# Rejuvenate Your Writing Life - Fiction and Memoir Retreat with Author Christina Baker Kline in Scotland

Join bestselling author and teacher Christina Baker Kline for an immersive week of writing in the heart of the Scottish countryside. This retreat welcomes writers at every stage, combining daily craft talks, close reading, and guided generative exercises with focused individual attention that moves a writing practice genuinely forward. Christina's teaching is deeply encouraging, rooted in the belief that the material of your own life is already rich enough to become extraordinary fiction or memoir.Work closely with Christina as she guides you through transforming the stories only you carry into fully realized fiction or memoir, drawing on memory, place, and family to build worlds and characters that feel entirely invented yet undeniably true. Her extensive teaching experience at various institutions and levels, such as Yale, NYU, and the University of Virginia, will foster a supportive and welcoming environment built around shared purpose, with lively group discussions about process and craft, as well as one-on-one feedback sessions.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 traditional Gaelic dance. Enjoy trips to Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, the Wallace Monument, and the nearby village of Buchlyvie, which will feed directly into your work through prompts and discussion, with the landscape itself becoming source material.

## Details

- **Dates:** June 11 - 18, 2027
- **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK
- **Starting Price:** $4,850
- **Category:** [Writing](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/writing) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/writing)

## Overview

What's includedWriting sessions, individual tutoring, and a programme with author and teacher Christina Baker KlineWorkshop space equipped with: tables and chairs, a projector and screen, a printer–scanner, a whiteboard or flip chart with markers, power outlets and extension cords, high-speed wireless Internet throughout the estate, and a Bluetooth speakerA wooden laptop and writing stand for bed and an extra lamp in each room for individual writing time7 nights of accommodation at a Scottish countryside estateExclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the workshop space, outdoor hot tubs, terraces, and gardensAll meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 mid-morning power juices, 6 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by your private chefAll diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-freeSpecial welcome and farewell dinnerWater, coffee, herbal tea, and snacks available throughout the dayDelicious wine served during dinner every dayAn in-house gin-tasting experienceHalf-day trip to Loch Lomond, with opportunities for writing on-locationHalf-day trip to Stirling, with opportunities for writing on-locationEntrance ticket and guided visit to Stirling Castle during your trip to StirlingVisit to the Wallace Monument during your trip to StirlingTrip to Buchlyvie village and the surrounding countryside, at your leisureCampfire with Scottish (Ceilidh) dancing and music after the farewell dinnerPrivate transportation for all trips and planned activities (except for the trip to Buchlyvie village)Round-trip transfers at pre-arranged times from/to Edinburgh Airport (EDI)Experienced UpTrek host available throughout the dayFully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff All local tourist taxes and feesAccess to a private Facebook group with author Christina Baker Kline and the other retreat participants four months before the retreatNot includedAirfareTravel insuranceOne lunch during the full-day trip to StirlingSupplies — a detailed list of supplies recommended by author Christina Baker Kline will be provided five months before the retreat takes placeTips for staffOther expenses guests might incur on their own

## Program

### Turning Experience into Compelling Fiction and Memoir
Your story deserves to be written, and this is the week to write it.Join bestselling author and teacher Christina Baker Kline for an immersive retreat in the heart of the Scottish countryside, where the long days, the rolling hills, and the company of writers create exactly the conditions a writing practice needs to catch fire.Whether you have been quietly keeping a journal and dreaming of shaping it into a memoir, whether you have a novel or story rooted in family history that has been waiting for your full attention, whether you are already deep into a book-length project and need space and momentum to push it forward, or whether you simply want to write more honestly about the material of your own life and have not yet found the form, Christina will meet you exactly where you are.Through craft talks, close reading, and guided generative exercises, Christina will take you deep into how to transform the raw material of your everyday life into fully realized fiction and memoir. Her extensive teaching experience at various institutions and levels will foster close collaboration and a supportive environment attuned to your every need. You will explore how the details of your own life — a morning routine, an offhand remark, a particular chair in a particular room — become the seeds of character, setting, scene, and dialogue.Immersed in the stunning countryside and rich history around you, your writing will be nourished by prompts and conversations that draw directly from the world outside. Christina’s one-on-one guidance will help you at every step, making sure your work grows in a way that feels right for you. By the end of the retreat, you'll leave with a sharpened instinct for finding the fictional possibilities already hiding in the details of your own life.Beyond new pages, you’ll leave with a realistic strategy to carve out time for your writing, set achievable goals, and connect with a community that will encourage and inspire you well beyond this week.The topics covered during your classes with Christina include:Identify the strongest story material in your own life, memories, and family historyTurn lived experience, memory, and family history into vivid scenes using setting, sensory detail, and dialogueDevelop layered, believable characters inspired by real people without being constrained by literal factUse place and setting (landscape, houses, towns) to deepen emotional stakes and atmosphere on the pageFind and heighten tension, even in quiet, domestic, or interior materialMove from fragments and vignettes toward more shapely stories, essays, or chaptersApply concrete revision strategies to turn rough drafts into stronger, more focused workDesign a sustainable writing routine and support network to carry your practice forward after the retreat...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 workshop space, and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the landscape. Throughout the week, you’ll have plenty of time to relax, recharge, and connect with fellow writers 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, bestselling author and teacher Christina Baker Kline.Join your fellow writers for a relaxed orientation tour of the property, exploring the charming accommodations, the spacious workshop space, 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 group as you discuss the inspiring plans for the retreat.

