Eilean Shona Residency | Royal Society of Sculptors

Entry Type

Members-only

Read more about the island in this article in the Financial Times: Unlocking the magic of Eilean Shona | Financial Times

About Eilean Shona

Eilean Shona is situated to the north of the Ardnamurchan peninsular and south of the Isle of Skye just off the West Coast of Scotland. With its ancient forests, craggy hillsides, hidden coves, sandy beaches and rich wildlife it is considered by many to be one of the most glorious of all the Hebridean islands.

Owned by Vanessa Branson, a champion of the arts, Eilean Shona’s cultural activities play an important role in the islands identity alongside its focus of enriching its biodiversity. The island is car-free and every effort is made to be plastic-free and carbon neutral. Electricity comes from a hydro-electric power station and water is sourced from the hills.

About the Residency

The winning artist will have access to a studio overlooking Loch Moidart and Castle Tioram and be introduced to the area by the island woodsman. The woodsman will also be able to offer guidance and support concerning use of tools such as chainsaws. Accommodation is a one bedroomed woodman’s cottage.

The opportunity also includes an artist talk, the chance to contribute to the island’s permanent art collection and to contribute to the Eilean Shona blog. The artist will also be encouraged to document their progress for an Instagram takeover of the Royal Society of Sculptors account. There is an expectation that the work will remain on the island.

In 2025, the residency will run from 26 February to 26 March 2025 inclusively.

Accommodation will be provided plus a studio with north light overlooking Loch Moidart and Castle Tioram.

The successful artist will receive a £1,000 stipend and £500 towards travel costs.

Studio at Eilean Shona

Eligibility

Applications are welcomed from all Royal Society of Sculptors members and fellows provided they have not been awarded a Society residency in the 12 months prior to the applications opening. Please note that for your application to be accepted, your annual membership fee must be paid in full by the submission deadline or an existing quarterly direct debit be in place.

Current Winner

Amanda Cornish GBA

Amanda Cornish is a London-based multidisciplinary artist who graduated from The Royal College of Art with an MA in Sculpture (2024). She is one of the recipients of the Gilbert Bayes Award 2025.

I’m thrilled to have been awarded the Eilean Shona Residency – a rare and unique opportunity to focus on artistic exploration, embrace the stillness for introspection, and deepen my understanding of both. I’m curious to see how the solitude shapes the mind and excited to discover where the unbound exploration leads my work.

Amanda Cornish GBA

Past Winners

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2024 Robin Tarbet MRSS

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2023 Marie-Therese Ross MRSS

2022 Mhairi Vari MRSS