# Color Confidence - Expressive Mixed Media Retreat with Artist Georgie Forbes in Scotland

Explore color like never before on a mixed media retreat with artist Georgie Forbes (Lordy Dordie), set in the Scottish countryside near the village of Buchlyvie, where wide green pastures meet the shifting light of the Trossachs. This retreat is designed for artists of all levels, whether you're picking up mixed media for the first time or looking to give your creativity a boost.

Each day, Georgie will lead hands-on sessions covering color mixing, expressive mark-making, and layering across watercolor, gouache, acrylic paint pens, inks, and collage, helping you loosen your process and build a personal creative voice.

Alongside your studio time, you'll head out to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, spend a full day exploring Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, and take a self-guided walk to the nearby village of Buchlyvie, gathering sketches and reference material to bring back into your work.

Your haven for the retreat is a peaceful countryside estate, complete with a spacious studio, chef-prepared meals, and evenings filled with Scottish culture, from gin tastings to a traditional Ceilidh dance and music campfire night.

## Details

- **Dates:** August 11 - 18, 2027
- **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK
- **Starting Price:** $4,600
- **Currency:** USD
- **Status:** open
- **Group Size:** Max. 16 students
- **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting)

## Overview

**What's included**

1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Georgie Forbes
2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, paper towels, water cups, professional studio lights, plein-air artist stools, easels, and easel/table lamps
3. 7 nights of accommodation at a Scottish countryside estate
4. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, outdoor hot tubs, terraces, and gardens
5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 mid-morning power juices, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chef
6. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free
7. Special welcome and farewell dinner
8. Water, coffee, herbal tea, and snacks available throughout the day
9. Delicious wine served during dinner every day
10. An in-house gin-tasting experience
11. Half-day art trip to Loch Lomond, with opportunities for sketching and painting on-location
12. Full-day art trip to Stirling, with opportunities for sketching and painting on-location
13. Entrance ticket and guided visit to Stirling Castle during your trip to Stirling
14. Visit to the Wallace Monument during your trip to Stirling
15. Trip to Buchlyvie village and the surrounding countryside, at your leisure
16. Campfire with Scottish (Ceilidh) dancing and music after the farewell dinner
17. Private transportation for all trips and planned activities (except for the trip to Buchlyvie village)
18. Round-trip transfers at pre-arranged times from/to Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
19. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout retreat
20. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff
21. All local tourist taxes and fees
22. Access to a private Facebook group with Georgie Forbes and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat

**Not included**

- Airfare
- Travel insurance
- One lunch during the full-day trip to Stirling
- Art supplies — a detailed list of art materials recommended by Georgie Forbes will be provided five months before the retreat takes place
- Tips for staff
- Other expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Expressive Mixed Media Art Retreat
Join a week of color, play, and creative discovery with artist Georgie Forbes (Lordy Dordie), set against the rolling hills and shifting light of the Scottish countryside. This retreat is designed for artists at any level, whether you're picking up mixed media for the first time or looking to break out of a more rigid, precise way of working. Georgie's approach centers on play and experimentation over perfectionism, and she'll tailor her guidance throughout the week to where you're starting from and what you want to loosen up.

Across the week, you'll work through color theory and hands-on mixing exercises, expressive mark-making, layering, and composition, gradually building a toolkit you can carry into your own practice long after the retreat ends. Georgie will spend time with each artist individually, helping you find your own creative voice rather than steering everyone toward the same result. Working alongside a small group of fellow artists gives you the space to experiment openly, share feedback, and pick up new ways of seeing from people outside your usual routine.

Beyond the studio, gather inspiration for your art during three art trips: sketch on the shores of Loch Lomond in the Trossachs National Park, embark on a full-day visit to Stirling, taking in Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, and explore the nearby village of Buchlyvie at your own pace.

**The topics covered during your lessons will include:**

- Color mixing and building a personal color palette
- Working across watercolor, gouache, acrylic paint pens, inks, and collage
- Expressive mark-making and layering techniques
- Translating landscape and reference photos into mixed media studies
- Botanical composition and brushwork
- Painting in the negative to create depth and interesting backgrounds
- Hand-painted lettering
- Developing your personal creative voice
- ...and many more.