### Day 2: Classes at the venue
Start the morning with a generous breakfast and a warm cup of coffee before joining Christina and the venue hosts for a quick check-in.The first session will open with introductions before moving into the heart of the work in the best possible way. Christina's craft talk on "Character and Misbelief" will reframe the way you think about the people you put on the page, exploring how a character's false belief about themselves or the world becomes the engine that drives a story forward. A short reading or two will ground the conversation in real examples, to later move into generative exercises designed to get words flowing in a warm, pressure-free space. Drawing from her vast teaching experience, Christina will offer you attentive guidance and encouragements. There is no wrong way to begin, and by the end of the morning you will surprise yourself with what has emerged on the page.After a nourishing lunch prepared by the venue's chef, take advantage of a generous stretch of free writing time to develop whatever the morning sparked in you. Christina will then bring you and your fellow creatives together for an honest and encouraging discussion about process and the obstacles that every writer knows well.You may bring a short excerpt to read aloud and receive constructive feedback from a supportive group of peers who truly appreciate the craft.As golden light settles across the farm, gather with Christina and your fellow writers for a relaxed three-course dinner paired with a glass of wine.

### Day 3: Trip to Loch Lomond
Begin the day with a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee before a quick check-in with Christina and the venue hosts, then head out for a morning trip to Loch Lomond.After a scenic drive through the rolling hills of the Trossachs National Park, arrive at the shores of one of Scotland's most quietly magnificent landscapes. Writing prompts designed to draw on the landscape and the feelings it stirs will send you deep into your work, followed by a discussion of a short reading or two that will give the morning's writing a wider context and spark good conversation.Back at the venue, enjoy a relaxed lunch before heading into an afternoon of one-on-one time with Christina. Talk through your work in progress, ask the questions you have been sitting with, and get focused feedback tailored entirely to where you are in your writing. Afterwards, enjoy free writing time that allows you to explore and develop the ideas that emerged during your conversation.Christina will then gather everyone for an open conversation about the writing process and the challenges that often come with it. If you’d like, bring a short excerpt to share and receive thoughtful, supportive feedback. With experience teaching at various notable institutions, such as NYU, Yale, and University of Virginia, and at different levels of experience, take advantage of this feedback session with Christina and ask any questions you may have.As the evening arrives, take a walk through the gardens or soak in the hot tub before sitting down to a three-course dinner with wine.

### Day 4: Classes at the venue
Ease into the morning with a relaxed breakfast and a warm cup of coffee before a quick check-in with Christina and the venue hosts.Dives into one of the most essential skills in both fiction and memoir: how to take the raw material of lived experience and shape it into something a reader can truly inhabit. After Christina's craft talk on "Turning Memory into Scene," enjoy an engaging discussion of a few short readings that bring the concepts into clear focus. Then, jump into creative exercises designed to get your words flowing immediately.Pause for a leisurely lunch before heading into an afternoon of one-on-one time with Christina. During these individual sessions, you’ll get tailored feedback and the opportunity to explore the questions you’ve been pondering in your writing. Drawing on years of teaching experience across a range of notable institutions and levels, Christina knows how to meet each writer exactly where they are, offering feedback that feels personal, encouraging, and genuinely useful. Settle into some free writing time before Christina gathers the group for an honest and encouraging discussion about the process and the hurdles every writer encounters. Feel free to bring a short excerpt and receive constructive feedback from a community that genuinely supports your growth.As the afternoon winds down, take a walk through the venue gardens or ease into the hot tub before sitting down to a three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, paired with a glass of wine.

