# Understanding Beauty Art Retreat with Artist Jill Soukup in Scotland Join artist Jill Soukup for an immersive painting retreat in the heart of the Scottish countryside. Refine your skills in color, composition, form, and drawing. Under Jill’s expert guidance, explore techniques that deepen your understanding of beauty and expression. The retreat welcomes both beginner and experienced artists alike. 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. Between studio sessions and shared meals, you will experience Scotland’s beauty and culture through two exciting trips, one wandering the storied streets of Stirling and the other one painting along the tranquil shores of Loch Lomond. Optionally, explore the surrounding countryside at your leisure with a walk to the nearby Buchlyvie village, located only a 15-minute walk away from the venue. ## Details - **Dates:** July 10 - 17, 2027 - **Location:** Buchlyvie, Scotland, UK - **Starting Price:** $4,550 - **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 Jill Soukup 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, paper towels, water cups, professional studio lights, and plein-air chairs 3. Gamsol or another odorless mineral spirit for the workshop component 4. 7 nights of accommodation at a Scottish countryside estate 5. Exclusive use of the property, including living quarters and common areas, the art studio, outdoor hot tubs, terraces, and gardens 6. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 mid-morning power juices, 5 lunches, and 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 7. All diets catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free 8. Special welcome and farewell dinner 9. Water, coffee, herbal tea, and snacks available throughout the day 10. Delicious wine served during dinner service every day 11. An in-house gin-tasting experience 12. Half-day art trip to Loch Lomond, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location 13. Full-day art trip to Stirling, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location 14. Entrance ticket and guided visit of Stirling Castle during your trip to Stirling 15. Visit to the Wallace Monument during your trip to Stirling 16. Campfire with Scottish (Ceilidh) dancing and music after the farewell dinner 17. Private transportation for all trips and planned activities 18. Round-trip transfers from/to Edinburgh Airport (EDI) at prearranged times 19. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole 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 Jill Soukup and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - One lunch during the full-day trip to Stirling - Art supplies — a detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Jill Soukup will be provided five months before the retreat takes place - Tips for staff - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Understanding Beauty Art Retreat Join artist Jill Soukup for a transformative painting retreat set against the breathtaking Scottish countryside. This retreat will focus on understanding the beauty of any subject while mastering fundamentals like color, composition, and drawing. Though oil paints are a key medium, you're encouraged to work with any preferred 2D medium. Engage in plein-air studies, value exercises, and hands-on projects that bring together what you've learned. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, immerse yourself in a focused and inspiring environment designed to elevate your artistic skills and creative approach. Throughout the retreat, embark on two inspiring trips. Capture the timeless atmosphere of Stirling’s historic streets and the stillness of Loch Lomond’s shores. Optionally, explore the surrounding countryside at your leisure through a self-guided walk to the nearby Buchlyvie village, located only a 15-minute walk away from the venue. Get inspired by the towering trees and the rustic charm of Buchlyvie. However, please note that this walk is entirely optional, as the route to the village follows a country road without a dedicated pedestrian path. During the week, Jill will share her expertise in essential techniques, such as mastering value, working with tonal contrasts, and building dynamic compositions. You’ll have the chance to explore how to depict energy and motion in your paintings, whether through plein-air sketches or more focused studio work. Jill will offer insightful feedback, helping you refine your artistic process and develop a deeper understanding of your craft. **Topics you will cover during the retreat include:** - Observing and studying from life - Deepening your understanding of your subject - Developing a strong sense of form - Enhancing composition and design skills - Exploring the relationship between color and texture - Grasping the importance of drawing and tonal values - Clarifying artistic intention, focusing on your personal vision and unique 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 Jill Soukup. 