Sketch Scotland
Explore. Create. Immerse.
An English Language Holiday Filled With Art & Craft
If you love making art, but don’t consider yourself a professional artist, Sketchbook Scotland is for you!
This two-week language immersive holiday is designed for hobby artists and creative explorers who want to experience Scotland, not by racing about on a packed tour bus, but by truly slowing down and looking.
Slow Time Holidays
With a maximum of 3 guests, there’s no pressure for ‘results’ – just a shared joy in sketching.
Great for your creativity – fantastic for your English!
Explore Scotland’s landscapes by sketching and painting: improving your English every step of the way.
Experience Scotland through art and language
Let’s Talk!
Interested in Sketch Scotland – our English language coaching holiday with arts & crafts to unlock your English?
You’ll get to see our hub – and tell me (Ruth) 3 things you’d like to see/do in Scotland.
Our Sketch Scotland is available April – September, subject to availability.
Who is This Language Holiday For?
Art & Craft Makers…
People who love making art but don’t do it professionally
All abilities are welcome. This holiday unlocks and celebrates the joy of making – not results!
(If you are a professional artist – check our September Maker Takeover).
Hobby artists and sketchbook lovers looking for new inspiration
We’ll take you to stunning Scottish landscapes, beautiful gardens, antique centres, galleries and museums where you will look as an artist and discover stories, lines and poetry of form.
Amateur photographers
You will be given your own creative challenges about capturing Scotland. YOU know your camera – but we can help you see differently.
Plus
Creative travellers who want to practice English in a fun, informal way
Yups, really, if you can hold a pencil the right way up you are welcome!
Anyone who enjoys exploring nature, visiting studios, and trying new artistic techniques
We are big believers in the regenerative power of nature and culture combined with language practice.
Anyone Seeking Slow Travel or Deep Travel English language Experience
Anyone Suffering Stress and Anxiety Speaking English
Creativity blocks anxiety, so making crafts or art while around English will undo anxious responses to speaking English.
Learn more about The Correlation Between Anxiety & Creativity
What Makes This Language Holiday Different?
Deep Looking and Deep Travel makes being here meaningful.
Yes, we share Scotland while coaching your English, but this is not a classroom-based ‘immersion’ holiday or a seat on a coach tour of Scotland.
Connection matters. Meaningful travel leads to meaningful and memorable language acquisition.
That’s why we’ve created a holiday that allows you to learn, explore, and unwind – creatively.
What’s Included?
Day Trips 'Off-the-Beaten-Track'
- Draw castles, cafés, landscapes and flowers in wonderful settings – but with no tour bus traffic.
Studio Visits & Artist Encounters
- Meet friendly local artists in their Perthshire studios.
- Get inspired by their creative processes and artistic spaces.
Hands-On Art Workshops
- Try monoprint, collage, mosaic, watercolour and other techniques.
- No experience is needed, just bring a love for creativity and experimenting.
Creative Tips
Ruth & Fiona are both artists as well as English teachers. But don’t be intimidated, it’s not about results, it’s all about the pleasure of drawing and painting, which all levels can benefit from.
Our Trademark Real-World English* Experiences
Our conversation-led holidays are a perfect supplement to your classroom and/or book-based learning.
You don’t need to spend a holiday in a classroom.
Record Your Own Sketchbook (or Digital Blog)
- Create a visual diary of your Scottish adventure.
- Use drawing, photography, and English notes to capture memories in a unique and memorable way.
- Take home this keepsake (or starter portfolio if you want to explore art further).
(Optional): A Day as a Studio Assistant
- Spend a day helping an artist in their studio.
- A relaxed way to practice English naturally while learning new skills.
This option is most recommended for younger clients preparing a portfolio for art school.
Learn more about Art School Portfolio Preparation and Mentoring.
Further information
Find out more about Our Language School Food & Drink, Homestay Hosts
and Immersion Activities (all included in the price).
About Practicing English
A Relaxed, Pressure-Free Way to Improve English
This holiday is not for English beginners, but for people with language skills to practice.
You don’t need to be fluent or confident in English to join.
This holiday is designed to support you at your level while helping you grow your vocabulary, speaking skills, and confidence in a way that feels fun and natural.
Your English Language Holiday with Art Includes:
14 nights of comfort
In friendly, comfortable and quiet local homestay accommodation.
1:1 English coaching
Tailored to your level and goals.
Daily activities
Exploring Scotland’s culture, landscapes, gardeens and crafts.
A mid-week trip to the Scottish Highlands
Including breathtaking scenery and an introduction to Highland culture.
Free time to relax or join optional social events
We believe that rest is an essential part of a language holiday – for everyone!
Workshops with guest coaches
Benefit from all the healthy ways we share Scotland (personalised to you).
Most language learning options are designed for you to fit into.
At Blue Noun, we design them around you.
*About Real-World Language Practice
Blue Noun Language Hub is leading the way with alternatives to classroom-based language learning.
The Best Way to Remember a Language? Connect It to Something You Love!
By using English in a fun, personal, and creative way, it becomes memorable and meaningful.
Whether you’re describing a painting, meeting an artist, or writing about your journey in your journal, you’ll absorb new language naturally and at ease.
Read the British Council Article.
Discover how Blue Noun Meets 8/10 Trends & Innovations in Language Teaching
Testimonials
British Council
The British Council listed our speciality Real-World English in its Top 2024 Language Teaching Innovations.
Friendly community
Perthshire was voted the Friendliest Region on Earth by Booking*com.
What more perfect combination could you need for an English conversation holiday?
5 Star Reviews
Read our 5 Star Reviews on Google
