Terms and Conditions for Gather the Keeners Pilgrimage May 2026
By making full payment and signing the Pilgrimage Agreement Form, participants agree to the following terms and conditions:
1. Overview of Dates
The pilgrimage takes place on Sat 23rd – Sat 31st May 2026.
Early booking discount deadline 31st Dec 2025
Registration deadline / final sum due by 25th February 2026
No cancellations can be made after 22nd February 2026.
2. Deposits, Cancellations and Refund Policy
2.1 All deposits are non-refundable.
2.2 Requests to cancel a booking before 25th February 2026
If you request a cancellation of your booking before the registration deadline of 25th there are three options:
A. Refund minus the non-refundable deposit
B. Transfer of booking. If the pilgrimage is full, and a waiting list has been created, then your place can be transferred to someone on the waiting list. You will receive a refund minus a £99 admin fee.
C. Transfer of booking to another pilgrimage. If you choose to transfer your booking to another pilgrimage, the following terms apply:
You must book onto a pilgrimage happening within a 12-month period. This period cannot be extended. If you don’t use your transfer then no refunds will be made.
To secure a transfer a transfer fee of £200 is due, this is due to the non-recoverable costs of securing your original place – such as accommodation etc, due to the costs of a small group. Non-payment of this cost within the invoice due date will result in your place being cancelled without refund.
If the pilgrimage you transfer to is more expensive, then you are due to pay the difference. Non-payment of this cost will result in your place being cancelled without refund.
2.3 Cancellation requests after the 25th February 2026.
There are no cancellations after the registration deadline of 25th February. Such requests are only made due to exceptional circumstances and at the organiser’s discretion, and must be accompanied with supporting documentation. If the cancel request is granted the following terms apply:
The exceptional circumstance must be one of severe illness of the participant or a family member, in both cases medical documentation is essential. The transfer fee is the same value of the deposit.
You must book onto a pilgrimage happening within a 12-month period. This period cannot be extended. If you don’t use your transfer then no refunds will be made.
Your new deposit can be made the following year, before the early booking discount date of the event. Non-payment by the invoice date will result in your place being cancelled without refund.
If no retreat is available then any refund is at the retreat organisers discretion and will amount to less than half of the retreat price.
We strongly advise all participants to obtain comprehensive travel insurance to cover such instances.
3. Insurance and Travel Requirements
Insurance: Participants are strongly advised to purchase suitable insurance which covers medical coverage, loss of personal belongings as well as trip cancellation.
Travel Documents: It is the participant's responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate travel documents, such as an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), if applicable.
Participants are fully responsible for arranging and funding their own travel to and from the Isle of Eigg, including flights, trains, ferries, and other transport. The Organiser cannot be held liable for any costs, delays, or changes related to travel. Participants are strongly advised to plan their journey carefully, allowing sufficient time for connections and potential unforeseen circumstances. Comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellations, delays, and personal belongings is strongly recommended.
(Please note that guidance will be provided regarding train and ferry connections, as well as a group travel plan for participants wishing to travel from Glasgow to Eigg on Saturday 23rd May 2026.)
4. Health and Fitness Requirements
By booking, participants confirm they are physically and mentally able to take part in all pilgrimage activities. Any relevant health or mental health conditions must be disclosed in advance, and participants should bring sufficient medication as needed. A basic level of fitness is required, including the ability to walk 3–5 miles in varied terrain.
5. Responsible Conduct
Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a way that supports a safe, inclusive, and harmonious retreat environment. This includes respecting facilitators, fellow participants, and venue staff; avoiding any form of harassment, aggressive behavior, or offensive or threatening language; and following all venue rules, safety guidelines, and retreat schedules. Participants are responsible for their personal belongings and for any damage they may cause. Respect for the privacy and confidentiality of what others share during sessions is essential. If, in the reasonable judgment of the organizers, a participant’s behavior compromises the safety, comfort, or integrity of the retreat, the organizers reserve the right to ask that participant to leave. In such cases, no refunds will be given.
6. Self-Care
Each participant takes full and complete personal responsibility for their own experience during the retreat. For your well-being, you are encouraged to listen to your body, emotions, and energy levels, and to take space or rest as needed. You may choose to opt out of any activity that doesn’t feel supportive or aligned in the moment. Participants are also asked to inform the retreat team of any relevant health conditions, injuries, allergies, or dietary requirements prior to the retreat, so that appropriate accommodations can be considered.
7. Drug and Alcohol Policy
Participants are required to refrain from using drugs, alcohol, smoking, or vaping for the duration of the pilgrimag in order to support a respectful and focused atmosphere.
8. Health and Illness Policy
If participants develop symptoms of illness such as sneezing, coughing, fever, or any other signs of being unwell, they agree to wear a mask while indoors. While participants may choose to use self-tests (such as for COVID-19), these will not be enforced. Activities may be moved outdoors or to well-ventilated indoor spaces if needed. Participants with symptoms also agree to minimize close contact with other participants and with local residents. Where possible, we will make reasonable efforts to adjust accommodation so that the unwell participant may have their own room, though this cannot be guaranteed.
9. Gender Policy
Our pilgrimage is open to women, including trans women, and to people of non-binary or gender-diverse identities
10. What is and isn’t included on the pilgrimage
Included:
· Seven nights’ accommodation at Glebe Barn Hostel, Isle of Eigg.
· Meals: Dinner on arrival day, daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and breakfast on departure day.
· Materials and guidance for art projects.
· Personal care and attention by the pilgrimage organiser during the week
· Pre-Pilgrimage Package includes:
1. A dedicated Zoom lesson exploring the role of the keening woman
2. Access to the ‘An Introduction to Keening’ course
3. A welcome Zoom gathering to meet fellow participants, share travel information etc
4. A curated list of resources, including articles, websites, and videos
5. Access to all materials and information via a dedicated webpage
Not Included:
Travel costs to the Isle of Eigg.
Travel insurance (recommended).
Optional taxi rides on Eigg.
Any meals or drinks not listed.
Medical treatment costs.
11. Unforeseen Circumstances Clause
Should the organiser have to cancel the pilgrimage, they will make every effort to refund as much of the payments received as possible. Due to this being a small group event up front costs have already been invested, and so rely on the refundable elements of third party services and vendors.
14. Liability Waiver
By registering for this pilgrimage, participants acknowledge that they are responsible for their own health, safety, and well-being throughout the week. Participants confirm that they are physically able to take part in walking activities and assume all risks associated with the pilgrimage participation, including but not limited to walking on uneven terrain, slips or falls, weather conditions, exposure to natural elements, transportation, and interaction with wildlife. Participants release and discharge Jude Lally Art, its organizers, staff, and affiliates from any and all liability for personal injury, illness, property loss, damage, theft, accidents, or delays that may occur during the pilgrimage, and are encouraged to obtain personal travel and health insurance for their own protection.
15. Your Information, Data Protection & Record Storage
Personal information is collected and stored securely for booking, communication, and safety purposes. Data is protected according to the Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and EU GDPR.
Your information may be shared with emergency services, but will not be shared with third parties without consent. Participants have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of their personal data.
16. Amendments to Pilgrimage Policies
We reserve the right to amend these policies at our discretion. Should any amendment occur, participants will be notified of the changes by email.
If you have any questions please get in touch by email via l=the link below - please title your email Pilgrimage Terms & Conditions Query