Tailored Printmaking Retreats on The Isle of Bute, Scotland
If you’re ready to go deeper into your printmaking practice, a tailored retreat gives you the time, space and one-to-one attention to do exactly that. Based in my garden studio in Rothesay - with Rothesay Bay right outside the window - these retreats are designed around you, your techniques, your pace, and your creative goals.
“I enjoyed Carol’s tuition immensely - loads of ideas, great, very clear tuition...and still room to experiment!”
Who Is This For?
These retreats are particularly well suited to:
Printmakers wanting to develop their monotype or collagraph work beyond the introductory stage
Artists working in other media who want to explore printmaking more seriously
Anyone who'd like to combine focused studio time with the inspiration of an island setting
Solo travellers or small groups of up to four (family or friends) looking for a fun activity to do for a day or two.
Whether you're looking for a weekend intensive or a week-long immersive stay, we'll agree a programme that works for you before you arrive.
The Studio & Setting
The studio is professionally equipped with a Hawthorn 545 etching press, a full range of inks, and everything you need to work across multiple techniques. It sits in my garden in Rothesay, overlooking the Pavilion and Rothesay Bay — a setting that finds its way into a lot of the work made here.
Groups are small — a maximum of four, with three being the sweet spot — which means the tuition is genuinely personal and the pace is set by you, not the group.
What We'll Work On
My specialist areas are monotype and collagraph, and these form the heart of most tailored retreats. Depending on your interests and experience, we can also bring in elements of linocut, gelli plate printing, or drypoint — including how these techniques can be integrated with monotype or collagraph work to create something genuinely layered and personal.
Your tuition is shaped around what you want to achieve. Some participants arrive with a specific project in mind; others come with curiosity and openness. Both are completely fine.
The Island As Your Raw Material
Bute is a genuinely inspiring island to be on. If you'd like to get out and sketch or photograph locations to work from, I can point you towards the places that tend to spark something: the ancient ruins at St. Blane's Church, the seals and seabirds at Scalpsie Beach, the standing stones and rock art scattered across the island, and quieter spots like St. Ninian's at the Straad and the Bute Community Forest.
A retreat can take whatever shape makes sense for you. Spend a day or two out on the island first — sketching, photographing, picking up textures — and then bring that material into the studio. Or start with tuition and use what you learn to look at the landscape differently when you head out to gather reference. Most people loop between studio and island as the work develops. Think of it more like a short artist's residency, with a knowledgeable local to guide you.
I’m happy to show you some of my favourite spots depending on your interests, or offer advice and some directions to help you find the places worth finding as you go exploring on your own.
Places Worth Finding
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A medieval chapel in a sheltered hollow near the southern tip of the island, with Iron Age earthworks and the ruins of a 6th-century monastery. Dramatic, atmospheric, and rarely busy.
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One of the best places on Bute to watch seals hauled out on the rocks, with wide views across to Arran. Good for quiet observation and slow sketching. Lots of seabirds at low tide especially on the southern end of the beach.
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Scattered across the island in unexpected places. Several sites have cup-marked stones that have been here for five thousand years. Worth seeking out.
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A peaceful shallow tidal bay on the west coast, with the remains of a medieval chapel and a quality of light that changes completely with the weather. Check the tide times before setting off to look for the chapel on the far side of the bay.
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Temperate rain forest woodland walks with a more enclosed, textural feel — useful counterpoint to the open coastal views elsewhere on the island. There’s a path to The Maids of Bute, two stone maidens sit quietly on the northern tip of the Isle of Bute staring out to sea.
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Roofless stone settlements that you can stumble across on hillside walks, with long views down to the water.
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If wild seabirds are your bag or even just observing the seascape and landscape with shelter there are various bird hides at Loch Quien, Loch Fad, Kirk Dam, Loch Ascog, Greenan Loch and Etterick Bay (south end). You can sit out of the wind and rain.
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St. Michael’s Grave: A Neolithic chambered cairn 1903 excavations found flint flakes, animal bones, and cremated human remains.
Cairnbaan Chambered Cairn: A well-preserved prehistoric site located nearby in the South Wood of Lenihuline.
Designing Your Retreat
Every retreat is different, and that's the point.
We'll talk through what you are looking for and what you want to achieve before you arrive. I'll put together a written estimate based on your plans. Once you have agreed I will send you an invoice along with any agreed payment plan if you have requested that.
Here's how the costs break down:
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— £110 per person per day, including inks, cleaning materials, and a basic paper allowance (usually one and a half to two full sheets of Fabriano Unica cut into quarters — (see Printmaking Papers below). This is the core of any retreat, and most people build in one to two days of focussed tuition to start.
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— I charge £60 per person for a half day, £100 for a full day (to cover my time and fuel) if you'd like me to take you to specific places on the island and accompany you for the day or half day.
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If you want to use the studio to work independently, standard studio hire rates apply (£10 per half day, £20 per full day, including most materials (but not paper).
You can book a half day or full day supported studio session at £25 or £50 respectively.
Or a half day supported session and half day independent studio session at £35.
