Festival of Writing and Storytelling (LIMITED AVAILABILITY)

The Festival of Writing and Storytelling is open to all who love to read and listen to stories. Whether you are an experienced writer or exploring writing for the first time, this week is for you.

You’ll get the opportunity to workshop with writers from different backgrounds and genres, to find out more about different creative processes, and to find your own literary voice along the way.

There will also be plenty of time to enjoy hearty meals form the Iona Abbey Kitchen, explore the rugged and wild island landscape, tell stories by the fireside, and share in the love of words as a community – written, read and spoken.

Festival Contributors

Lamorna Ash 

Lamorna Ash is an author and journalist based in London. Her first book, Dark Salt Clear, was shortlisted for the Wainwright Prize in 2020 and won the Somerset Maugham prize in 2021. Her second book, Don’t Forget We’re Here Forever, came out in May 2025, and was a Telegraph and GQ Book of the Year. 

Margaret Elphinstone

Margaret Elphinstone is the author of Lost People (Wild Goose 2005), a novella offering hope and redemption in a time of war and desolation. Lost People was shortlisted for the 2024 Saltire fiction award. Margaret is the author of nine earlier novels, including The Gathering Night, Voyageurs and the award-winning Sea Road. [She has worked as an organic gardener and an academic and is Emerita Professor of writing at Strathclyde University.]  Her poetry collection will be published by Wild Goose during 2026. She lives in Galloway. 

Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin

Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin is an Irish writer based in Edinburgh. Her debut novel, Ordinary Saints, was published in April 2025. It was shortlisted for the Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, was a Radio 2 Book Club Pick, and was shortlisted for two Books Are My Bag awards.

More contributors to be announced soon!

Costs

6 Nights: £870 or £435 concession