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 Your day begins with a hearty breakfast before diving into the week’s introduction. Jill will begin by outlining her teaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of mastering the fundamentals of drawing, color, and form and building a strong foundation through a pyramidal structure. This approach allows you to develop a solid base first, which will then support the addition of color and texture later in the process. Experiment with various exercises centered on fundamental drawing techniques, setting the tone for your future artwork. After a relaxed lunch, the focus turns to mastering tonal value, a vital tool in creating compelling compositions. Learn how the range of light to dark tones serves as the backbone of any well-constructed painting. Jill will begin with a demonstration, showing how to identify and use tonal contrast to shape and define your subject. You'll observe how subtle shifts in light and shadow can bring your subject to life, creating harmony in your overall composition. Following the demo, you’ll dive into practical exercises that reinforce these concepts, applying them directly to your own work. As the evening approaches, enjoy a peaceful walk in the gardens or spend time exchanging thoughts with fellow artists. A chef-prepared dinner will close out the day, giving you a chance to unwind and reflect on your creative journey so far. ### Day 3: Art trip to Loch Lomond Begin your day with a hearty breakfast and a warm cup of coffee, followed by a brief morning check-in with Jill and the venue hosts. Then, prepare for another inspiring day ahead, amid the tranquil beauty of the Scottish countryside. Set out for Loch Lomond, nestled within the sweeping Trossachs National Park. After a scenic drive through rolling hills and forests, you will arrive at the peaceful shores of the loch, its glassy water mirroring shifting clouds, distant peaks, and clusters of native heather and Scots pine. Wander along the paths, pause at overlooks, or breathe in the crisp, earthy air. As you gather reference material, pay close attention to how light and shadow interact, observing the subtle shifts in tone that atmospheric conditions bring to the landscape. You’ll work on value studies and compositional exercises, focusing on the range of light to dark tones to build depth and structure in your artwork. Through plein-air sketches, explore contrasts in nature and begin considering how color will later work alongside these values to enhance the overall harmony and balance of your composition. After lunch at the venue, the focus shifts back to the studio, where Jill will lead a more in-depth discussion on the critical relationship between composition and value, paying attention to how shifts in value can enhance form and depth. Jill will demonstrate techniques for achieving rich tonal variations. Apply these concepts in your own exercises, refining your ability to compose and bringing dimension and energy to your work. As the afternoon comes to an end, unwind at your own pace. Take a walk around the gardens, soak in the hot tub, journal with a cup of tea, or enjoy a lively conversation with your fellow artists. As the evening approaches, join Jill and the group for a delightful three-course dinner prepared by the private chef and accompanied by a glass of aromatic wine. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue Kick off your day with a nourishing breakfast before diving into an exciting day exploring color. She will guide you through her process, expanding on the fundamentals of color. Jill will share insights on making confident color choices with your design, helping you create strong, cohesive pieces. After a revitalizing lunch, spend the afternoon focusing on your personal projects. Push your boundaries while focusing on the connection between value, color, and structure in your artwork. Jill will offer feedback and help guide you through any challenges as you develop your pieces. As the afternoon winds down, take some time to unwind before dinner. Perhaps take a peaceful walk through the estate gardens or relax in the heated hot tub. Indulge in a delicious three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef and paired with a glass of aromatic wine. ### Day 5: Art trip to Stirling Day five begins with a warm and satisfying breakfast before setting off for Stirling, a historic town just a short 30-minute drive away. Known for its rich past and picturesque charm, Stirling is surrounded by gardens, green spaces, and rolling hills that capture the essence of Scotland. The morning takes you to Stirling Castle, where the grounds are alive with seasonal flowers, wild heather, and carefully tended beds that burst with color. Jill will guide you in breaking down forms into simplified shapes and planes, helping you understand how light interacts with your chosen subject. From there, wander into town to explore its streets and hidden corners, stopping for lunch at a local café or pub of your choice. In the afternoon, visit the Wallace Monument, set high above meadows filled with native plants and wildflowers. Dedicate the afternoon to engaging in hands-on activities that expand upon the morning's insights, utilizing these fundamental principles in your artwork. This focused practice will help you connect more deeply with your subject, allowing for a more intuitive and expressive approach to form and composition. As evening falls, return to the retreat for a well-earned dinner. Gather with Jenna and the group around the table for a freshly prepared three-course meal paired with wine. ### Day 6: Optional walk to Buchlyvie village & surrounding countryside Wake up your senses with a delicious breakfast and a freshly brewed cup of coffee, then have a brief morning check-in with the venue hosts. Get ready for another inspiring day of creation together with your fellow artists. During the morning, you can choose to venture out into the nearby countryside and take a walk to Buchlyvie village, located only a 15-minute walk away from the venue, or continue