Your home for the week is a beautiful farm estate nestled in the peaceful Scottish countryside and surrounded by rustic scenery and tranquil gardens. Enjoy comfortable accommodation, a fully equipped art studio, and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the landscape. Throughout the week, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, recharge, and connect with fellow artists over a glass of wine or a cup of tea.

Indulge in delicious chef-prepared meals, a special gin-tasting experience featuring local varieties, and a memorable campfire night with Scottish music and dancing beneath the open sky. Embark on a week of creativity, nature, and connections, and leave with memories to last a lifetime!

### Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) for a 3:00 PM pickup and enjoy a scenic drive to your destination, a stunning countryside estate, where you’ll arrive around 4:00 PM. Once there, settle into your comfortable room, take a moment to unwind, and meet your instructor for the week, artist Georgie Forbes.

Join your fellow artists for a relaxed orientation tour of the property, exploring the charming accommodations, the spacious studio, and the expansive gardens. The evening kicks off with a delightful welcome dinner prepared by the estate’s in-house chef, paired with a glass of wine. Enjoy lively conversations with your art group as you discuss the inspiring plans for the retreat.

### Day 2: Art classes at the venue
Begin your day with a refreshing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee as you join Georgie for a quick morning check-in. Connect with your fellow artists before beginning your first creative session of the retreat.

In this session, ***Colour Without Fear***, you'll get to know your materials and work through practical color-mixing exercises, exploring warm and cool tones as you build your own personal color reference guide. Georgie will guide you through a series of playful exercises designed to loosen your hand and build confidence with color from the very first day.

After lunch, move into your afternoon session, ***Marks, Layers & Play***. You'll experiment with watercolor, gouache, acrylic paint pens, inks, and collage, working through expressive mark-making exercises that will encourage you to become more spontaneous. Georgie will demonstrate ways to layer these materials for depth and texture, and she'll ask you to keep your sketchbook close at hand. The sketches you'll gather on your upcoming trip to Loch Lomond will feed directly into your next class.

As evening settles in, unwind before a three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, with a glass of local wine poured alongside. Take a soak in the hot tub or a walk through the gardens if you're not ready to call it a night.

### Day 3: Art trip to Loch Lomond
After a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, prepare for an adventure amid the tranquil beauty of the Scottish countryside.

Head out to Loch Lomond, set within the Trossachs National Park. Following a scenic drive past rolling hills and woodland, you'll reach the tranquil shoreline, where the still water reflects passing clouds, distant summits, and patches of native heather and Scots pine. You'll spend the morning taking in the loch's islands, clear waters, and the peaks beyond. Take reference photos of striking landscapes, sketch on location, or make a note of inspiring natural shapes and colors. Ben Lomond rises above the water, framed by oak woodland and wildflowers, giving you plenty to capture before heading back.

You'll return to the farm in time for lunch. In the afternoon session, ***Inspired by Scotland***, you'll transform the sketches and reference photos you gathered that morning into expressive mixed media mini studies. Rather than copying the landscape directly, Georgie will guide you toward interpreting what you've seen, translating color, mood, and atmosphere into your own visual language.

Once the session wraps up, enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own pace. Wander the gardens, settle into the hot tub, or relax with a cup of tea before joining the group for dinner and a glass of wine.

### Day 4: Art classes at the venue
Start the day with breakfast before moving into your morning session, ***Mixed Media Botanicals – Part 1***. You'll build expressive floral compositions using loose brushwork, layering, and collage, as Georgie shows you how to combine color and mark-making to bring botanical subjects to life on the page.

After lunch, continue the thread in your afternoon session, ***Mixed Media Botanicals – Part 2 & Painting in the Negative***. You'll build on the morning's compositions while learning to paint around your subjects rather than directly onto them, a technique that opens up striking backgrounds and a fresh way of reading shape and space. Georgie will work through this alongside you, helping you see negative space as an active part of your composition rather than an afterthought.

As the session winds down, take time to relax before dinner. A walk through the surrounding countryside or a quiet stretch in the hot tub is a good way to close out the day before gathering for another three-course dinner with wine.

