Gather the Keeners Pilgrimage 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. 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 on the land. The pilgrimage also offers personal reflection time and group sessions.

2. Who can attend the pilgrimages?

The pilgrimages are open to women, including trans women, and those who identify outside of the gender binary.

3. What activities will be included in the pilgrimages?

Activities include some of the following:

  • Keening Circle

  • Create projects from collage to doll making or weaving

  • Storytelling

  • Walking Pilgrimages

  • Exploring sacred sites

4. 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 or bunk beds (you will have the entire bunk bed to yourself). There are no single rooms available.

5. Pilgrimage cost, early booking discount and registration deadline.

The cost is £1499 (approx. USD $1999) for seven nights accommodation, all meals, and art materials. A non-refundable deposit of £399 is required to secure your booking.

May Pilgrimage:

The pilgrimage cost is £1499. If you are accepted onto the pilgrimage you will receive an acceptance letter with a deposit invoice plus details of an optional payment plan. Registration closes on 25th march 2026.

  • An early booking discount of £70 is available until 31st Jan 2026 (which can be secured by payment of your deposit)

  • Payments are made by card - you will receive an invoice

  • Direct bank payments are preferred for those living in the UK

July Pilgrimage:

The pilgrimage cost is £1499. If you are accepted onto the pilgrimage you will receive an acceptance letter with a deposit invoice plus details of an optional payment plan. Registration closes on the 15th May 2026.

  • An early booking discount of £70 is available until 31st March 2026 (which can be secured by payment of your deposit)

  • Payments are made by card - you will receive an invoice

  • Direct bank payments are preferred for those living in the UK

August Pilgrimage:

The pilgrimage cost is £1499. If you are accepted you will receive an acceptance letter with a deposit invoice plus details of an optional payment plan. Registration closes on 21st June 2026

  • An early booking discount of £70 is available until 30th April 2026 (which can be secured by payment of your deposit)

  • Payments are made by card - you will receive an invoice

  • Direct bank payments are preferred for those living in the UK

6. 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 materials - dedicated zoom lesson, free pass to my keening, Cailleach and course on the Goddess Brighid plus any relevant articles or videos , and relevant articles

7. What is not included in the price?

  • Travel costs to the Isle of Eigg

  • Travel insurance (recommended)

  • Optional taxi rides on Eigg

  • Meals or drinks not specified above

  • Any medical treatment costs

 
 

8. 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)

9. How many people attend the pilgrimage?

This is a small and intimate gathering with a maximum of 7 participants, and two staff members.

10. What are the cancellation and refund policies?

May Pilgrimage:

  • If you have paid in full before the 25th May 2026, and wish to cancel before this date you’ll receive a refund minus your deposit.

  • If a replacement booking is secured, your deposit will be refunded minus a £49 admin fee.

  • Cancellations will be considered only from 25th May until 8th June 2026, only if a replacement booking can be secured. In this case you will receive a refund minus a £49 admin charge.

  • No cancellations can be made after the 8th June 2026

  • Severe Illness. In the event of a cancellation request due to severe illness, medical evidence from a licensed medical practitioner is required. The payment can be transferred to a pilgrimage taking place the following year. If the participant does not use the credit in the following year then no refund will be provided. No transfers will be granted for cancellations made within 3 days of the pilgrimage start, regardless of reason. Participants are advised to obtain travel insurance for such last-minute emergencies. A £49 admin rebooking fee will be charged.

July Pilgrimage:

  • If you have paid in full before the 31st March and wish to cancel before this date you’ll receive a refund minus your deposit.

  • If a replacement booking is secured, your deposit will be refunded minus a £49 admin fee.

  • Cancellations will be considered only from 31st March until the14th April 2026, only if a replacement booking can be secured. In this case you will receive a refund minus a £49 admin charge.

  • No cancellations can be made after the 14th April 2026

  • Severe Illness. In the event of a cancellation request due to severe illness, medical evidence from a licensed medical practitioner is required. The payment can be transferred to a pilgrimage taking place the following year. If the participant does not use the credit in the following year then no refund will be provided. No transfers will be granted for cancellations made within 3 days of the pilgrimage start, regardless of reason. Participants are advised to obtain travel insurance for such last-minute emergencies. A £49 admin rebooking fee will be charged.

August Pilgrimage:

  • If you have paid in full before the 30th April and wish to cancel before this date you’ll receive a refund minus your deposit.

  • If a replacement booking is secured, your deposit will be refunded minus a £49 admin fee.

  • Cancellations will be considered only from 30th April until the14th May 2026, only if a replacement booking can be secured. In this case you will receive a refund minus a £49 admin charge.

  • No cancellations can be made after the 14th May 2026

  • Severe Illness. In the event of a cancellation request due to severe illness, medical evidence from a licensed medical practitioner is required. The payment can be transferred to a pilgrimage taking place the following year. If the participant does not use the credit in the following year then no refund will be provided. No transfers will be granted for cancellations made within 3 days of the pilgrimage start, regardless of reason. Participants are advised to obtain travel insurance for such last-minute emergencies. A £49 admin rebooking fee will be charged.

11. Can I transfer my place to someone else if I can’t attend?

If a participant wishes to transfer their place to a friend or acquaintance, this is permitted provided the transfer is made before 28th June 2025. An admin fee of £49 admin fee will be charged for the transfer, which will made by the original participant.

The individual taking over the place must meet all the requirements and agree to the same terms and conditions as the original participant. The transfer request must be submitted in writing and approved by the organizer before the new participant is confirmed.

Please note that transfers are not possible after 28th June 2025.

12. 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.

13. 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. Click here for an outline of the walks involved

14. Is there a drug and alcohol policy?

Participants are asked to refrain from using drugs, alcohol, smoking, or vaping during the week.

15. Do you have a Covid-19 policy?

If you develop COVID-19 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.

16. Do you have a photo policy?

The participant provides their consent for photos taken on the pilgrimage to be used for advertising, promotion and marketing purposes.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. What if I need to leave the week early?

If you decide to leave early for any reason, no refunds will be provided.

20. 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.

21. Is there any communication after booking?

Once you pay your deposit, you’ll receive an invitation to join the pilgrimage portal. Here you will find additional information such as:

  • 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 invitation for meeting with fellow participants after registration has closed

22. Is 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 closer to to dates one the relevant summer timetables have been published. I will meet you when you arrive on the Isle of Eigg.

  • 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

23. 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.

24. What do I do if the ferry is cancelled?

On your journey to Eigg, 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.

click here to get in touch with any other questions