working on your pieces in the studio. The path to Buchlyvie winds through open fields and offers wide, peaceful views of the hills around it, an ideal setting to ease into the day with your sketchbook or camera in hand. However, please note that this walk is entirely optional, as the route to the village follows a country road without a dedicated pedestrian path. Once in the village, take some time to wander around. You might step into a small pottery shop, visit a local café, or follow one of the tranquil side lanes that lead back toward the meadows. Focus on the energy of the place and translate it into your art! Return to the venue and enjoy a relaxed lunch. Jill will lead a demonstration, sharing insights as she guides you through her process and incorporating everything discussed so far, including the fundamentals of color, composition, and drawing. As the afternoon transitions into evening, unwind in whatever way feels right. Later, gather your fellow artists for a special gin tasting experience featuring local varieties that express the character of the region. Enjoy a satisfying three-course dinner prepared by the in-house chef, accompanied by a glass of aromatic wine. ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue Start your final day with a delicious breakfast, preparing for one last creative push. The morning is dedicated to completing your personal project, bringing together all the lessons on color, composition, and drawing that you’ve absorbed throughout the week. Work on bringing these core concepts together with greater depth and clarity. Develop your artwork and push beyond your comfort zone to achieve a more cohesive and expressive result. Whether you're refining your work or adding the final touches, immerse yourself in the peaceful landscape or create your own setup, allowing the natural light to enhance your piece. Jill will be available throughout the morning, offering guidance and feedback as you finetune your work. As the day progresses, come together for a mini exhibition to showcase the pieces created during the retreat. While participation is optional, this provides a wonderful opportunity to share your journey. Receive feedback from Jill and fellow participants and reflect on the progress you've made. It’s a moment to celebrate how far you've come and to appreciate the collective creativity of the group! 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 and accompanied by Scottish (Ceilidh) dancing and music and a campfire. Celebrate the end of the retreat with a lovely festive gathering around the campfire, soaking in the dance, music, food, and laughter. Toast to all your accomplishments and the memories you have shared together! ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy a final breakfast with Jill 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 - [Jill Soukup](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/jill-soukup) — Oil Painter & Instructor ## Accommodation ### Scottish Farm estate The art retreat with Jill Soukup 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 One standard room is available for shared occupancy. 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 One superior room is available for shared occupancy. 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 Two single rooms with shared bathrooms are available for single occupancy. You will share the bathroom of each room with one other same-gender retreat participant, but you will have the room all 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 living room, 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 living room, 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 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 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 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 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 July 10, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast on July 17, 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:** **July 10, 2027 - 3:00 PM** (leaving from Edinburgh Airport, arriving at the retreat venue a little after 4:00 PM) **Departure Transfer:** **July 17, 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?** The retreat welcomes all levels of experience, though you’ll benefit most if you already have some familiarity with the mediums, as well as with Jill Soukup's work and style of teaching. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Jill Soukup in Buchlyvie, Scotland, the UK, takes place between July 10 - 17, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on July 10, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on the last day, July 17, 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/understanding-beauty-art-retreat-artist-jill-soukup-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 Jill Soukup will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, paper towels, water cups, professional studio lights, plein-air chairs, and Gamsol or another odorless mineral spirit 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 July?** The weather in July in Buchlyvie is usually sunny and pleasant, although rainy on occasion. You can expect average highs of 19°C / 66°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/understanding-beauty-art-retreat-artist-jill-soukup-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). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/understanding-beauty-art-retreat-artist-jill-soukup-scotland **Last updated:** 2026-08-24