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Every tuition course includes a basic paper allowance: around one and a half to two full sheets of Fabriano Unica, cut into quarters, for a two-day course, plus one more full sheet for each additional tuition day. How much you use depends on how fast you work or if you want to work larger. If you run out, you can purchase more.
If you'd like to work on heavier or specialist papers — which can make a real difference to collagraph work in particular — these are available to purchase in the studio.
Additional papers are sold by the full sheet, from £2 to £6.50 depending on the paper. I stock Fabriano Unica 250 gsm, Fabriano Rosapina 285 gsm, Somerset Satin and BFK Rives, and I’m happy to advise on what suits your work. Acid free tissue and newsprint is also available to purchase.
I can also order specific papers in advance if you let me know what you're after.
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Two days of tuition, materials included — comes to £220 per person.
Typical two-day retreat plus:
An unguided day out on the island and a day of independent studio time comes to £240 or
A guided day out on the island and a full day supported studio session comes to £370 per person or
A 5-day week-long stay, mixing tuition, guiding and independent working:
Three days tuition — comes to £330 per person.
Plus a half day guided around the island and a day of independent studio time comes to £410 or
A full guided day out on the island and a day of independent studio time with input from me as required comes to–£480 per person plus any additional paper you wish to purchase.
These are just examples of what you can do. Prices may vary slightly depending on the printmaking medium/media you wish to pursue and therefore whether you may need additional materials and equipment over and above what I normally supply. This can be discussed and agreed before you book.
To confirm your place, I take a deposit: 50% for retreats of up to two days, and 30% for retreats of three days or longer. The balance is due four weeks before you arrive. If you book at least four months ahead, you can spread the cost in monthly instalments, all paid at least eight weeks before your stay. Full details, including cancellations, are in my Booking and Cancellation Policy.
Any additional paper or materials used during your stay can be settled up before you leave.
Pricing Structure Summary
My 2027 prices are a little higher than last year. Paper costs in particular have risen steeply, and rising fuel prices are pushing up many of my other costs too. I absorb what I can, but paper prices may change before your visit.
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£110 per person per day
Inks, cleaning materials and a basic paper allowance included
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Half day (up to 3 hours) £60 per person
Full day (up to 6 hours) £100 per person.
The price includes travel costs and my time.
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£25 per person per half day
£50 for a full day.
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£10 per half day
£20 per full day.
Includes inks and consumables, not paper
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Included on tuition days and studio hire days
Paper and other specialist print media specific such as lino, metal or polymer plates, gelli plates, etc, are not.
You can bring your own, purchase what you need in advance, or organise to purchase what you need from me in advance.
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Each course comes with a basic paper allowance.
For example a two day course comes with up to two full sheets of Fabriano Unica, cut into quarters (unless otherwise requested).
The basic paper allowance is based on how many tuition days there are and the medium.
Some people work fast and run out while others work slowly and leave with some blank sheets.
If you are one of the fast workers you can purchase more from me.
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Once you run out of paper, or you want to use other specialist heavier printmaking papers, or you are working independently on retreat or studio hire days, you can purchase more from me.
Paper is sold by the full sheet, £2 to £6.50 depending on the paper. (Paper prices have risen steeply and may change. from the prices quoted here)
You can also order other specialist papers in advance if you have particular papers you want to work with. These are also priced per full sheet. I’ll order them once your booking is confirmed with your deposit. You pay for them when you arrive.
Worked Examples -
These examples can be adapted.
It may also be possible to offer longer retreats if you want an even fuller immersive experience.
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One-off half day (3 hours) -
£70 per person
2 half day sessions -
£65 per day = £130 per person
3 + half day sessions -
£60 per day = from £180 per person.
If you are a subscriber to my mailing list - £162 (£54 per day) for 3 or more sessions.
Materials and paper (up to 3 quarter sheets Fabriano Unica) are included in all the above options.
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£120 per person
Materials and paper (up to 4 quarter sheets Fabriano Unica) are included.
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Two days of full time tuition:
2027 — £220
Materials and paper (up to 8 quarter sheets or 2 full size sheets Fabriano Unica) are included.
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2 Days Core Tuition + 1 Day independent consolidation printing with occasional guidance.
£270 per person £220 (tuition) + £50 (full day supported studio hire)
Materials and paper (up to 8 quarter sheets or 2 full size sheets Fabriano Unica) are included .
You can purchase additional paper and other materials depending on the print medium you are exploring — more Fabriano Unica, heavier printmaking papers, or collage weight papers.
Two Days Core Tuition + 1 Day In Depth Tuition.
This can be an additional day to explore your chosen medium in more depth with additional techniques taught. What this covers can be planned and booked in advance, or led by where you choose to take your learning based on where you’re at after the first two days.£330 per person
Materials and a basic paper allowance (12 quarter sheets of Fabriano Unica) are included in this option
Other papers are charged according to what you choose, priced between £2 — £6.50 (subject to change)
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2 Days Tuition + 1 Day Island Guiding + 1 independent Studio Day:
4 days: 2 tuition + 1 guiding + 1 independent
Without input — one day guiding, no studio input on independent studio day
£220 + £100 + £20 = £340 per personWith input — One day island guiding and half day supported studio session
£220 (tuition) + £100 (full guided day) + £25 (half day supported session) + £10 (independent studio half day) = £355 per person assuming my input is only required in the morning or afternoonOne day island guiding and full day supported studio session £220 (tuition) + £100 (full day island guiding) + £50 (full day supported studio hire) = £370 per person
Materials are included in all studio based days
Paper is priced per sheet (£2 to £6.50) on an independent studio day or if you run out on a tuition day.
