilding

Zina Kazban

Professional Embroidery tutor and Fellow of the RSN

Zina is a graduate of the Future Tutors programme at the Royal School of Needlework. She has also trained at Ecole Lesage (Métiers d’Art CHANEL).
Learn More About Zina Kazban

Phillipa Turnbull

Founder of Crewel Work Company

The founder of the The Crewel Work Company, Phillipa has over 30 years of experience as an embroidery tutor. She leads a fun and relaxed session packed with Crewel Work tips and tricks to get you feeling confident with your needle.
Learn More About Phillipa Turnbull

Kate Barlow

Professional Embroidery tutor and Fellow of the RSN

Kate Barlow is a renowned embroidery artist celebrated for her expertise in a broad range of needlework techniques. With a deep passion for preserving and teaching traditional embroidery, Kate has dedicated her career to mastering the intricate art of hand embroidery.
Learn More About Kate Barlow
The Crewel Work Company has once again provided a wonderful, fully immersive experience with the techniques, history and cultural activities of the artistry of hand embroidery. I’m always glad to travel with the Crewel Work Company.
Kerri A Autumn Residential at Askham Hall, 2024 participant
Fabulous property, delightful accommodations, superb cuisine, & outstanding staff.
Bonnie Residential Retreat, 2024 participant

Come Away With Us!