### Day 5: Art trip to Stirling
After breakfast, set out on a full-day trip to the historic town of Stirling, where the Highlands give way to the rolling hills of the Lowlands.

The morning starts at Stirling Castle, perched above the town with sweeping views over the surrounding countryside. With a local guide, make your way through the courtyards while learning about the noble families who once resided there. Along the way, feel free to stop and take reference photos or make quick sketches, taking in the atmosphere on paper.

Following the castle visit, take a slow walk through Stirling's winding streets. Once Scotland's capital, the town offers a charming mix of narrow medieval lanes, stone buildings, and hidden arcades. Explore at your own pace, taking note of the textures on old doorways, corners bathed in gentle light, and the occasional pop of color from a painted shopfront. Grab lunch on your own at a cozy local pub or café.

In the afternoon, make your way to the impressive Wallace Monument, standing tall on Abbey Craig. From its base and the nearby viewpoints, you'll take in wide-reaching views across the countryside: rolling fields, winding rivers, and the soft gradations of green typical of the region.

Return to the venue in the evening, just before a hearty three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of fragrant wine.

### Day 6: Walk to Buchlyvie & surrounding countryside
Start the day with a delicious breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee, then have a brief morning check-in with Georgie.

Set off on a short walk to the nearby village of Buchlyvie. The route passes through open countryside and offers broad, calming views of the surrounding hills. Once you arrive, the morning is yours to explore at whatever pace suits you: browse the pottery shop, stop into a local pub or café, or simply wander the lanes with your camera in hand, gathering reference photos, sketches, or collage material for later sessions. Let the village's picturesque charm inspire you, along with its rustic houses, textured stone walls, and scattered wildflowers.

Head back to the venue for a relaxed lunch, then move into another session with Georgie. Drawing on the reference photos, sketches, and collage ephemera collected in Stirling and Buchlyvie, you'll begin a new mixed media piece, working through composition choices and layering techniques as you translate your material into something new. Georgie will guide you through combining these elements with paint and collage, helping you build a piece with depth and personal character.

As the session winds down, join the group for an in-house gin tasting, sampling varieties that reflect the character of the region. Take the time before dinner to unwind however you like, whether that's a walk through the gardens or a soak in the hot tub. Gather afterward for dinner and a glass of wine.

### Day 7: Art classes at the venue
Start the day with breakfast and a warm cup of coffee before moving into your final studio session, ***Hand Painted Lettering & Final Artwork***. Georgie will walk you through simple hand-painted lettering techniques, and you'll bring the retreat's themes together by incorporating a favorite quote or meaningful words into your finished piece.

After lunch, the afternoon is set aside for completing your artwork and preparing pieces for the retreat's mini-exhibition. Take stock of everything you've created over the week as you put the finishing touches on your favorite pieces and get them ready to display. It’s a chance to showcase your progress, swap stories with fellow artists, and celebrate the unique perspectives and talents of your peers.

As the sun lowers across the hills surrounding the estate, gather for a hearty farewell dinner. Enjoy a chef-prepared three-course meal paired with a glass of aromatic wine. Celebrate the end of the retreat with a lovely festive gathering, complete with traditional Scottish (Ceilidh) dancing and music, and a campfire under the stars!

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Georgie and your fellow artists, and get ready for your transfer to Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Check-out is at 10:00 AM, and you'll arrive at the airport at around 11:00 AM.

As you make your way back home, take with you a heart brimming with inspiration and lasting memories.

## Instructors

- [Georgie Forbes (aka Lordy Dordie)](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/georgie-forbes-(aka-lordy-dordie)) — Mixed-media artist, surface pattern designer

## Accommodation

### Scottish Farm estate
The art retreat with Georgie Forbes will be held at a serene countryside estate located in the peaceful village of Buchlyvie, amidst the wild beauty of Scotland. This exquisitely restored farmhouse perfectly blends traditional Scottish architecture with modern elegance. The boutique-style venue, featuring tasteful amenities and décor, offers breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands and the surrounding countryside.

