Join us for a unique creative writing weekend in Sutherland where we will use ideas about polarity – north and south, light and dark, the attraction of opposites, space and confinement – as a springboard to develop new pieces of writing. The weekend falls close to Halloween, also known as the Celtic festival of Samhain. Traditionally, Samhain is celebrated as the beginning of a new cycle of life and games involving apples are said to be inspired by stories of Celtic heroes crossing water to find the magic apple of the Otherworld.

Our aim is to offer a stimulating, fun weekend where you can try out new ideas, explore a different medium or put the finishing touches to something you’ve been working on for a while. The weekend is suitable for both beginners and more experienced writers. Anne Morrison is a writer living and working in Sutherland. In 1998 she set up ABCOPYWRITING, a research, editing and copywriting service. Previously, Anne worked as a distance learning tutor for Ruskin College , Oxford , and as European Programmes Development Officer for the Western Isles Council. Her fiction and non-fiction work has been widely published in newspapers, brochures, books, CD ROMs and on the internet. In 2005, Anne came runner-up in the Scotsman Orange Short Story Award and in 2004, won the Highlands and Islands Short Story Award. She lives on a croft near Lairg with her partner and her two young children.

Clio Gray lives in Easter Ross and recently won the Scotsman Orange Short Story Award 2006. Her novel, ‘Guardians of the Key’ was published in June 2006 after she won first prize in a competition run by Headline for the best opening chapter of a novel set in London. Other awards include runner-up in the Macallan/Scotland on Sunday competition in 2002. Clio was instrumental in setting up the Highlands and Islands Short Story Award and its associated website and informal network aimed at supporting writers.

Caroline Snow moved from Hertfordshire to the Highlands three and a half years ago. She is inspired and content in her new location and is very much looking forward to this weekend. Carnbren is the only vegan guesthouse in Scotland , catering with animal free produce only. Vegans, vegetarians and omnivores all enjoy the delicious and nutritious meals. This comfortable home overlooks Little Loch Shin and with its central location, is the perfect place from which to explore the northern Highlands .

For those looking for a leisurely ‘time snack or relaxing holiday, the area is tailor made for long, leisurely, easy walks and some great pony trekking - and is an art lover’s and photographer’s paradise. After all, for many a leisure break or a holiday in the Scotland is a relaxing experience, not an endurance test.

See, smell, taste and feel the magic of this beautiful unspoilt area. Picnic by lochside, or on the hillsides and mountain tops.. We supply excellent picnic and packed lunches. Enjoy a leisurely game of golf, unhurried and not hassled by the queues and 5 hour rounds oft characteristic of many golf courses these days. Clear light, pure air, and a timeless, almost therapeutic atmosphere of peace, serenity and tranquility reign here. Or simply laze around in the hotel’s lounges for a while, meeting new friends, renewing ‘auld acquaintances, or enjoying a good book, and of course some wonderful local malts.