Soul of the North is a seven-day immersive Scotland retreat set in the far north of the Scottish Highlands, designed for those seeking deep rest, reconnection, and personal renewal. Based in Caithness and easily accessible from Inverness, this unique Highlands story and spirit retreat blends storytelling, spiritual practice, yoga, and guided exploration of some of Scotland’s most powerful landscapes.
At the heart of this experience lies Cianalas – a Gaelic word that speaks to a deep, unspoken longing of the soul. A pull toward something ancient, familiar, and half remembered. It is not something you choose, but something that calls you.
Here, in the far north of Scotland, that call is answered.
Through the grounding of earth, the movement of air, the warmth of fire, and the cleansing power of water, this Scotland story and spirit retreat invites you to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with yourself in a way that feels both ancient and entirely your own.
This is also a journey of remembering. A space to embrace your inner elder, to recognise that true wisdom is already within you, and to reconnect with the quieter knowing that life often buries beneath noise and responsibility. It is a retreat of reflection, release, and letting go of what no longer serves, creating space for clarity, insight, and renewal.
Based at the peaceful sanctuary of Forse of Nature in Caithness, this Highlands retreat is shaped by the wild rhythms of the north. From the dramatic coastline of Caithness to the sacred waters of Loch Ness and the energy of ancient sites across the Highlands, each experience is designed to support connection, transformation, reflection, and integration.
Led by Emma Macaulay, Highland storyteller and guide, and Kate Graham, Shamanic Oracle Artist and healing practitioner, this Scotland retreat is held within a powerful partnership of story and spirit. Emma brings the landscapes of the Highlands to life through rich narrative and deep-rooted connection, while Kate guides profound inner journeys through healing, ceremony, and intuitive practice.
Together, they create a space that is both grounding and expansive, where exploration and stillness exist in harmony, and where guests are gently supported to reconnect with their inner wisdom.
Through story, ceremony, and daily practices including yoga, meditation, and breathwork, guests are supported to reconnect with both the land and their inner world. This is a retreat in Scotland that holds space for reflection, letting go, and remembering what truly matters, balanced with guided experiences and spacious time for integration.
Your journey includes:
• A fairytale excursion to Dunrobin Castle (entry included) and the Big Burn Fairy Walk near Golspie
• A visit to John O’Groats and the iconic Duncansby Stacks
• Stops at Loch Ness, Dores Beach, the Clootie Well, and Chanonry Point for dolphin spotting and the story of the Brahan Seer
• An opening circle at Carn Liath Broch, grounding you in Highland history, ancestry, and ancient wisdom
• Shopping opportunities at Yvonne’s Tartan Boutique and James Pringle Weavers
Elemental experiences include a guided cold water dip and beach sauna, alongside fire ceremonies and evening storytelling gatherings that support release, reflection, and reconnection.
Luxury guided transfer from Inverness in a Mercedes V-Class Vehicle or mini coach depending on numbers
Seven nights accommodation at the beautiful Forse of Nature in Caithness.
All meals throughout the retreat including ceremonial cacao, breakfast, lunch, dinners & snacks.
Nervous System Regulation; yoga, meditation, breathwork, healing, or guided embodiment practices
Shamanic workshops, healing circles, ceremonies, and guided journeys with Kate.
Highland storytelling, mythic journeys, and ancestral history led by Emma.
All guided excursions to ancient sites, landscapes, and sacred places.
Cold water dip & beach sauna included
Special Evening inviting you to get dressed up and enjoy a beautiful Storytelling led dinner hosted and catered by the Downright Gabbler from Beauly.
Fire ceremonies, sound journeys, and ritual experiences.
Opening and closing circles and full group facilitation throughout
Optional Gin and Whisky Tasting alongside a charcuterie and storytelling evening
All planning, facilitation, and on retreat support from both retreat leaders
Tickets included for Dunrobin castle
1 x one to one healing session with Kate during the retreat
Welcome gift bag including aromatherapy oils and a personal retreat journal
Any accommodation or meals outside the stated retreat dates
Travel to and from Inverness outside the scheduled retreat transfers
Personal purchases, souvenirs, or additional refreshments
Additional one to one healing sessions with Kate are available at additional cost.
