Gather the Keeners Pilgrimage 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This is a general FAQ relevant for each pilgrimage
What is a Gather the Keeners Pilgrimage?
The Gather the Keeners is a week-long pilgrimage on the Isle of Eigg, Scotland, focused on reclaiming the indigenous grief ritual of keening through keening circles, creative projects and walks. The pilgrimage also offers personal reflection time and group sessions.
I’m drawn to this but know nothing about keening - can I still sign up?
Absolutely as part of your pre-pilgrimage pack will have a dedicated zoom lesson on keening and the role of the keening woman, plus a free pass to take my ‘An Introduction to Keening’ course, plus a selection of articles. This way we arrive which the same knowledge, allowing us to dedicate our time together to exploring keening.
Who can attend the pilgrimages?
The pilgrimages are open to women, including trans women, and those who identify outside of the gender binary.
What activities will be included in the pilgrimages?
Activities include a mix of the following (depending on which pilgrimage you book onto):
Keening Circles
Create projects from collage to doll making or weaving
Storytelling
Walking Pilgrimages
Exploring sacred sites
Gestures of ritual at sites
What is the pilgrimage location and accommodation?
All three pilgrimages for 2026 take place on the Isle of Eigg, in the Inner Hebrides off the West Coast of Scotland. Accommodation is the Glebe Barn Hostel, a converted 19th-century building. Accommodation is based on shared rooms with single beds rooms or bunk bed rooms (you will have the entire bunk bed to yourself). There are no single rooms available. The hostel normally sleeps 22 while each pilgrimage will be approximately 9 people.
What is the cost?
The cost is £1499 (approx. USD $1999). A non-refundable deposit of £399 reserves your place while the final payment then secures your booking.
Is there an early booking discount?
Yes you can save £100 if you book early. check the pilgrimage page for full details of the early booking discount deadline and the registration deadline date.
What is included in the price?
Seven nights’ accommodation at Glebe Barn
Meals: Dinner on arrival day, daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner
All materials for art projects
Personal care and attention from the pilgrimage facilitator
Pre-pilgrimage pack: -a dedicated zoom lesson around keening, free pass to my An Introduction to Keening course, plus a selection of relevant articles and videos
A zoom gathering before the pilgrimage to meet fellow travellers, talk over the group travel plan, and possibly arrange details for meeting for a meal in Glasgow on the Friday before the retreat.
What is not included in the price?
Travel costs to the Isle of Eigg
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Optional taxi rides on Eigg
Meals or drinks not specified above
Any medical treatment costs
Any costs relating to lost luggage
Are deposits refundable?
No, all deposits are non-refundable as they secure your place and contribute toward non-recoverable costs.
What options do I have if I want to cancel before the registration deadline and have paid my deposit?
Request a refund minus the non-refundable deposit
Transfer your booking to another participant if the retreat is full (an admin fee applies)
Transfer your booking to a different retreat within 12 months (additional transfer fees and possible price differences may apply).
Is there a fee for transferring my booking to another retreat?
Yes, a transfer fee is required to cover non-recoverable costs. This fee must be paid by the invoice due date of the new event to secure your new booking; otherwise, your place may be cancelled without refund.
What if the retreat I transfer to costs more?
You will be responsible for paying the price difference. Failure to pay by the invoice due date may result in cancellation without refund.
Can I transfer my booking to a retreat within the same year?
Transfers within the same year depend on availability. If a space is open, the transfer fee is due immediately to secure the place.
What if I want to transfer my booking to a retreat in the following year?
Your place can be reserved, and you will be contacted when new dates are available. The transfer is secured when the transfer fee is paid by the early booking discount deadline of the new retreat.
What happens if I request a cancellation after the registration deadline?
Cancellations are not accepted after the deadline except in exceptional cases of severe illness with medical documentation. Transfers under these circumstances follow similar fees and conditions as earlier transfers.
What if the retreat does not meet the minimum participant number?
If the minimum number of participants is not reached by the registration deadline, the retreat will be cancelled and payments refunded, less any payment processor fees. Participants will be informed of current sign-up numbers by the deadline.
Do you recommend insurance?
Yes, please make sure that your needs are met by appropriate insurance
What should I pack?
Scottish summers can be unpredictable, so it's important to pack for all weather conditions. A packing guide will be provided after booking, but recommended and essential items include:
Hat - which can be both a sunhat and provide warmth
A swimsuit (potential sea or loch swimming)
Comfortable hiking boots (essential)
Quick dry trousers
Waterproof jacket (essential)
Waterproof over trousers (essential)
Day hiking rucksack
How many people attend the pilgrimage?
The pilgrimage is created to offer a small and intimate gathering with a maximum of 7 participants, and two staff members.
What travel documents do I need?
