Printmaking Workshops In Scotland
View from Scalpsie Beach
Isle of Bute Creative Art Retreats 2025-2026
The wonderful response during The Bute Studio Trail weekend—with visitors exploring 23 venues and meeting 30 participants—revealed a real appetite for art holidays in Scotland in general and creative art courses on the beautiful Isle of Bute in particular. The steady stream of visitors to my studio confirmed there is a strong interest in my printmaking courses that are running from October 2025 through August 2026.
My studio, with its stunning sea views across Rothesay Bay, provides an inspirational setting for creative exploration and art holidays. Earlier this year, I trialled my first weekend workshops, welcoming creatives from both the island and further afield. Anne, a watercolour artist from Yorkshire, came for some 1-2-1 monotype tuition over a weekend with her husband and their new puppy, staying in their camper van. She said:
"I've enjoyed such an informative and enjoyable weekend, beginning to understand the techniques and effects possible with monoprinting with stencils. What an amazing setting, your purpose-built studio, house with an awesome view on a beautiful island. Thank you for the time and help."
While Anne worked in the studio, her husband explored the island with their dog, returning daily to their wild camping spot at the south end where they enjoyed the birdlife and fresh sea air—a perfect example of how art courses in Scotland can enhance your holiday experience.
Creative Art Retreats in Rothesay 2025-2026
During The Bute Studio Trail, I met several groups of friends who gather annually for creative adventures in Rothesay. These artists—poets, writers, bookbinders, painters, textile artists, photographers—come together for some relaxation, creative stimulation and a love for trying new art courses to spark their imagination and share ideas. They were thrilled about the idea of small group printmaking workshops, perfect for their shared retreats, offering a fresh medium while they enjoy accommodation together and create a proper art holiday.
Next week, I'm running a day workshop created for a couple with visiting teenagers. Each year they plan a creative activity with these young people. This year they chose printmaking, and I designed not only a short day activity but suggested preparation work—gathering materials during island beach walks for studio use—feeding into their quality time together in multiple ways.
I've had several enquiries from camper van holidaymakers, delighted to discover both the island campsite and Scotland's wild camping permissions (provided people respect the environment). I quite fancy stepping out of a van in the morning myself to seabirds and otters, with the sea lapping this Scottish West Coast shore. After breakfast, heading up for printmaking sessions, then exploring new bays and coastal paths at day's end. What's not to like?
Hard at Work In the Studio
Scottish Printmaking Workshop Programme
Printmaking Courses for Local Residents
Two Four-Session Creative Workshop Series on Friday Afternoons
Designed specifically for island life and work schedules while connecting with fellow local creatives through art classes Scotland residents can easily access.
Printmaking Art Courses for Locals and Island Visitors
April-August 2026: This creative printmaking holiday programme begins when ferry travel becomes reliable in spring. Choose from weekend workshops, 3-day and 4-day intensive courses, taking advantage of longer Scottish island days and inspiring surrounding landscapes.
Bespoke Creative Retreat Packages - Beginners Welcome
You can create your own perfect Scottish art holiday experience. All skill levels welcome, from complete beginners to experienced artists if none of the workshops in the programme fit in with your plans. You can:
Create your own self-directed time in the studio: No tuition, just use my professional printmaking facilities with minimal guidance, and plan your days around sketching and exploring the island with time in the studio.
Combination art retreats: Mix expert tuition with self-directed creative experimentation at your own pace. Contact me to discuss possibilities.
1-2-1 intensive weekends: Book me for a deep dive into monotype, collagraphs, or mixed media with personalised instruction for a period of time to suit.
Studio rental for locals: Fall in love with printmaking but lack space or equipment? Access my studio and professional materials to pursue your interest further, with optional hourly tuition until you're confident working independently.
Winter Sunset After The Storm at Etterick Bay
Accommodation Options On The Isle Of Bute:
Wild camping: Permitted following countryside code, surrounded by inspiring Scottish west coast vistas.
Roseland Holiday Park: Pitches and glamping pods with full facilities.
Glamping pods: Etterick Bay offers spacious, comfortable pods right by the beach behind the tearoom. Scalpsie Bay has three pods overlooking seals and Arran, set on the farm with amazing views. The Charcoal Huts in Bute Community Forest provide off-grid accommodation with composting facilities.
Scottish B&Bs: Various budget options available across the island, including Cannon House and Highlander House.
Self-catering cottages: Prospect House offers several self-catering apartments, with boat tours available. The Hidden Asset, at Academy Apartments is just a few doors down from me. Its where we stayed when we first came to the island and fell in love with it. It provides comfortable accommodation with amazing views. Next door, another neighbour rents out a brand-new neighbouring chalet, Ghillies Croft Cabin.
I'm continually researching more options, so please get in touch for additional suggestions.
Isle of the coast of Arran from Scalpsie
Planning Your Scottish Creative Holiday
Timing and Accommodation for Your Art Retreat
The main creative holidays programme begins in April when spring weather makes ferry travel most reliable. While Bute has the largest population of Scottish west coast islands with excellent accommodation options, early booking ensures the best choice and rates—whether you're seeking budget-friendly options or luxury cottages. Unless, of course, you bring your own camper van!
Shop Local To Support The Island Business Community
Make the most of island ingredients with McQueens butcher, Jessmay's fruit and veg, Isle of Bute Smokehouse at Bute Yard, Bonnie Bling for locally roasted coffee, The Gather Deli and there are two Co-ops and a Londis. Whether staying in Rothesay near my studio or on the west side for beaches and wildlife, there's something special about cooking with Scottish local produce between creative sessions.
Why A Scottish Island Creative Retreat Works
Holidaying on a Scottish island offers unique benefits. Having visited many west coast islands over the years, I know how life naturally slows down, giving you time to breathe and opening you up to new artistic experiences. The breathtaking landscapes and seascapes feed creativity—the wildlife, the light—creating perfect conditions for a creative break. Participants tell me the combination of focused printmaking workshops with freedom to walk shores, watch ferries, or simply sit with tea overlooking the coastline creates ideal conditions for artistic growth. You don't just acquire technical skills—the Isle of Bute offers a chance to unwind and be truly present with your creativity.
Small Group Workshop Atmosphere - All Levels Welcome
All workshops are intentionally kept small to maintain intimate, supportive learning environments. Whether you're a complete beginner curious about printmaking or an experienced maker developing new techniques, these Scottish art workshops meet you where you are and help you grow as an artist.
Rubh'An Eun Lighthouse at Glencallum Bay on The West Island Way (south end of the island)
Ready to Plan Your Scottish Creative Art Holiday?
Only 4 places per workshop for maximum personal attention impossible in larger workshops. Combine this type of learning with island exploration and genuine relaxation for an unforgettable creative retreat.
Please review the Workshop Terms and Conditions - Scroll to the second half of the page. Your booking confirms you accept these terms, including the cancellation policy and workshop guidelines.
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I have written a separate blog post on how to get here. There are a variety of options whether you are travelling by public transport, car, bike or camper van.
If you have any questions about printmaking workshops, accommodation, or planning your Isle of Bute visit I am happy to help.