Come to an old land where people have fresh spirits.
Come to an old land where people have fresh spirits.
Explore cities and churches and castles.
Explore cities and churches and castles.
Yes, come to Scotland.
Yes, come to Scotland.
Embedded Files
Work your words at Scriptoria Workshop in Dundee, Scotland.
Work your words at Scriptoria Workshop in Dundee, Scotland.
Whether you dabble in or publish poetry, fiction, or nonfiction, you can join Newbery-winner Gary D. Schmidt (The Wednesday Wars) and other authors like Vinita Hampton Wright to honor your writing nudge.
During our week-long conference, July 29-August 3, 2026, you’ll spend mornings giving and receiving feedback with your genre-specific workshop group. Then Scriptoria’s typical day delivers two more hours of writing instruction.
Afternoons will incorporate writing exercises while we explore Scottish cities like Dundee and St. Andrews. An optional opportunity invites participants, regardless of artistic abilities, to create tiny water-colored books with award-winning artist Anna Greidanus.
On Friday, July 31, we’ll set aside our schedule for a day-long field trip to Stirling Castle, where we’ll meet costumed and knowledgeable interpreters. We’ll also encounter the White Unicorn and learn this creature’s storied identity.
So, at Scriptoria, you’ll grow your writing and your community while exploring Scotland—all in the context of faith. You’ll join Catholic and Protestant participants who ask this question: “What does it mean to be a person of faith who writes?”
Scriptoria at Gilfillan of Dundee
Scriptoria at Gilfillan of Dundee
Gilfillan Memorial Church of Dundee will host Scriptoria Scotland 2026. This 19th century church was first led by Rev. George Gilfillan—Dundee’s poet-pastor who championed the jute mill workers, so much so that he was called “oor George.” He famously invited the freed American slave, Frederick Douglass, to speak behind his pulpit. He was known, too, for his writing, especially for Bards of the Bible (1851). To learn more about the church’s rich history, click here.
The church’s current leader is Jack Brown, an American pastor. His wife, author Sharon Garlough Brown (Sensible Shoes), serves with him.
Dundee rests by the “silvery” River Tay between Edinburgh and Aberdeen—on Scotland’s east coast. Scotland's fourth largest city, Dundee is known for three “j’s”: jute, jam, and journalism.
The beautiful Gilfillan Memorial Church of Dundee is at 24 Whitehall Crescent.
The restored RRS Discovery. Photo by Thomas Mills on Unsplash.
Dundee’s Do’s
Dundee’s Do’s
Dundee offers many historical landmarks and museums:
The Riverside Walk: Amble along the River Tay. This beautiful walkway is only a block from Gilfillan Memorial Church.
The Wishart Arch: A piece of an ancient wall (Cowgate), dedicated to martyr George Wishart, still stands. It was one of Dundee’s medieval gates.
The Discovery: Famous explorer Ernest Shackleton sailed in the Dundee-built RRS Discovery to the Antarctic during an early expedition. Museum and ship available.
The HMS Unicorn: Scotland’s oldest frigate invites visitors onto its wooden planks to learn more about its history.
The V&A Museum: The Victoria & Albert Museum offers seasonal displays and a café overlooking the River Tay.
Dundee City skyline. Photo by Zack Davidson on Unsplash.
Details to follow!
Subscribe to our newsletter for monthly updates and community news.
Google Sites
Report abuse