3 Days Tuition + 1 day Independent Studio Time
Without input —
£330 (tuition) + £20 (studio day) = £350 per person
With input as needed —
£330 (tuition) + £25 (half day supported session + £10 (half day studio hire without support) = £365 per person
Or £330 (3 days tuition) + £50 (full day supported session) = £380 per person
Materials and a basic paper allowance are included in days 1, 2 and 3
Paper (sold by the full sheet) can be purchased once you run out of your basic paper allowance or if you wish to try a heavier weight paper or wish to experiment with different makes of paper
2 Days Course Tuition + 2 Half Days Island Guiding + 2 Half Days Independent Studio Time
Without input — £220 + £120 + £20 = £360 per person
With input — £220 + £120 + £50 = £390 per person
Inks, consumables and a basic paper allowance are included in days 1 and 2
Paper (sold by the full sheet) can be purchased once you run out of your basic paper allowance or if you wish to try a heavier weight paper or wish to experiment with different makes of paper
2 Days Core Tuition + 2 Days In Depth Tuition
The additional days tuition will explore other techniques in your chosen printmaking medium.
Or could be an opportunity to combine the core tuition medium with other printmaking media.£440 per person
Inks, consumables and a basic paper allowance are included in this option on all days
Should you wish to use other papers in stock it is sold by the full sheet or if you run out of your allocated allowance.
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2 Days Core Tuition + 1 In Depth Tuition Day + 2 Independent Studio Days
Without input - £330 (tuition) + £40 (independent use of the studio) = £370 per person
With input - £330 (tuition) + £50 (supported studio session) + £20 (independent studio use) = £400 per person
Materials and a basic paper allowance are included in days 1, 2 and 3.
Additional paper can be purchased once you run out of your basic paper allowance or if you wish to try alternative heavier papers
2 Days Core Tuition + 1 In Depth Tuition Day + 1 Day Island Guiding + 1 Independent Studio Day
Without input - £ 330 (tuition) + £100 (island guiding) + £20 (independent studio use) = £450 per person
With input - £ 330 (tuition) + £100 (island guiding) + £50 (supported full day studio session) = £480 per person
Materials and a basic paper allowance are included in days 1, 2 and 3
Additional paper can be purchased when you run out of your basic paper allowance and if you wish to try heavier papers
A note on independent working
I'm happy for confident, experienced printmakers to work independently without ongoing input from me — and the rates reflect that. However, I do reserve the right to assess this on the day. If I feel that someone would benefit from more guidance — whether for safety reasons or to get the best out of their session — I'll always have that conversation kindly and honestly.
My priority is that everyone leaves having had a productive and enjoyable experience, and sometimes that means a little more involvement from me than was originally planned is required. Any adjustment to the session cost will always be discussed and agreed before it's applied.
Getting Here and Making The Most of Your Stay
The Isle of Bute is just 35 minutes from the Scottish west coast mainland by CalMac ferry from Wemyss Bay. If you are travelling around Scotland and coming down the west coast from Oban, you can also access the north end of the island by a 5 minute Calmac ferry from Colintraive.
I'm happy to share recommendations for accommodation, places to eat, and getting around the island, whether you're driving, bike, or bus. E-bikes are available to hire. I’ve written a blog post - Your Complete Guide to Visiting the Isle of Bute — From the Ferry to the Studio and Beyond to help you plan your trip.
Travel Considerations To Bear In Mind In Autumn/Winter
Thinking of visiting in autumn or winter?
The island is quieter, the light is more dramatic, and the studio is warm. Ferry services can occasionally be disrupted by high winds, so I would build in flexibility into off-season bookings, and cosy studio days in challenging weather often produce some of the most interesting work.
A Note on Travel Insurance
I’d strongly recommend you take out travel insurance when you book. If ferries are cancelled or weather elsewhere stops you reaching Bute, I’m happy to move your retreat to new dates, but I can’t offer a refund at short notice, and I can’t cover accommodation or travel costs. A good policy can cover those, along with your retreat fee if you need to cancel.
If you are booking in off-peak months I suggest you have a conversation with your accommodation provider to find out what their policy is in the event of ferry cancellations both when you are arriving or attempting to leave the island. If all else fails we have been known to offer backup accommodation. It’s a small thing that means both of us can relax and focus on the creative work rather than worrying about what might happen.
Full details of my booking and cancellation policy are on the Booking and Cancellation Policy page - worth a read before you confirm your dates.
Let’s Talk About What You Have in Mind
Tailored retreats are arranged by conversation, not through an online booking form. Drop me an email with a rough idea of what you have in mind — your experience level, any techniques you'd like to focus on, and when you're thinking of coming — and we'll take it from there.