May 2025 - Written Words Woven with Art in Felt & Stitch - 10 Day Scotland Retreat - Friday 16th - Sunday 25th May 2025 (from £4250 - £4750, £500 deposit to book)

“I went as a total beginner with no expectations. I wasn’t even that concerned about learning anything as I was only there for my mom.  I am hooked!!! I loved the process, the results and if Moy could teach me to make a reasonable piece, she is a wizard.  I was thrilled with how my pieces turned out.”

Itinerary:

Students arrive in the afternoon/early evening of Friday 16th May. The retreat starts with a meet and greet, and drinks around 6pm followed by a welcome meal at 7pm. Students are welcome to arrive any time from 2 pm on the 16th and have a relaxing afternoon to settle into their new surroundings and explore as they wish. We are situated on The Southern Upland Way so perfect for walks and hikes. In the past some students have taken morning walks between breakfast and class starting or after class before evening meal. Walking shoes or boots advisable for this.

This retreat will also include a couple of days or so of excursions. These may include a selection of the following: a trip to The Great Tapestry of Scotland, Traquair House (Scotland's oldest inhabited house), Guided Tours of local places of interest, Cream Tea at Cringletie Country House, a trip to Peebles where you can visit Moy's Gallery if you choose. Excursions may vary at different times of the year. Evening trip to local theatre if applicable and our legendary live music and pizza evening around the fire on the last night are just some of the options available during your stay. This is a relaxed retreat and should you prefer to stay home and work on in the studio these days then that is also possible.

Saturday and Sunday are studio days: 10 am till 5 pm. On Saturday we will be looking and exploring our surroundings gathering inspiration both with words and visuals. This will be done together with both Moy and Janis.

A bit about Janis Mackay:

Janis Mackay is a writer, storyteller and creative writing teacher. Published author of 11 books to date and was awarded the Kelpies prize for her novel Magnus Fin and The Scottish Children's Book Award for The Accidental Time Traveller. Her work, and interest in writing, storytelling and teaching have developed together, one inspiring the other. Many of Janis's novels take inspiration from stories in the oral tradition. This well-known way of writing is sometimes called 'new wine in old bottles.' Teaching has always been a way of sharing that Janis has been drawn to. She has for many years taught, and currently run a one year novel writing course, plus an online life writing course. For the past 14 years, taught creative writing at the Centre for Open Learning; Edinburgh University. Janis also brings storytelling and teaching together. She runs the storyteller's apprenticeship, based at the Scottish Storytelling Centre in Edinburgh and in this role she nurtures people who wish to learn the age old art of storytelling. Janis has a Masters Degree in Creative Writing and personal development.

Weather permitting we would like to visit some of the local areas of natural beauty on our doorstep here in the Scottish Borders to fully immerse you in the surroundings. By becoming familiar with the surroundings we will then be in a good place to start creating ideas inspired from them. This day will include documenting landscapes with a visual diary/sketchbook (but don’t worry if that scares you, no previous drawing experience necessary as its more of a case of documenting what’s around you, this could be done in a number of ways) and will include working with Janis in gathering text or ideas for writing. Nothing is set in stone and each student is free to follow their own ideas. along the way although this is a Landscape themed based retreat so all artwork will be pertaining to that.

Sunday will be in the studio with Moy where we will start to develop our ideas into artwork. This may include some sample pieces created from inspiration gathered the previous day Monday will be our first free day. Tuesday will be working with Janis in the studio on creative writing. Wednesday is another studio day with Moy. Here students will work on one larger pieces that may be a development from the earlier samples and a piece that will work alongside their written text. Thursday will be the second free day. Friday and part Saturday will be working with either Moy or Janis or a combination where we will be combining our artwork with the written word in whatever way you choose. At some point in the week, possibly Friday or Saturday we will try fit in some other short excursions or visits to local theatre if anything we fancy on at the time of the retreat if students fancy. We would also like to offer the services of a local therapist or two should anyone like to indulge in a massage or treatment. This can always be a nice addition to help us fully relax during this retreat. As this retreat covers 10 days we are aware some students may get tired and want to spend some time just to relax and stay put. Generally we will, as a group decide on trips and studio times that works best for everyone. Nothing is set in stone and times can be altered as we go. Massage and Sound Bath experience will also be on offer for those wishing for more relaxation along the way.