If you’re traveling from outside the UK you may need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation). It is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate travel documents.
What is the fitness level required for the pilgrimage?
A basic level of fitness is required, with the ability of walking 3-5 miles minimum over varied terrain. On each pilgrimage page there is a dedicated link which outlines each of the walks for that week.
Can I drink while I’m there for the week?
Participants are asked to refrain from using drugs, alcohol, smoking, or vaping during the week.
Do you have a Covid-19 policy?
We have a general illness policy, which covers COVID-19 like symptoms, you agree to wear a mask or face covering indoors. Activities may be held outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces as needed, and you’ll be asked to limit contact with locals.
What if I have a medical condition?
With an acceptance of the Pilgrimage Agreement Form participants must disclose any relevant health or mental health conditions that could affect their participation.
What if I need medical assistance on the island?
The Small Isles Medical Practice is available for temporary residents and visitors. It is advisable to have adequate travel insurance to cover any potential medical needs. Ensure you bring any necessary medications with you.
What if I need to leave early?
If you decide to leave early for any reason, no refunds will be provided.
Do you have a gender policy?
Yes, we mentioned this in # 2 - The pilgrimage is open to women, including trans women, and those who identify outside of the gender binary.
Can I bring my dog?
Sorry, no dogs - but I’m sure we can find an island dog who you can talk to.
Once I book what happens next?
Once you pay your deposit, you’ll receive a copy of the Pilgrimage Agreement Form. One you get that back to me I’ll share the Pilgrimage Portal page, which covers:
What to bring
Group travel plan
Invitation to take my ‘Introduction to Keening’ course and others
A guide to information about Eigg
Details on the Travel ETA, a digital document required by those living out-with the UK
A Zoom date for a lesson on keening
A Zoom invitation for meeting with fellow participants after registration has closed
How do I sign up?
To sign up please use the link on the relevant pilgrimage page and fill out the application form. here are the sign up steps from application form to securing your booking:
Procedure:
Read the terms & conditions as well as the FAQ
Fill out the application via the button below
Receive notification of application received
Receive acceptance email if successful - within three weeks
Pay deposit, full amount or start payment plan to reserve your place
Fill in the Pilgrimage Agreement Form
Pay final balance which then secures your booking
Are there any group travel plans?
For those who wish to travel as a group from Glasgow Queen Street Train Station to Eigg, the approximate travel plan is listed below. This will be confirmed at a later date when the relevant summer timetables have been published. I will be on the Isle of Eigg and be there to meet you when you get off the ferry.
These times will be checked against the relevant timetables when published in late April/early May:
Depart Glasgow Queen Street Train Station: 08.22 AM
Arrive at Mallaig: 13.40 PM
Ferry departs Mallaig: 14.35 PM
Arrive at Eigg: 15.55 PM
On arrival on Eigg our luggage will be taken to the hostel and we will make the 30-40 minute walk.
Return journey approximate timing:
Depart Eigg: 13.55
Arrive Mallaig: 14.55
Train departs Mallaig: 16.05
Train Arrives Glasgow Queen Street: 21.25
What If I miss the train or the ferry? Is my place cancelled?
I will give you an information sheet which outlines the next train and ferry sailings. You will still be welcomed on the pilgrimage even if you arrive late.
Is there ever any issue with the ferry?
Occasionally there can be issues with the ferry due to weather or alternative schedules due to ferry maintenance and the replacement of boats.
Signing up for the CalMac (Caledonian MacBrayne) ferry app will provide you with any alerts or updates on your sailing. I have been visiting Eigg for over 25 years and have never missed a sailing due to weather.
What do I do if the ferry is cancelled?
You may wish to book accommodation in Mallaig if you are worried about the ferry being cancelled. One option would be to book a room in the Mallaig Bunkhouse Hostel (very affordable, around £30 per night). This would provide you with accommodation, as Mallaig options can become fully booked as the season goes on. You will be given an information sheet which will advise on the next scheduled sailing.
What if I am so delayed, I don’t get to the Isle of Eigg at all?
Sorry, but as laid out in our Terms and Conditions in this instance we cannot offer a refund. You are responsible for your own journey to the Isle of Eigg. We highly recommend you get travel insurance to cover such instances.
There is stuff I can’t eat - will you still be able to feed me
Yes, we have dedicated and experienced cooks cater for us and can cater for a range of dietary requirements. I’m sorry we can’t cater for anyone who has coeliac as we only have one kitchen
I need help working out some travel plans for before and after the pilgrimage, can you help?
I’m more than happy to give some general travel advice, which then points you in the right direct to do your planning
Is this list the Terms & Conditions?
No, you’ll find details of all the small print details of the pilgrimage in a dedicated Terms and Conditions page. You’ll find the link on the main pilgrimage page