Welcome to
Acorn Writing Retreats


where small ideas grow into
mighty ambitions!

Escape to Tranquility and Embrace Productivity at
Acorn Writing Retreats

More than just an escape, a writing retreat in Scotland offers a unique sanctuary designed to unlock your writing potential and propel your projects forward.

If you are aiming to make substantial progress on a mighty project or seeking fresh inspiration, our retreats provide the ideal environment to sharpen your focus and boost productivity. 

Join us at Acorn Writing Retreats to achieve your writing goals and be part of a supportive community of writers. Explore our retreat options and discover the ideal setting to propel your writing journey forward. 


At Acorn Writing Retreats,
Our Vision is Threefold:

  • Structured Writing Sessions

    The aim is to empower your progress on your writing goals. Our meticulously designed retreats offer dedicated writing sessions that provide focus and accountability to help you achieve your writing milestones. These sessions typically last between 60 - 90 minutes balanced with rejuvenating breaks.

  • Inspirational Workspaces

    Our writing retreats are situated at inspirational locations such as The Oak Tree Inn, providing the perfect backdrop to boost your productivity and hone your craft. We believe that your surroundings play a crucial role in nurturing your ideas and helping them flourish.

  • Supportive Community

    We understand that writing can sometimes be a lonely journey. That’s why we aim to foster a supportive community of like-minded and committed writers. By writing with others, you’ll find encouragement, motivation, and valuable insights to propel you towards success in your writing ambitions.

A Retreat Designed for Writers

Acorn Writing Retreats provides ideal environments for writers of all kinds, whether you’re an aspiring novelist, an academic working on your next publication, a postgraduate student crafting your thesis, or simply someone in search of a place to focus on your work in an inspirational setting.

It's a space where you can truly immerse yourself in your writing project, connect with a diverse group of fellow writers, as well as find the support and motivation you need to make meaningful progress.

Meticulously Structured

Our retreats are thoughtfully designed to unlock your full writing potential. Inspired by our occasional Co-Facilitator Professor of Academic Writing, Rowena Murray, and her work on structured writing retreats, we have tailored a schedule that blends concentrated writing periods with opportunities for relaxation and networking. These sessions, ranging from 60 to 90 minutes, provide you with the ideal balance of focused work and rejuvenating breaks.

During the writing sessions, silence reigns supreme, and the rhythmic pattering of typing keyboards ensures your focus remains unbroken. However, you’re welcome to bring headphones/earphones if you prefer to quietly listen to music whilst you write.

This setup ensures that every participant has the space and time to unleash their productivity without distractions. At Acorn Writing Retreats, we aim for your writing journey to be an uninterrupted flow of inspiration.

Guided with Empathy

Your writing journey is in caring hands with our experienced facilitator and founder, Rebecca Maxwell Stuart. With her extensive experience in higher education and a recent qualification in counselling skills, Rebecca brings a unique blend of academic insight and empathetic support to your writing journey.

Rebecca is nearing the completion of her PhD at Heriot-Watt University, where she explores student engagement across transnational education settings. Her doctoral journey has been significantly enriched by actively participating in numerous writing retreats, uncovering their transformative potential.

Rebecca’s approach is deeply rooted in understanding the individual challenges and aspirations of each participant. She specialises in providing practical tips to enhance your productivity, motivation, and the overall writing process. Her genuine commitment to your well-being extends beyond writing advice, focusing also on personal development.

Learn from The Best

Acclaimed Professor of Academic Writing, Rowena Murray, will be co-facilitating on certain retreats, bringing her expertise to transform your writing journey.

Expert Mentorship: With Rowena’s profound insights and practical advice, prepare to reach new heights in your writing. Her mentorship is a blend of seasoned expertise and practical skill, tailored to advance your projects.

Diverse Experience: From national volleyball coach to esteemed academic, Rowena’s rich background infuses her teaching with discipline, motivation, and deep understanding of writing challenges. She offers practical solutions to help you navigate and excel in your writing endeavours.

Academic & Athletic Excellence: With roots in Scotland and an academic career spanning Glasgow to Penn State, Rowena’s journey is as varied as it is impressive. Her commitment to volleyball parallels her academic achievements, including prestigious fellowships and significant contributions to academic writing.

Upcoming Writing Retreats
in Scotland 2025

Join us for focused, structured writing time in inspirational locations across Scotland!

Acorn Writing Retreats at
The Oak Tree Inn

1st - 4th of April
1st - 3rd of September
21st - 24th of October**
11th - 14th of November**
26th - 28th of November**
9th - 12th of December**

** Professor Rowena Murray will be co-facilitating.

New Summer Retreats at
Madeira in Fife

27th - 29th of May
24th - 27th of June
19th - 22nd of August

Ready to Embark on
Your Writing Journey?

Join us Acorn Writing Retreats - where small ideas grow into mighty ambitions!

Set within inspirational locations across Scotland, our writing retreats provide the perfect space for writers to focus, create and thrive.

Thoughtfully designed around Professor Rowena Murray’s acclaimed structured writing retreat model, they offer the ideal environment to boost productivity.

Book your retreat experience today and give your writing the time, space and support it deserves!

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