The Highlands’ best kept secret of the Scottish literary world could lose out on a state-of-the-art new building if funds cannot be found in time.

Moniack Mhor Writers’ Centre, Scotland’s national centre for the teaching of creative writing, is poised to enter an exciting new phase of expansion. A funding shortfall, however, is putting plans for a new accommodation block and upgrade of facilities in jeopardy.

The expansion of the centre, which is located in the dramatic hills above Kiltarlity in Inverness-shire, is being backed by the Scottish Arts Council, which has committed funding of £264,000 from its Capital programme. A number of other trusts and individuals have pledged another £100,000 between them. However, funding from European sources has not been forthcoming, leaving Moniack Mhor with a potential shortfall of £150,000.

‘Time is running out – fast’ says Andrea Muir, Acting Development Director at the Centre. ‘We are so close. We have seventy per cent of the funds promised but we can’t move until we have all the funds in place.’

Moniack Mhor offers an extensive programme of residential courses in creative writing, and works in association with the internationally respected Arvon Foundation. It also runs a number of courses for Highland schools and was recently host to Writers Across Frontiers. This project brought Kurdish poet, Choman Hardi and Singaporean writer, Suchen Christine Lim to the Highlands. Both writers travelled extensively throughout the region and between them visited over forty schools and ran workshops for over fifteen hundred school children.

‘The centre gives invaluable help to writers at all stages of their careers,’ continues Andrea. ‘I first came to Moniack as a student and it made such a huge difference to me and my writing. There is an essence to this place that really seems to inspire people.’

The plans to develop Moniack include a new accommodation block, which will give all students their own study-bedrooms. IT facilities will also be upgraded as will communal areas and performance space.

‘This development will allow us to offer year-round courses, workshops, retreats and masterclasses. Literature is a vital part of the Highland’s heritage and its culture, past and present. To be so close to achieving the goal of consolidating Moniack Mhor as the national centre for writing in Scotland, and increasing the huge benefits to the local and national community, is very frustrating. Perhaps we need a ‘fairy god-mother’ – however, we are continuing with our fundraising efforts and also offering sponsorship opportunities to any businesses who wish to be involved with such an important cultural project.’

For more information contact Andrea Muir a.muir@arvonfoundation.org