Moniack Mhor announces its new programme for 2022

Moniack Mhor, the writing centre based near Inverness, is opening its doors again to a full residential programme with a selection of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and crime writing courses and retreats.

The centre is hosting a fabulous new programme of writing tutors including Madeleine Bunting, Scottish crime greats Val McDermid, Abir Mukherjee and Louise Welsh, Booker shortlisted author Graeme Macrae Burnet, award-winning poet and new Edinburgh Makar Hannah Lavery and poet Holly McNish, the highly acclaimed non-fiction writer Cal Flyn, as well as bestselling novelists James Robertson, Tim Pears, Polly Clark and Sara Sheridan, and musician Boo Hewerdine.

Rachel Humphries, centre director of Moniack Mhor, said: 'Moniack Mhor has weathered the turbulence of 2021; we ceased residential activity in March 2020 when the country went into lockdown and opened our doors in a scaled-down way from summer of this year. I am thrilled that we are launching our full residential programme for next year.

'Having writers with us over the last few months has reinforced more than ever that community is one of the vital components for human happiness. Sharing words around the fire nurtures our wellbeing and fuels the creative drive. To have writers back through our doors makes life seem real once again.

'We are currently working hard to review our writer development programme to see where the gaps are. These will be filled by new support schemes, including a wider online programme, expanded mentoring opportunities, more international collaboration and courses and retreats with childcare. We are excited to be getting back fully to what we know, welcoming tutors, guests and participating writers with Highland hospitality to a space for creative expression.'

Viccy Adams, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland, said: 'Scottish writers not only produce world-class literature to enthral readers, they’re also well versed at supporting the next generation of talent to shape and share their words.

'The glorious landscape and welcoming atmosphere of Moniack Mhor provides space and time for new and established writers to explore and hone their craft, with guidance and inspiration from an amazing array of writers at the top of their game.'