The estate comprises six distinct accommodations, each with its own unique charm. The Farmhouse, serving as the main villa, contains four beautiful rooms and an elegant dining area where all meals will be served. The other units include The Lodge, offering four bedrooms with selected wallpaper and spacious common areas; The Stables, a two-bedroom unit with views of the Trossachs; The Coach House, a beautifully restored three-bedroom home; The Cottage, a cozy 200-year-old suite with a single bedroom; and The Barn, which houses the dedicated art studio.

Rooms can be booked as shared or single, with options for ensuite, adjacent, or shared bathrooms. Interiors are tastefully decorated with bespoke furnishings, exquisite designer fabrics, and 100% Egyptian cotton linens and towels.

Each accommodation unit boasts spacious and inviting common areas, featuring amenities such as the fireplaces in the Farmhouse, as well as fully equipped kitchens for a homely feel. The five electrically heated outdoor hot tubs, shared between guests in the same accommodation unit, provide the perfect spot to relax after a full day.

Art classes will be held in the well-lit and spacious art studio located in The Barn, featuring vaulted ceilings, or on the expansive grounds of the estate.

Please note that moving around the venue, including between accommodation spaces, the dining area, and the art studio, requires a short walk, and some rooms are only accessible by stairs. Therefore, the venue may not be suitable for participants with limited mobility.

### Shared standard room
You will share this room with one other same-gender retreat participant. Located in the Coach House on the second floor, the shared standard room is accessible via a spiral stairway. It includes two comfortable double beds. Its adjacent bathroom (equipped with a tub) is accessible by descending a few steps.

Guests will benefit from shared access to an outdoor hot tub on the terrace of the Coach House, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room.

### Shared superior ensuite room
You will share this room and its bathroom with another same-gender participant. The shared superior room is located in the Lodge on the first floor and features an ensuite shower bathroom. It contains comfortable twin beds and has direct access to the shared terrace of the Lodge.

Guests will benefit from shared access to an outdoor hot tub on the terrace of the Lodge, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room.

### Shared bathroom - single room
You will share the bathroom with one other retreat participant, but you will have this room to yourself. These single-occupancy rooms share a bathroom with another single-occupancy room nearby; two participants will share a spacious bathroom on site. Equipped with comfortable king-size beds, the rooms feature large windows with beautiful views over the surrounding gardens. The rooms are located in The Farmhouse on the second floor.

Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terrace, and the hot tub of the Farmhouse, the main villa where all meals will be hosted.

### Single standard room - private external bathroom
Two single rooms with private, external bathrooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located in the Lodge and The Stables. Both rooms are found on the first floor of their respective units. Each room features a comfortable king-size bed, a private shower bathroom, and bespoke décor. Access to the private external bathroom of the room located in the Lodge requires climbing 6 steps.

Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terraces, and outdoor hot tubs of their respective buildings.

### Single superior room - private adjacent bathroom
Two single superior rooms with private, adjacent bathrooms are available for single occupancy. The rooms are located in the Farmhouse (main villa) and the Coach House. Both rooms are found on the first floor of their respective units. Slightly larger than the single standard rooms with external bathrooms, they feature comfortable king-size beds, private shower bathrooms, and bespoke décor.

Guests will have shared access to the cozy common rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, terraces, and outdoor hot tubs of their respective buildings.

### Single standard ensuite room
Three standard single ensuite rooms are available for single occupancy. Each room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a shower, a comfortable king-size bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The rooms are located in the Stables on the first floor, in the Coach House on the second floor, and in the Lodge on the first floor.

The rooms benefit from shared access to the common spaces of their respective buildings: the lounge, the fully equipped kitchen, a terrace, and an outdoor hot tub facing the surrounding countryside, treating you to breathtaking views.

### Single superior ensuite room
One single superior ensuite room is available for single occupancy. The room is located in the Lodge, on the first floor. The bright and airy room features a modern ensuite bathroom with a shower, a comfortable king-size bed ensuring a restful sleep, and stunning bespoke design. The single superior room is slightly larger than the single standard room, and it also features a private balcony.

You'll also benefit from access to the shared spaces of the Lodge: the lounge, the fully equipped kitchen, and the terrace with an outdoor hot tub.