The retreat finishes after lunch on Sunday 25th May after lunch at 2pm..

Rooms are available to rent for extra days both before or after the retreat dates to fit in with travel plans. A single occupancy room is £95 per night with breakfast included.

Accommodation:

Single and shared occupancy accommodation with shared bathrooms is available in Moy’s home. There are plentiful communal areas for relaxing and socialising, whether it’s in the house or the beautiful garden.

Delicious home cooked meals and drinks are provided and shared in the large farmhouse-style kitchen by our resident chef Eirinn and super hostess Rose who makes a mean cocktail and will ensure you are well looked after.

Location:

Moy’s retreat is hosted at her country house in the stunning countryside of the Scottish Borders. Located near Innerleithen, the surrounding area is rich in picturesque walks and beautiful views. Traquair House is within walking distance while Moy’s home is located in a tranquil and rural setting on the Southern Upland Way.

Transfers to and from Edinburgh Airport are available upon request. Pick-ups from the bus stop in Innerleithen available.

Things to note:

All materials, accommodation, meals, drinks and additional extras are included in the price.

Students are responsible for their own travel arrangements to and from the venue.

PLEASE DO NOT BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS/TRAINS ETC. UNTIL YOU HAVE CONFIRMATION THAT CLASS NUMBERS HAVE BEEN REACHED. In the event of a retreat not reaching our minimum numbers of students needed, full deposits will be returned and the retreat will be cancelled.

We will send out further details and venue address nearer the time. The nearest small town to the venue is Innerleithen which is a 15 minute drive from the town of Peebles.

Moy’s house is also home to four friendly dogs. They are all very sweet, with lots of energy and will be excited to greet you. The dogs will have access to communal areas of the house throughout the retreat but are not permitted in bedrooms. If you are not comfortable with dogs then this may not be right for you.

Bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable, however refunds may be given at our discretion for early cancellations or if we can fill your space.

And for those who would like an in-depth picture meticulously documented by a previous student then read on. We think she has covered pretty much every last detail you need to know:

Waking Dream: Moy Mackay’s April 2024 Retreat by Collins Yates

  I imagine each of our individual journeys to Moy and her retreat are varied. Your path may have led you to Mahala (the name of Moy’s home and studio spaces) for a bit of respite & creative rejuvenation, mere curiosity to learn a new medium of art, a desire to enhance your foundation in Felt and Stitch, or simply because your friend/family invited you to accompany them. Regardless the reason, each person will share the opportunity to embrace the many gifts Moy’s retreat so graciously offers you.

            I arrived with no experience and no expectations of walking out with some grand masterpiece, but rather an eagerness to absorb Moy’s instruction and see where it might lead. With an open mind & heart, I embarked to Scotland with the goal of renewing a spirit of joy, reignite my passion for life, and (as if that was not asking too much already) to seek a better understanding of the direction I am meant to take. Upon arrival, Moy greeted me at the driveway with her bright smile and sparkling eyes (yes, self-admitted imaginary fan club member of hers) and welcomed me into her home. Moy was kind enough to accommodate my earlier than retreat requested 2PM arrival time due to my flight schedule. Moy provided me a brief tour and showed me to my room; I was cognoscente she likely had other retreat matters that required her attention prior to the remaining attendees’ arrival. My single occupancy room was warm & colorful, spacious with ample room to hang and store clothing, and overlooked the inviting backyard space.

            I was afforded a few hours before our retreat itinerary asked we gather for introductions in the main common room prior to our first dinner together. I wasted no time and decided to take a walk to explore some of the surrounding trails as the overcast skies had cleared making it an opportune time, given Scotland’s notoriously famous swift weather changes. I highly recommend packing a pair of waterproof hiking boots or Wellies (aka Galoshes with traction) should you plan on venturing out past the driveway to explore the wondrous surrounding terrain. Unfortunately, my checked luggage did not make it on my connecting flight, so I ventured out in my sneakers, which consequently remained in the entryway mudroom following this first walk up until I bagged and packed them for my return home. Fortunately, my delayed luggage arrived later that afternoon with my spare sneakers and hiking boots.

