12th – 19th June 2027, Mallaig – Stornoway, from £895
This year marks the 10th anniversary of our ‘Muir is Tìr’ residency, exploring the seaways and islands of the Hebrides, their folklore, language and landscapes. The residency takes a creative approach to ocean adventuring, with a focus on the role and relevance of oral knowledge in the Anthropocene as a tool for unlocking and understanding the archipelago, examining the use of mnemonics, placenames, memory mapping, ocean lore and traditional navigation skills. This year we introduce the ‘old ways’, the ancient sea routes criss-crossing the Sea of the Hebrides, linking communities across the islands.
Setting sail from Mallaig and journeying north to the Isle of Lewis, there will be opportunities for time ashore foraging for wild foods and visiting abandoned or cleared villages, as well as learning more about the historical, cultural and supernatural narratives of the Outer Hebrides including the fabled Na Fir Ghorma – the Blue Men of the Minch.
Shiant Isles. Photo Lucy Wheeler
The Residency is run in partnership with An Lanntair and will be led by project curator, artist and islander Jon Macleod, and supported by Oliver Beardon onboard the fully equipped sailing yacht Merlin. ‘Muir is Tìr’ is based on the Gallic sea-lore book of the same name by George Macleod.
Working closely together learning to sail as well as spending time ashore the residency offers shared experience and collaboration whilst also allowing time for reflection, observation and contemplation in a unique and dynamic environment.
The residency is multi-artform and open to all Creative practitioners
The residency is self-funded, but Lanntair can offer letters of support for selected participants seeking funding possibilities.
A Library that complements and gives context to the residency will be available
Exhibitions/Performances at An Lanntair are possible in consultation with the curatorial team
Further details about the Muir is Tìr – Land and Sea residency
Residency contribution
This trip has three cost options, according to your circumstances.
Base tier, £995 – if you have a regular income or are applying for external funding for the trip. This is the minimum we need to keep the project running.
Abundance tier £1195 – if you are in a fortunate position, this allows us to invest in Sail Britain’s future and build resilience. For example, just this year, the need for a new engine was a major unexpected cost to the project and you can help support this. This also helps to keep the supported tier accessible for those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate.
Supported tier, £895 – for those self funding the residency on a very low income and in need of financial assistance. Accessibility is important to Sail Britain and we want to help make participation possible in these circumstances with this special reduced rate. This does not apply for those making external funding applications (please use the other tiers).
Please indicate in confidence which tier you would like to contribute to. This will not affect the success of your application.
Application Process
The residency is open to emerging, mid-career and established artists, photographers, filmmakers, writers, musicians and craft makers, etc.
Applicants should submit a brief CV and no more than 5 images (or other supporting documentation such as video, sound etc.) as an emailed PDF with images, and/or links as suits, stating why you would like to take part in this residency.
Applications should be sent to jon[at]anlanntair.com and info[at]sailbritain.org, subject – Muir is Tir Residency Application + [your name]
The successful applicants’ work may be able to be shown at An Lanntair. This is to be arranged between the residency organisers and the successful applicants.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is Friday 29th January 2027, but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Practical information:
- Start point – Mallaig (The crew will send details with exactly where to find Merlin on the day of arrival)
- Start time – Saturday 12th June, 6pm
- End point – Stornoway
- End time – Saturday 19th June, 10am
What’s included:
- Fully equipped yacht and professional crew
- 7 nights accommodation onboard
- All meals for the week
- All safety equipment and training
What’s not included
- Your travel to and from the start/end points of the voyage
- Travel insurance
- Any expenses ashore, although these tend to be very limited out in the wilds!
- Materials for your practice / research
For more info have a look at our FAQs page for an insight into life onboard
Please see this page for suggestions on funding your place