Personal Travel Insurance is not included and should be obtained prior to the trip
Gratuities or personal expenses of any kind
10:00am Collection from Inverness (city centre or airport)
Journey North with storytelling stops: Dores Beach, Loch Ness Dornoch (including Yvonne’s Tartan Boutique) Carn Liath Broch – Opening Shamanic Circle with drumming, red string ‘yarn of fate’, connecting the group in shared vision
4:00pm Arrival at Forse of Nature Welcome tea & time to settle and unpack
6:00pm Dinner
7:30pm Grounding Yin Practice Intention Setting, Coming Home to Body, Reflecting Inward
9:00pm Quiet & Bedtime
8.00am: Morning Movement & Meditation
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am–1:00pm: Ancient cairns & standing stones Excursion
1:00pm: Lunch
2:00pm–4:00pm Linoprinting workshop
4:00pm-5:30pm Writing Your Own Story Reflection & Journalling
6:00pm Relaxed Dinner - Charcuterie, Whisky / Gin Tasting & Hearthside Storytelling
8:00PM Relaxation and dreaming practice
9:00pm Quiet & Bedtime
8:00am Yin yoga
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am–2:00pm Castletown Excursion
Optional North Sea dip Clach Mara Sauna Packed Lunch
2:30pm–6:00pm Free time / 1:1 sessions with Kate x 3
6:30pm Dinner
7:30pm Fireside Evening (cooried in around the fire)
Sound journey Music, connection, and shared songs
8:00am Breathwork & Rewilding Practice
9:00am Breakfast
10:00am–3:00pm Excursion to John O’ Groats & Duncansby Stacks
3:30pm–6:30pm Integration Time
Journaling and reflection
Reading and rest
1:1 sessions with Kate x3
7:00pm Dinner
8:00 Dark Walk & Night Exploration
UV light walk
Bat spotting
Exploring the unseen and liminal
Optional Breathwork and Journeying instead of Dark walk and exploration.
8:00am Morning Movement & Shaking Practice
8:30am Breakfast
9:00am-12:30pm Shamanic Healing & Fire Ceremony Preparations & Rituals Introduce Mask/Otherwise for Day 7
1:00pm Lunch & Shamanic Nature Divination Practice Introduction
2:00pm Afternoon at leisure
Optional Wagg of Forse Walk Free time / 1:1 sessions with Kate x3
5:30pm Bonfire preparation
6:30pm Bonfire Night Fire Ceremony
Campfire soup
Ceremonial cacao
Fire ritual for release and transformation
Optional whisky hot chocolate
Toasted marshmallows
Storytelling and connection
Fun Music, Songs Including “The Rattling Bog”
8:30am Breakfast
10:00am-3:00pm
Option A (On-site): Creative Integration Time Art, writing, or music 1:1 sessions x3
Option B (Optional Excursion): Fairytale Frolick Dunrobin Castle & Big Burn Walk (Buy your own lunch in the Dunrobin Castle Cafe)
12:30pm Lunch for those at Forse of Nature who stay behind.
3:30pm–5:00pm Healing with Kate
5:00pm-6:00pm Get Ready/Dress Up Night
6:00-6:30pm Concert in the Parlour
6:30pm Special Evening Experience A dressed-up evening dinner hosted by The Downright Gabbler A celebratory night with storytelling and connection
7:30am Rest & meditation
8:30am Breakfast
10:00am-3:00pm
Option A (On-site): Creative Integration Time Art, writing, or music 1:1 sessions x3
Option B (Optional Excursion): Fairytale Frolick Dunrobin Castle & Big Burn Walk (Buy your own lunch in the Dunrobin Castle Cafe)
12:30pm Lunch for those at Forse of Nature who stay behind.
3:00pm–5:00pm Ceremony preperation
5.00pm - 6:00pm Dinner
6:30pm Final Group Shamanic Healing Ceremony
8:00am Breakfast & Gratitude Circle
9:30am Depart Forse of Nature
11:00am Clootie Well Cleansing Ceremony
12:00pm Chanonry Point Stop Brahan Seer storytelling Dolphin spotting opportunity
1:30pm Clava Cairns Closing Finale Drumming circle among the ancient stones
2:30pm James Pringle Weavers Stop 1 hour for shopping and browsing
4:00pm Drop-off in Inverness city centre
Macaulay Luxury Travel is a bespoke Highland tour and retreat company based in Inverness, creating small group and private journeys that go far beyond sightseeing. We blend history, landscape, folklore, and authentic local connection to offer truly immersive experiences across the Scottish Highlands.
Founded by professional guide and storyteller Emma Macaulay, each tour is relaxed, personal, and thoughtfully paced, with plenty of time to explore hidden gems and soak in the scenery. Travel is in comfort and style in a luxury Mercedes V Class vehicle, ensuring a smooth and intimate experience throughout.
From scenic day tours and cruise excursions to themed adventures and multi day retreats, every journey is carefully curated to help you connect with the spirit, stories, and soul of the Highlands.
