For young songwriters aged 16–25 September–October | £25 (bursaries available)
Write, collaborate and record with Rua Soul—at the historic home of Robert Burns.
This immersive song-writing retreat is a rare chance to develop your music in the inspiring surroundings of Ellisland Farm, just outside Dumfries. Led by acclaimed producer and performer Rory Comerford (Rua Soul / PAIX / Monzanto Sound), the programme is open to young people aged 16–25.
Whether you’re into folk, hip-hop, bedroom pop or something in-between, this is your space to explore ideas, shape songs, and make something real—together.
Only £25 for the full programme, including studio time and transport. Bursaries available for those who need financial support. Free transport from Dumfries town centre included.
The retreat is daytime only – overnight accommodation is not provided.
🎵 What’s Included
“Trained in Composition and Guitar at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Rory has performed since the age of four and has led music workshops for young people since 2010. He’s passionate about helping emerging artists unlock their creative voice—drawing from a rich, genre-spanning musical journey.”
Weekend Workshop (6–7 September) A two-day creative retreat at Ellisland Farm led by Rory Comerford. Includes:
Free-writing and nature-based exercises
Group work and songwriting games
Peer-to-peer sharing and feedback
An overnight solo songwriting challenge
Creative techniques inspired by Robert Burns
Studio Recording Session (13 or 14 September) Two weeks after the workshop, participants will record their completed songs professionally at Circa 16 Studio in Dumfries.
Live Showcase (10 October) Roughly a month later, participants will perform their original songs at a Friday night showcase at Hopper Records, launching a collaborative album created during the retreat.
✅ How to Apply
Places are limited — apply now to secure your spot.
Applicants must:
Be aged 16–25
Have some prior song-writing experience
Be available to attend all three parts of the programme: • Workshop: 6–7 September • Recording: 13 or 14 September • Showcase: 10 October
To apply, send a short video that includes:
A performance of one original song
A brief introduction about yourself
💸 Cost: £25 for the full programme, including studio time and transport 🎓 Bursaries available – just mention it in your application
Rory Comerford, also known as Rua Soul, is a Dumfries-based performer, producer, musical director and educator with over 15 years’ experience across live music, studio production, theatre and film.
Trained in Composition and Guitar at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Rory has performed since the age of four and has led music workshops for young people since 2010. He’s passionate about helping emerging artists unlock their creative voice—drawing from a rich, genre-spanning musical journey.
He’s contributed to over 30 record releases as a session player, songwriter, and producer. Highlights include:
Producing Mawadduh’s debut EP – “Insane… Beautiful… Spine-tingling” (BBC Radio Scotland)
Musical direction and co-writing for the upcoming PAIX debut album (Creative Scotland–funded)
Percussion on the upcoming Monzanto Sound album (None More Records)
A new Rua Soul EP coming soon on top UK drum and bass label Inperspective Records