            When exiting Mahala’s driveway to the right, you are faced with a gradual incline that might appear daunting at first glance, however the reward far exceeds the amount of physical exertion needed to reach the top. Once you have powered up the hill, you will find you have several options. For the more spry individuals, you might consider continuing straight forward to a large metal gate with a wooden pedestrian turn-style located at the far right corner of the gate. This will allow you access to the Southern Upland Way trail, a 344-kilometer coast-to-coast long-distance footpath in southern Scotland. For those seeking a more leisurely walk, look for a considerably smaller metal gate on your left just short of the aforementioned larger gate. You might find it is still adorned with small felted hearts made by Moy during COVID. This gate will lead you in a loop back to Mahala if followed in entirety. It is up to you to decide how far you want to go and at what pace. I made frequent stops along the way to take pictures, test out the views from the various benches scattered intermittently along the trail, drink in the crisp air, and attempt to imprint all the lush scenery into my memory bank. I would allot an hour to an hour and a half to complete the loop if moving at a continuous stride. This trail offers endless views of green pastures filled with sheep and cows, views of the Tweed Valley and River, moss laden stone walls, an abundance of serene woods teaming with birds, and plentiful winds. Rolling Mountains grace this vibrant landscape as its back-drop. On more than one occasion I walked sections of this trail and returned to Mahala the same way I entered, something new grabbing my attention with every walk! Warning though, if you complete the loop, there is a steep decline towards the end of the pastures that will guide you to a level remaining walk taking you past the entrance to Traquair House property, Scotland’s oldest inhabited house dating back to 1107.

            As one of my goals for the retreat centered around renewal and direction, I used these walks as time for reflection, thanksgiving, prayer, and mindfulness. I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the stunning scenery on that first walk and already started recharging even before the retreat officially began. Before the Introduction and Welcome hour began in the larger common area, I freshened up, grabbed a small nap, and assessed what I had packed in my carry-on bag. If flying to the retreat, it would be wise to pack some spare undergarments, medications, Pjs, cosmetics/dental/grooming care, chargers with wall converter if indicated, and a change of clothes.

            The Welcome and Introduction to the retreat, led by Moy, took place in the large sitting area where there is a wood burning fireplace and large bay window overlooking the Mahala patio. Numerous artists’ creations grace every surface of Moy’s home and immediately beckon you to take a closer look as well as appreciate the varied mediums over the extent of your stay. Ali attended the welcome event and first dinner, as her role is integral in making your retreat experience a reality and as worry free as possible. Ali is in constant contact with you leading up to the retreat, reminding you of any outstanding financial balance, polling each person on sleeping habits, temperature preferences, physical limitations, gathering relevant medical history you want to share, notes personally arranged transportation plans, and orchestrates additional ground transport if requested. Ali paves the way to your retreat at Mahala and her responsive and prompt replies to email messages does not go unnoticed. Ali’s commitment and work effort are apparent as evidence by the sheer volume of correspondence and attention to detail she handles without delay or hesitation. Ali always acknowledged receipt of my inquiries with either an answer or plan to find one. Ali truly sets the tone for the retreat long before you arrive representing Moy in the best way imaginable. Ali invites you to join a retreat attendee group chat utilizing WhatsApp a few weeks before your arrival at Mahala and provides a more detailed Itinerary. I suggest you participate in the Group chat opportunity, as you can begin learning names, compare any concerns/questions, receive travel advice, and scratch the surface of getting to know the others who will share in your experience with Moy. I feel as though the group chat made the initial meet and greet flow seamlessly. On this occasion, Ali joined us for our first dinner at Mahala where we all sat at the communal dinning table, which is centered in the middle of the kitchen, and felt like the heart of Mahala by the end of the week. It was there where we had our first taste of what the week had in-store.   