### Deluxe ensuite room
One single deluxe ensuite room in The Farmhouse is available for single occupancy. This master bedroom is located on the first floor and features a spacious ensuite bathroom with a walk-in shower, bespoke furnishings, and décor, as well as its own stately fireplace. The comfortable king-size bed ensures a restful sleep.

You'll benefit from access to the shared spaces of The Farmhouse - an outdoor hot tub on the terrace, an airy kitchen, and a bright, comfortable common room.

### Deluxe private villa
One deluxe private villa (The Cottage) is available for single occupancy. This beautifully renovated, 200-year-old building offers the ultimate cocoon of peace and tranquility. It features stunning design and tasteful amenities through its incredible cathedral ceiling in the main room, exposed beams, the ensuite bathroom, and the free-standing hot tub in the bedroom. The bedroom of The Cottage comes with a comfortable king-size bed.

The Cottage also has its own fully-equipped kitchen, private terrace, and private outdoor hot tub.

## Food

During your art retreat, indulge in meals prepared by a private chef, using the freshest ingredients. The thoughtfully curated menu combines traditional Scottish dishes with international flavors, complemented by daily beverages and snacks.

Start each day with a choice of egg dishes or a continental breakfast, featuring buttery pastries, fresh fruit, toast, yogurt, and a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For lunch, enjoy a single course with options like a goat cheese tart served with rocket salad, a hearty chicken Caesar salad with crusty bread, or homemade soup accompanied by homemade focaccia.

In the evening, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, with selections such as Scottish trout with seasonal veggies, miso aubergine served with bowls of steaming jasmine rice or harissa spiced meatballs with flatbread. Conclude on a sweet note with desserts like lemon pots with homemade shortbread, warm chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream, Scottish rhubarb crumble with fresh custard, or a selection of homemade sorbets.

Throughout the retreat, enjoy 5 fresh power juices during morning art classes and wine served with dinner. Coffee, tea, herbal teas, and mineral water will be readily available all day. Treat yourself to a mid-afternoon snack or grab some fruit from the snack bar for a quick pick-me-up.

Experience authentic Scottish hospitality with three-course welcome and farewell dinners, an in-house gin tasting, and a campfire night of traditional Scottish Ceilidh music and dancing.

All meals are included except for one lunch during the full-day trip to Stirling.

The exact menu served will depend on the availability of the regional ingredients. For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below.

## Getting There

Nestled near the charming village of Buchlyvie and close to Stirling in central Scotland, your retreat venue offers a serene setting amid breathtaking natural beauty. Situated at the edge of the magnificent Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, it provides distant views of the Trossachs, an area rich with lochs, glens, and mountains that are home to diverse wildlife. The local culture is steeped in Scottish heritage, from the evocative sound of bagpipes in the valleys to ancient castles that narrate Scotland's storied past. You'll have plenty of natural inspiration to draw from for your art, particularly the sweeping Scottish landscape.

Edinburgh, the vibrant cultural hub, is just an hour's drive away. During your retreat, you'll have the opportunity to visit Loch Lomond, a vast stretch of crystal-clear waters surrounded by mountains an hour away, and Stirling, a historic town known for its Gaelic roots and the impressive Stirling Castle, located just 30 minutes away.

**Please arrive at** **Edinburgh Airport (EDI).**

We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel because of the current disruptions in flight schedules. It is best to arrive in Scotland a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed.

**How to get from Edinburgh Airport to the retreat venue:**

Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Edinburgh, we recommend you fly to Dublin or London and then fly to Edinburgh (local round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 1 hour. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on August 11, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on August 18, 2027, by 10:00 AM. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**Arrival Transfer:**

**August 11, 2027 - 3:00 PM** (leaving from Edinburgh Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)

**Departure Transfer:**

**August 18, 2027 - 10:00 AM** (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Edinburgh Airport around 11:00 AM)

**If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:**

\- Spend extra days in Edinburgh before and/or after the retreat and catch the pre-arranged shuttles from/to Edinburgh Airport.

\- Grab a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Rachel's Farm, Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire, Scotland, FK8 3NR, United Kingdom, 150 GBP - approximately US$195 per way. Please note that taxi fares may vary).

