Lismore FAQs
Where is the Isle of Lismore?
Lismore is an island of some 2,351 hectares (10 miles long and 1 mile wide) in Argyll, off the west coast of Scotland. It’s part of the Inner Hebridean islands.
It lies in Loch Linnhe in the Argyll and Bute council area.
Lismore shown on Google maps.
How do I get to Lismore?
Two ferry services operate to Lismore from Oban or Port Appin, both of which are on the mainland in Argyll.
The Oban ferry to Lismore takes 50 minutes. Vehicle reservations are recommended. Visit the ferry operator CalMac’s website for information, times and prices.
The Port Appin ferry to Lismore takes 10 minutes and is a passenger-only ferry. No vehicles. Visit the ferry operator Calmac’s website for more information, times and prices.
Getting to Oban
By train
A regular direct train goes to Oban from Glasgow Queen Street Station, and it takes just over 3 hours. Check train operator Scotrail.
By bus
The bus to Oban from Glasgow takes just under 3 hours, traffic permitting. The bus from Inverness to Oban takes 3 hours 30 minutes, with a change at Fort William. Check bus operator Citylink.
Edinburgh: there is a direct bus departing from Princes Street and arriving at Station Road station. Services depart twice daily, and operate every day. Time takes between 4.5 hours and 6 hours. Visit Citylink for details
By car
It takes 3 hours minutes to drive to Oban from Glasgow, 4 hours from Aberdeen, and 2 hours 45 minutes from Inverness. From Edinburgh, give 3.5 hours to Oban and 4 hours to Port Appin.
Where are Mairi’s fiddle retreats held on Lismore?
Mairi’s music retreats on Lismore are held at Carnie cottage and studio which is in the centre of the island, 4 miles from the Port Appin ferry landing (Point) and 2 miles from the Oban boat landing (Achnachroish).
Carnie cottage is a traditional Highland cottage and studio.
Classes take place in the studio, a purpose-built space of 9m by 5.5m, with an oak floor, good light and insulation.
Carnie cottage in What Three Words: ///hook.heaven.pass
Where do I stay on a Lismore Fiddle Retreat?
Participants book their own accommodation. There is a range of great places to stay on Lismore to suit everyone’s budget and requirements.
Participants arrive on Sunday and we finish on Friday after lunch. You may want to stay for a full week if you have the time and resources, to rest, discover more about Lismore and integrate the weeks’ teaching.
Places to stay
The Lismore Bunkhouse and campsite is closest to the studio (a 10 minute walk) and has very reasonable prices. The bunkhouse accommodates 12 people ( 6 bed dorm room, family room and single room).Camper van and camping spots also available. Call Clare 07720 975433. Booking details in link.
SPECIAL DEA for fiddlers at the bunkhouse! Book a dorm bed for £100pp for the full course.
Ballimackillichan Croft – A beautiful, homely house that my sister Sarah and Yorick built, with four single rooms for guests and a fancy pod with your own kitchen, shower and toilet. 1.5 miles from class. Own car or bike advised. Call or email Sarah to enquire and book a bed: email: sarah@mogwaiidesign.com | mobile: 07484 875396
The Old House, Balour – One bedroom house, newly renovated. 2.5 miles from class. Car helpful, unless you’d prefer to bike or hike.
Balour – 3 bedroom house – . 2.5 miles from class. Car or car pooling recommended.
Tirlaggan Studio Double bed with cosy stove and a great view. 15 minute walk to class. Booking details in link
Also within walking distance of Carnie cottage: The Smiddy ( 30 min walk to class) and Stoker’s Cottage (30 min walk to class)
To find other options visit isleoflismore.com/accommodation
Email Mairi if you have any queries or questions around accommodation.
E: mairi@mairicampbell.scot
How do I get to the fiddle retreat venue from the ferry?
What level are Mairi’s fiddle retreats and workshops for?
Fiddle courses are suitable for intermediate to fluent players. You must be able to play at least 10 fiddle tunes fluently: March, Waltz, Reels and Jigs. Reels and Jig can be played under dance tempo.
Partcipants are sent seven tunes two months before the start of the course so they have time to get familiar with those.
Participants are asked to bring one tune of their choice that they’re prepared to play and share with the group. This is important for Mairi so she can help them with their next steps. Mairi gets everyone involved in each others’ tunes so there’s not much playing alone – but there is a little!
This music forms the focus for a variety of issues and aspects of style, pertaining to fiddle playing.
What happens on a Lismore Fiddle Retreat?
Mairi’s teaching is a blend of technical, musical and moral support for fiddlers and violinists.
Participants tell Mairi what they’d like to learn from the course so she have an idea of what they’re looking for and adapts the learning to suit individual needs. Mairi curates a selection of fiddle tunes which form the basis of the learning over the course of the five days.
Participants are given the selection of music two months before the start of the course. They receive pdf’s and MP3s to familiarise themselves with the tunes.
Once on Lismore, the class cover a variety of issues: style, ornaments, tone, bowing, confidence, left hand, how to play faster, how to play steady, memorising music, reading music, playing harmonies, intonation, nerves. We have a lot of fun playing music together and the support participants give one another is fantastic!
Mairi’s fiddle retreats support your playing wherever you are. They offer a chance to take your playing to another level, and have fun while doing it!
10 participants max
What are the dates of the Lismore fiddle retreats in 2027?
MARCH 15 – 19
MAY 10 – 14
JUNE 28 – JULY 2
What is the timetable?
Travel to Lismore on the Sunday. Teaching begins on Monday morning. 9.30 sharp.
Timetable
Monday to Thursday:
Session 1: 9.30am-12.30pm.
Session 2: 4.30pm-6.30pm.
Friday: 9.30-12.30pm then lunch and leave by 2.30pm.
Participants have time after lunch to relax, practice, take a walk and visit the island.
We’ve found that this setup works very well and offers a good balance between personal focus, group work, and having time to yourself, to relax or explore the island.
Dinner is at 7pm. Participants help to clear up and wash dishes after both lunch and dinner.
On the Wednesday evening, we will have a ceilidh, which is an informal get-together with local friends and family who like to play music and meet new faces.
On Thursday evening there’s a concert in the studio for participants only. Bring a tune, a song, anything you’d like to offer – or maybe you find some fiddling friends and pull something together during the week. It’s very open and very supportive.
Should I bring recording equipment?
You might want to bring some sort of recording device. Smartphones are good and there are many reasonable recording device options on the market. If you have the sheet music for your song or tune, please bring it. It’s not essential though. There is a photocopier in the cottage.
What food do we eat on retreat?
Is there a shop on Lismore?
Is there internet access and a phone?
Carnie cottage has very good Wifi internet access. Mobile coverage is ok in cottage and outside in garden or road.
Cost and how to book
Spaces are limited to a maximum of 10 participants.
Retreats can be booked by emailing Mairi on mairi@mairicampbell.scot
The retreat fee is £600. This includes 22 hours tuition plus lunches and dinners over the five days. It does not include accommodation and breakfast.
Full payment is required when you book.
Payment plans are available. Talk to Mairi and set it up a payment plan.