### Day 5: Trip to Stirling
Fuel up for the day with a nourishing breakfast and a warm cup of coffee before a quick check-in with Christina and the venue hosts, then head out for a morning trip to Stirling, where the Highlands soften into rolling Lowland hills and centuries of history press in from every direction.Spend the morning at Stirling Castle, perched high above the landscape and surrounded by gardens that have seen more history than most places dare to claim. As you move through the courtyards and hear about the lives once lived within these walls, Christina’s craft talk on "Place as Emotional Weather" will ignite your imagination. How does a place shape the feelings and experiences of those within it? How can a writer make a setting more than just a backdrop, turning it into a powerful presence that drives the story?Through engaging discussions of a short reading or two, these ideas will come into focus, followed by creative exercises that encourage you to dive into drafting. From there, continue to the Wallace Monument, rising dramatically from Abbey Craig with sweeping views over the countryside, before heading back to the venue.Return to the venue in time for a refreshing lunch, then settle into an afternoon of one-on-one sessions with Christina, giving you focused and personalized feedback on exactly where your writing stands. Christina has taught at various notable institutions and levels of experience, such as Yale and NYU, so take advantage of this one-on-one time with her and ask any questions you may have. After free writing time, the group will come back together for an open and honest discussion about the writing process and the unique challenges this kind of work demands. If you’d like to share, bring a short excerpt and receive constructive feedback from fellow writers who are exploring the same questions alongside you.Sit down to a three-course dinner prepared by the private chef as the evening arrives, paired with a glass of wine and the slow, satisfying conversation that tends to follow a day spent somewhere worth writing about!

### Day 6: Walk to Buchlyvie & surrounding countryside
Wake up to a delicious breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee before a quick check-in with Christina and the venue hosts, then head out for a leisurely morning walk to the nearby village of Buchlyvie, just fifteen minutes through open fields with wide views of the hills stretching out around you.Wander through the village at your own pace, stepping into a local café or following one of the side lanes that lead back toward the meadows. Christina will send you out with writing prompts that use the village and the surrounding countryside as a starting point, nudging you to notice the details that a writer's eye picks up and a camera never quite captures. A discussion of a short reading or two will follow, grounding the morning's observations in craft before you head back to the venue.Over lunch, the conversation will carry on naturally before the afternoon opens into one-on-one sessions with Christina. Come with your pages and your questions, and leave with a clearer sense of where your writing wants to go next. After free writing time, come together for an open, honest conversation about the writing process and the hurdles that often arise mid-week. Bring a short excerpt if you’d like to share your writing journey so far. Having taught several writing workshops and having worked with all levels of experience, Christina will foster a warm and welcoming environment in which you will receive kind and encouraging feedback from your fellow writers.As the evening arrives, take in the last of the Scottish light before sitting down to a special gin tasting featuring local varieties, followed by a three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef.

### Day 7: Classes at the venue
The final day of the retreat deserves to be celebrated! Relax with a generous breakfast with your fellow writers.Christina will open the floor for a Q&A about craft and the writing life, an honest and wide-ranging conversation that only becomes possible once a group has spent several days writing together in the same room. Bring the questions you have been turning over all week, about process, about sustaining a practice, and about what comes next. Drawing from a vast experience of teaching across a range of institutions and levels, Christina will share insights and help you grow as a writer.Pause for a relaxed lunch before gathering for the afternoon open mic, one of the most electric moments any writing retreat can offer. Share a piece of your work from the week with the full group in a warm and celebratory atmosphere. Nobody is required to share, but the room will be entirely behind those who do.As the sun dips behind the hills, gather for a farewell dinner that feels like a true celebration. Enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal paired with a glass of wine, then let the evening unfold with lively Scottish Ceilidh dancing and the warmth of a crackling campfire. Raise your glass to the stories you’ve written, the friendships you’ve forged, and the inspiration this week in Scotland has awakened within you.

### Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast with Christina and your fellow writers, 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

- [Christina Baker Kline](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/christina-baker-kline) — New York Times Bestselling Author, Teacher, Editor

## Accommodation

### Scottish Farm estate
The retreat with Christina Baker Kline 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 workshop spaceRooms 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.Classes will be held in the well-lit and spacious workshop space 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 workshop space, 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 (female only)
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 - 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 - 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 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 flatbreads scooping. 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 fresh power juices during morning 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 night of traditional Scottish Ceilidh dancing in the barn.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 writing, 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 May 8, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on May 15, 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:June 11, 2027 - 3:00 PM (leaving from Edinburgh Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM)Departure Transfer:June 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 of the 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 author Christina Baker Kline in Buchlyvie, Scotland, the UK, takes place between June 11 - 18, 2027.Are there any check-in and check-out hours?Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 11, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, June 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?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.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 materials recommended by author Christina Baker Kline will be provided upon booking, five months before the retreat begins. UpTrek provides wooden laptop and writing stands, lamps, tables and chairs, a projector and screen, a printer–scanner, a whiteboard or flip chart with markers, power outlets and extension cords, high-speed wireless Internet throughout the estate, and a Bluetooth speaker.What’s the weather like in Buchlyvie in June?The weather in early May in Buchlyvie is usually mild and pleasant, and rainy on occasion. You can expect average highs of 20°C / 68°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 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 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. Please review our 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.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 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/rejuvenate-your-writing-life-fiction-memoir-retreat-author-christina-baker-kline-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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