            Part of the survey you will complete from Ali prior to arriving inquires about any dietary restrictions, allergies, and preferences. This is communicated to Moy’s catering team, Eirrin (Moy’s eldest son) and Rose (Eirrin’s significant other). Both Eirinn and Rose are not only culinary geniuses, but also a fierce hosting duo who work tirelessly to meet the needs and request of the group even anticipating your wants before you verbalize them! Their impeccable service is delivered with utmost sincerity and care. I cannot praise the gourmet food we happily consumed over the duration of the retreat enough! This facet of the retreat was just another highlight making me feel as if my soul was being nourished by every means available: taste, eyes, ears, touch, smell, and heart. I was given the opportunity to learn from Moy, who is a humble, yet mind boggling multi-talented artist.

            Moy opens Mahala to you so that you might immerse your self in the most intimate of settings surrounded by some of the people and pets she holds dearest. You are essentially taken in and allowed to be a part of Moy’s familial community. The love and celebration of art flows throughout Mahala’s bedrooms, walls, kitchen, music room, lounge, studios, and outside. If you are fully open to the retreat experience, you will receive what brought you to Moy tenfold. Perhaps you are weary from work, restless or content in retirement, curious about playing with fibers, financially blessed with the means to seek out new experiences, or struggling to get by. Whatever the reason you decided to join Moy and her team at Mahala for a residential course, I urge you to come with an open mind, the ability to express compassion, gratitude, and treat yourself and others with kindness as to optimize leaving with a full heart and sense of peace.

            About my time with Moy, this is perhaps the hardest part to express in words. Moy, simply stated, is extraordinary. Moy is inspiring, creative, kind, encouraging, funny, direct, and grounded. She has the uncanny ability to demonstrate the beginnings of one of her beautiful and majestic art creations in minutes, whereas the given task would take me hours and occasionally look like rubbish. However, that is where the fun begins because every piece has the potential to transform into something stronger and unique to the hands which are creating it. Her knowledge of fiber, understanding of arts, willingness to help without micromanaging or stifling your flow, and provide constructive feedback and tips is invaluable. Moy’s actions are a true testament to her inner and outer beauty. If you are like me, you will blessed to have been part of her family for the duration of the retreat and longing to return even before returning home. 

            Each retreat concludes with Pizza Night and music (outside weather permitting by the fire-pit). Moy’s children and friends are musically talented, and join the closure of your retreat with song and a variety of homemade fire baked pizzas. This celebration is bitter-sweet as you realize your time at Mahala is coming to an end, but in true fashion to the retreat, all of your senses are awakened by the special evening (under the stars and pergola, beside a roaring fire if fortunate) of new friends, gormet pizza, and a mix of Scottish and Western music and singing (if so inclined).  

            Now that I have returned home, I liken the retreat to a blissful waking dream as I mindfully revisit what I gained during my time in Scotland. Aristotle is said to have stated, “Hope is a waking dream.”, to which some interpret as: do not lose hope in your dreams. This retreat helped preserve my hope and faith for the future and rekindle my excitement for what it might hold.

Graduate Attendee’s “What to Expect Guide” to Moy Mackay’s Retreats

Leading Up to the Retreat:

• Ali will be in contact to determine how you plan to travel and if additional transportation arrangements are needed. Return transportation arrangements are discussed and coordinated after your arrival at Mahala.

• Ali will send a more detailed Itinerary approximately two weeks before your arrival at Mahala. The Itinerary includes suggestion for what to pack and potential Free Day options to start mulling over.

• Ali will create and invite all attendees to join a WhatsApp Group Chat. This is a great opportunity to start learning names as an initial introduction, compare concerns/questions, get to know a little about one another, and help each other prep for arrival. This is of course optional and up to the individual on how much or little they have time or interest in participating.

• Ali will send out a survey asking about medical limitations or any pertinent health issues you wish to disclose, sleeping habits, temperature preference, dietary restrictions/allergies, and food likes and dislikes.

Arrival and Retreat Journey Outline:  

• Arrive at Mahala and settle-in, familiarize yourself with your surroundings, meet Moy, Eirinn, Rose, and the doggies: CeeCee, Bella, Moss, and Tahla (she is brilliant and can open doors, so note your bedroom door handle will open upwards instead of downwards)

• First day welcome and in-person introduction hour with communal dinner to follow. Discussion regarding free day options and group interests, and Q&A about any lingering matters (example: where is the available hair dryer, are there any available outlet converters if forgotten at home, where can I make my own tea or coffee or grab a glass of cold water.)

