Self-Directed Creative Retreats at The Warren Forest Garden & Eco Cabins, Black Isle, Scotland
Now accepting applications for week-long self-directed residencies for artists, writers, and creative practitioners in Coll Cabin, a handcrafted low impact eco cabin nestled in our 2.5-acre Forest Garden and Regenerative Woodland on the Black Isle in Northern Scotland.
About the Residency
This is an opportunity for creatives to slow down, reconnect with nature, and develop new work in a unique setting. Residencies are available from October to December and February to April, offering time for quiet reflection, research, and creative practice.
The residency includes:
- Off-grid eco accommodation in Coll Cabin
- A small integrated desk workspace
- Access to 2.5 acres of forest garden and woodland
- Basic amenities: bedding/towels, electricity, firewood
While the cabin has limited electricity and no Wi-Fi, it offers a chance to work at a slower pace, immersed in the surrounding landscape.
Cabin Facilities
Coll Cabin is a live/work space ideal for:
- Writers, researchers, and visual artists
- Clean or small-scale creative practices
- Artists engaging with the natural environment, permaculture, or ecological themes
Please note: This residency is not suited to practices requiring large studio space, heavy tools, or digital infrastructure. However, the outside spaces may be used for making work, occasional events or talks.
Who This Is For
This retreat is ideal for practitioners exploring:
- Sustainability and regenerative living
- Food systems and climate crisis
- Ecology and environmental art
- Permaculture-inspired or land-based practices
You’ll have time to explore your ideas through simple living, reflection, research, and making. If desired, artists may offer a workshop or informal talk during their stay.
Fees & Practical Details
- £450 per week (includes accommodation, bedding, firewood, electricity)
- £150 damage deposit
- Up to 4 consecutive weeks available
- Artists cover their own costs for food, travel, materials, and insurance
- You may apply for external funding to support your residency
Previous Residency
In April 2022, we hosted our first artist-in-residence:
‘Seed Bed’ by Glasgow-based artist Fionn Duffy, supported by Creative Scotland and in partnership with Circus Artspace. The residency included community activities such as a garden reading group and an art salon in the yurt.
Eligibility & Ethos
We welcome applications from artists at all career stages, emerging, mid-career, or established. The residency is shaped by the values of permaculture, particularly:
- Earth Care
- People Care
- Future Care
The Warren Forest Garden, woodland, eco household and arts studio is our livelihood and a place we nurture, therefore we seek an artist who shares our values and respect for the natural world.
How to Apply
Before applying, please download and read the documents below to ensure the residency is right for you:
Artists at all stages of their career, whether emerging or established, are welcome to apply. The objective is to provide a live/work space and time for artists to reflect, connect with nature and strengthen their practice and explore open ended outcomes.
Before applying, please download and read the documents below to ensure the residency is right for you:
Include the following:
- A short outline of how you plan to use the residency and themes you wish to explore
- Artist statement (max 500 words)
- Current CV
- 6–8 images of recent work
- Your funding plan for the stay
- Preferred dates (please give two options if possible)
We will do our best to accommodate your first choice of dates, but some flexibility may be required.