Swimming and Corncrakes; Iona 2025…
We had a very successful and joyful Iona Writers Retreat in May 2025, which for the first time also included a mother and daughter combo from the USA, both wonderful writers. Some hot weather, with the famous Iona colours of the sea, including shoals of tiny fish. I even swam for a few moments in the cold sea (NOT to be recommended). Beautiful water, translucence melding to pale turquoise. I was so transfixed by the beauty before me, looking out towards the Sound and the distant cliffs of Mull from the White Strand of the Monks, that I tripped over a rock and went in a bit quicker than I had anticipated! Happy days with inspiring writing, friendship and laughter and delicious food at the Argyll Hotel. Everyone but me seemed to have heard the corncrake and one had walked out right in front of one of our writers, Keith, who seemed to attract them wherever he went! He kindly took me up to the top of the island where I was able once more to hear the strange rasping call of that endangered and mysterious bird for myself, and my joyful week was complete.
NEW DATES FOR 2026! Dates for 2026 are at the end of August next year, a big change from our usual May slot. I have taught before on Iona with photographer Malcolm MacGregor at the very beginning of September. Golden light, the beginning of the harvest, mostly traditional (hence the corncrake can survive here) and wildflowers in abundance. Oh, and the sea is a bit warmer! The new brochure is linked below for information and I do hope to see you there!