• All meals are eaten together at the approximate agreed upon time, so that service can be provide in one seating. If you are not eating a meal, it would be considerate to make either Eirinn or Rose aware in advance as to cut down on food waste. Also, by eating together you are able to learn more about one another, have time to get ready for your Studio Day or Free Day with the extra time following breakfast (brush teeth, use the restrooms, grab your glasses, sweater, hydrate/ingest additional caffeine or sit in the main lounge and digest the delicious food).

• Studio Days: Start off the day observing demonstrations by Moy. Take a notebook if you wish to make note of anything, as photos and videos of her demonstrations are prohibited. Ongoing guidance from Moy as you start creating. The first part of the day is 2 to 3 hours of hands on work time. Lunch to follow, then back to the studio to continue working for another 2 to 3 hours. Optional open studio time is available leading up to dinner. There is ample time in the day for everyone to access a shower/bath and enjoy some down time.

• Free Days: Moy gauges the group’s majority interest in the activities offered and handles the arrangements. Moy is also flexible and attempts to accommodate where able. You are free to participate in the free day activities, stay back at Mahala, or make your own arrangements. Breakfast and Dinner are provided on free days, with lunch depending on where and what you are out exploring.

• Example of the free day experiences on my retreat: Walked to Traquair House with Moy and some of the doggies for a private tour followed by some free time to explore the grounds, brewery, gifts shop, and open artisan stores on the property. Some attendees were directly transported to Peebles following the tour and dropped off at Moy’s Gallery, as this is the designated drop-off/pick-up area. Moy took those interested in having a traditional Scottish tea to Kringle Hotel, which meant slightly less shopping/free time in Peebles, but was one of my favorite memories from the retreat. The second free day offered a trip to the Great Tapestry of Scotland and free time in the surrounding city. Following dinner back at Mahala, Moy took some of the group back to Peebles for a live local performance.

Suggestions:

• Those individuals flying to Scotland might want to bring spare clothing, toiletries, and all medication in a carry-on when checking a bag.

• Do no expect to do laundry at Mahala, so pack accordingly if possible. I had no issues packing enough clean clothes to last me the extent of the retreat, plus four additional days in Scotland following.

• Do pack clothes that can be easily layered.

• Do bring a raincoat that is waterproof not water resistant, same for the shoes, should you want to take walks.

• Do bring an outlet converter and all of your charging cords.

• There is one available hair dryer at Mahala should you not want to bring your own.

• There were three full bathrooms for attendees and an additional half bathroom closer to the studio. (It is noted Moy has since opened up additional bathrooms since completion of renovations took place after my retreat).

• I suggest bringing a pair of flip flops if you are hesitant in sharing a shower with others. We had no issues grabbing a warm shower during our stay without the need for coordination.

• Plan to keep your bedroom door closed at all times to reinforce Moy’s ongoing conditioning that the doggies are not allowed in attendees rooms.

• Moy makes it known she has four dogs, two wee ones and two medium sized ones, so if you suspect this will be an issue for you then it is likely you may want to consider taking one of Moy’s online courses instead. You by no means need to be a dog enthusiast, but should be able to tolerate the presence of dogs, as they are family at Mahala. Personally, the doggies were just another plus to my time at the retreat.

• If you require additional beverage (or forgotten toiletries/over-the-counter medication) needs outside of what Moy and her catering team have to offer, there is time to pick them up on your free day outings, bring them with you, or inquire about any future trips to the store.

• Do leave yourself extra room in a bag when packing for the trip to allow for packing the creations you start during your course, approximately 4 smaller, 1 medium, and 2 larger felted pieces. Also, I shopped on the free days for items to bring friends and family, so take that into consideration and leave yourself some extra room!

• Do bring some local currency if you anticipate the inclination to tip Eirinn and Rose at the end of your stay. I think everyone at my retreat wanted to take them home with them!

• All of Moy’s books, tools, kits, selection of fibers, and personal art works are available for CC purchase both at the house and her Gallery in Peebles.

• Do not expect to leave with finished works of art but rather the start of something great and the notion of how to continue their evolution and embellishment at home. Moy spends countless hours adding details and making changes to her own work, so anticipate doing the same after you leave.