## Reviews

**Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats at this venue:**

- "The location of the retreat was beautiful. The accommodations were lovely. Our room was spacious, the bedding was comfortable, and the linens and bath supplies were appreciated. The art studio was spacious and well lit. My dietary needs were met, which I really appreciated. The variety of recipes offered was all delicious."

- "Very organized and things ran very smoothly. The food was superb and every request was met with immediate provision."

- "This is my second Uptrek retreat and hopefully not my last. The venue was outstanding. The hosts were so kind, friendly and really went out of their way to accommodate our needs. Our chef Carly was the best and I’m hoping she writes a cookbook someday. I loved my adventure in Scotland."

- "Great retreat! Awesome venue, good food, fantastic side trips, wonderful studio space..!"

- "The venue was a respite from our busy worlds and provided luxurious comfort and fabulous food for the week."

- "I had THE most luxurious and private quarters at the venue! It was worth every extra cost to sleep and rest there. The food so was very well prepared. I felt like we had a trained chef and dietitian feeding us."

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Is the retreat available to all levels?**

This retreat welcomes all levels of experience.

**When is the retreat available?**

The retreat with artist Georgie Forbes (Lordy Dordie) in Buchlyvie, Scotland, the UK, takes place between August 11 - 18, 2027.

**Are there any check-in and check-out hours?**

Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on August 11, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, August 18, 2027, after breakfast. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.**

**Is Wi-Fi available?**

Yes.

**I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?**

Yes. However, please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot.

**How do I get to the retreat venue?**

Please arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI). We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Scotland a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Edinburgh Airport (EDI) are included. If you cannot find good connecting flights from your departure airport to Edinburgh, we recommend you fly to Dublin or London and then fly to Edinburgh (round trips starting from US$150, subject to change, approximately 1h journey time). The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately one hour.

For more details, please see the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/color-confidence-expressive-mixed-media-retreat-artist-georgina-forbes-scotland#location).

**What should I pack?**

Please pack appropriate clothing, sunscreen, a swimsuit, insect repellent, a raincoat, a coat for chilly weather, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need.

**Can I do laundry while on the retreat?**

Laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue and you are welcome to use them for free during your stay.

**What supplies do I need for the workshops?**

A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Georgie Forbes will be provided five months before the retreat takes place.

Tables, chairs, paper towels, water cups, professional studio lights, plein-air artist stools, easels, and easel/table lamps are included and will be available at the venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.**

**What’s the weather like in Buchlyvie in August?**

The weather in August in Buchlyvie is usually mild and pleasant, and rainy on occasion. You can expect average highs of 18°C / 64°F during the day that drop to around 12°C / 54°F at night. In recent years, however, temperatures have varied unpredictably. It is a good idea to check the weather yourself before your departure to the retreat and to pack accordingly.

**How many people are to be expected at the retreat?**

Maximum 16 participants.

**Do I need a visa?**

Guests traveling from the US, Canada, EU, and other visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering the UK. For more information on the ETA, including eligibility and application steps, please visit the official UK government website: [https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta)

Please contact us for further guidance.

**Are there any age restrictions?**

The retreat is open to anyone aged over 18.

**What language is used during the retreat and other activities?**

The retreat is available in English.

**Can a non-participating guest join me?**

We do not accommodate non-participants at our retreats. This policy is in place to ensure the creative and immersive nature of our retreats remains intact for all participants.

**Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?**

Unfortunately, the retreat venue is not well suited to host people with limited mobility. Most accommodation spaces and main facilities are only accessible via stairs. Furthermore, there will be plenty of walking during the art trips.

**What happens if I need to cancel?**

Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy)

**Do I need travel insurance?**

Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation.

For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip)

Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip.

We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider.

**Do I have to pay a deposit?**

No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged.

**Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?**

UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements.

**Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?**

If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation.

## Book This Retreat

👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/color-confidence-expressive-mixed-media-retreat-artist-georgie-forbes-scotland#book)** — no deposit required.

See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance).

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**Last updated:** 2026-07-24