Sketch Scotland: Art & English Workshop Holiday

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Sketch Scotland is a specialist Art + English workshop holiday in Scotland for adults who already have some English and want a very different way to develop it.

This is not a conventional English course with art activities added. Art is the primary focus, while English is deliberately developed through the experience: making work, learning new techniques, discussing ideas, meeting artists and makers, visiting exhibitions and creative spaces, researching things that catch your attention and finding the language to express what you think.

I am both an experienced English coach and an arts graduate and creative practitioner. Most of the year, I use creativity to help people experience and develop their English. For Sketch Scotland, I turn that relationship around: I lead creative practice and workshops — in English. We also work with several artists and specialist creative workshop leaders during the holiday.

The group is limited to a maximum of three guests. This allows the programme to be highly responsive rather than following a rigid classroom timetable. Some days may involve a specialist workshop, artist visit or excursion; others give you more time to draw, paint, experiment, research or follow an idea that has started to become interesting. Food and breaks can fit around the creative work too — if you are absorbed in something, we don't necessarily stop because the timetable says we should.

That looser rhythm also creates lots of opportunities for one-to-one coaching. This might involve your English, your artwork, an emerging idea, something you want to research, or helping you find the language to communicate what you are trying to do. English support is available throughout the experience rather than being confined to a scheduled lesson.

During your first week, you will encounter a rich mixture of materials, techniques, workshops, artists, places and possibilities. Drawing and the sketchbook give us a thread through the week, but the experience can also include painting, photography, monoprint, collage, mixed media and other creative processes. Materials required for scheduled workshops and shared creative activities are included.

If you stay for two weeks, the second week gives you something different: time to develop your own creative voice and begin following your own projects and ideas, with a high level of individual support. Instead of leaving just as something becomes interesting, you can research it, experiment, revisit ideas and see where the work takes you.

Sketch Scotland is best suited to curious adults who enjoy art and making and want to give their creative life some serious attention. You do not need to be a professional artist or have a particular level of artistic training. You might already draw, paint or keep a sketchbook, or you might simply wish you made much more time for your creative self.

It is also for people who want to make meaningful progress with their English without returning to conventional English lessons. You will use English for real purposes throughout the holiday: talking about art, asking questions, understanding demonstrations, meeting local people, explaining ideas, researching interests and sharing what you notice and make.

Courses run Friday to Friday. In 2027, you can join for one week from 3–10 September or 10–17 September, or stay for the full two-week Maker Takeover from 3–17 September.

If you choose two weeks, the weekend between them also gives you a change of scene. You can choose either two nights' accommodation in a Scottish city to explore independently, or join us for a group weekend trip with one night away. This is included in the two-week holiday.

Before booking, we arrange a short Zoom conversation. It is not an English test or an art assessment. It is simply a chance to talk about your English, your creative interests and what you hope to get from your time in Scotland, and to make sure Sketch Scotland is a good match for your goals.