Moniack Mhor Scotland's Creative Writing Centre

Moniack Mhor is a blissful place to be for anyone, but for this old and gorgeous period building, accessibility was always going to be a challenge. Luckily, it was a challenge the wonderful team were up for, and while there were a few moments we needed help with, overall myself, my carer (mum for short) and my assistance dog, could not have been happier with our experience. What the place lacked in turning circles, it made up for in caring people ready to help. My dog had an awesome week, toileting space galore, beautiful wide lawns to exercise on, and plenty of space to sit next to me in the living room etc. The local routes were thought about, but weren’t super accessible for the power chair as it is the countryside after all. I bet a K2 trekenetic would find it a doddle. My dietary needs were ridiculously well catered for. I don’t think I’ve ever said “that’s so sweet” so many times before in my life; and I know some very sweet people. As I’m sure many people have testified, the course was incredible and the house and grounds unbeatable in beauty and comfort. Without a carer I may have struggled significantly more, but as it is, every issue we came across is one that Moniack have been able to adapt to help future guests. They even widened the pathway to the little Hobbit-esque house specifically for me! The bedroom and bathroom were both ground floor. The bedroom was almost perfect. I’m not sure I could have used the wardrobe from my chair, but luckily for me I didn’t need to. I was stuck in bed for our Burns Night feast and got to watch the piper match past my window and then had my Burns Night dinner arrive via my carer. I joined them via my robot avatar (No Isolation’s AV1) and even got to say the Selkirk Grace. The toilet... oh the irony that this was a sticking point! I have a very long chair when the back pack is on and I’m reclined slightly and the massive legs are on... so I think most chairs would manage the turn easier than mine. I struggled to get into the actual toilet, but I used my portable commode in the bedroom that my mum emptied for me. It’s a lovely big bathroom, but a fairly narrow corridor to turn in. It’s worth keeping in mind. The main rooms of the house were super duper accessible and the table was easy to drive under etc. You may need someone to help open doors. We were given a full tour and trialled moving around on day 1.

I have Menieres Disease, a hidden disability that profoundly affects my life and what I am able to do. I was very wary about going on a writing course but had wanted to do one for such a long time that I booked anyway knowing I might have problems with noise (hypercusis) and other triggers for an attack. From the beginning my needs were listened to and acted on by the staff - including a ground floor room near a loo. Once I was there and I had severe problems with noise (16 people all talking at once is like a bomb going off for me). I didn't have to explain or defend myself but just ate on my own in the kitchen which helped a lot (isolating myself for health reasons and feeling isolated are very different things). I managed to take part in all the other activities with some adaptations most of which I didn't even have to ask for, they were just there. Like a high backed chair in the Hobbit house so I could support my head. The tutors were brilliant at including me as were the other members of the course. However it was the Moniack staff that made my week so easy and comfortable. I never had to explain myself. I can’t emphasise how amazing it was not to have to go into long winded explanations (that nobody really understands or even believes) just to get what I need. It made everything so much easier and I can’t tell you how rare that is. To be trusted that I know my own capabilities and what I can and cannot tolerate. Adaptability was the key to a great week. We just figured it out together without any fuss and I never found them patronising in any way. Communication is the most important thing with any disability and I was able to talk to all the staff about any issues I had without feeling like an idiot. If you have a vestibular or similar condition and you want to write then I would definitely recommend Moniack Mohr. Just let them know what you need and be assured that anything can be adapted to your needs with the least amount of fuss. Compared to the problems I encounter on a daily basis with work, for instance, Moniack Mohr staff were a revelation.