GGI Scotland: Wild Island Escape Packing List

1–5 September 2025 | Iona & Staffa, Hebrides

Come prepared for wild weather, remote beauty, and deep comfort. Think cosy, practical, layered - not fashionable (unless sheep-approved).

👕 Clothing (Layers are Everything!)

• Waterproof jacket with hood (essential - wind & rain are likely)
• Warm fleece or jumper
• Tshirts and shorts cause September can be nice! 
• Swimwear if you are brave enough to go wild swimming!
• Base layers (thermal top or long-sleeve shirts) 
  
• Comfortable walking trousers or leggings
• Warm socks (wool or thermal ideal)
• Casual outfit for cosy evenings (e.g. leggings + knitwear)
• Pyjamas or sleepwear
• Underwear
• Scarf / buff (for wind protection)
• Woolly hat and/or baseball cap, something to cover your ears
• Gloves (optional but can be nice for early mornings)

👟 Footwear

• Waterproof walking boots or sturdy hiking shoes
• Comfy indoor shoes / slippers / warm socks for cabins
• Flip flops or sandals (for showers if preferred)

🧼 Toiletries & Essentials

• Toothbrush + toothpaste
• Hairbrush / hair ties
• Shower gel / shampoo / conditioner (eco if possible)
• Face wipes or biodegradable cleansing cloths
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen & lip balm (even in Scotland!)
• Bug spray (midges can appear, especially around water)
• Period products
• Any medications or supplements you need

🧺 Extras for Cosy Island Life

• Small backpack or day bag for island walks
• Water bottle (reusable)
• Thermos or travel mug (for tea by the sea!)
• Journal or sketchbook
• Pens, pencils, washi tape - whatever helps you reflect
• Book (or two)
• 3 pin UK plug
• Portable power bank
• Torch or headlamp (in case we walk home in the dark)
• Towel (lightweight or travel towel if you want to swim) 
  
• Snacks if you have favourites
• Ziplock bags or dry sacks (for muddy boots, wet swimsuits etc.)

📸 Optional / Shared Things

• Travel games, cards etc.
• Bluetooth speaker (quiet moments only!)
• Something to share with the group - sweets and snacks are always a good idea! 

🚫 No Need to Bring

• Hairdryers - you have access to the central resource room hairdryers 
• Anything fancy or overly dressy

FAQs

🏝 How remote is the location?

Iona is a tiny, car-free island just off the coast of the Isle of Mull.

• You’ll arrive via train, ferry, and a short bus ride.
• Once on Iona, we’ll walk everywhere — the pods are a 10–15 minute walk from the ferry landing.
• Expect stunning seascapes, sheep traffic, and the kind of quiet you can feel in your bones.

🛍 Where can I buy food and supplies?

• There are a few small shops on Iona selling basics and snacks.
• There’s also a bakery, a few cafés, and a hotel restaurant.
• However, selection is very limited and hours can be unpredictable so we will bring most essentials with us from the mainland.

🍽 Where will we eat dinner?

• You’ll receive a list of optional restaurants, cafés, and GGI-planned dinners in advance.
• We’ll also host some communal dinners, including one welcome meal at St Columba hotel and a possible BBQ or open fire cookout (weather permitting).
• You’ll have access to a shared kitchen for anything you’d like to prepare or heat up.

🛏️ What’s the difference between the Standard Pods and Ensuite Pods?

• Standard Pods
  • Sleeps 2 people in single beds
  • Use of shared bathroom facilities (heated, modern, very clean)
  • Great for those who love a cosy, simple, back-to-nature stay
• Ensuite Pods (sold out)
  • Sleeps 1 or 2 people in a double bed
  • Has a private ensuite bathroom with toilet and shower
  • Ideal if you’d like a little more comfort and privacy

📶 Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes! Wi-Fi is available throughout the site, including the pods.

🧴 Are toiletries provided?

No toiletries are provided except soap for handwashing.

Please bring your own shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, etc.

🧺 What is included in your pod?

• Electricity and heating
• Picnic bench outside your pod
• Tea towels, dishcloths, and washing-up liquid
• Access to a shared kitchen with:
  • Fridge
  • Hob
  • Kettle
  • Microwave
  • Toaster
  • Pots, pans, crockery and cutlery

🍳 Is breakfast included?

No, but the GGI team will provide a Breakfast Pack with simple and flexible breakfast items for you to enjoy in your pod or outdoors.

🧳 What kind of luggage should I bring?

• Wheeled bags (carry on sized) or backpacks are ideal — much easier for ferries and walking on uneven paths
• You’ll need to carry your luggage a short distance, so pack light if possible

🔌 Are there plug sockets?

✅ Yes, all pods have electricity and plug sockets

Don’t forget your UK adapter if coming from outside the UK.

📷 Is this a good trip for photography?

Absolutely. Iona is wildly photogenic: turquoise sea, ancient abbey ruins, windswept beaches, starlit skies, and local wildlife (including puffins if you’re lucky!).

Bring a good phone camera or DSLR and extra battery or power bank.

🔭 What if I want time alone?

You’ll have plenty of free time for solo walks, journaling, reading, or just staring at the sea.

This trip is designed to be both communal and reflective, come together when you like, and drift off when you need space.

🧘‍♀️ What kinds of activities can I expect?

While plans are fluid based on weather and group energy, you can expect:

• Wild swimming (optional!)
• Boat trip to Staffa (Fingal’s Cave & puffins)
• Night walks and stargazing
• Optional journaling, crafting, or reflection prompts
• Opportunities to join small folk-inspired workshops led by Anne’s mums, Susan and Gerrie

🔥 Who are Susan and Gerrie?

They are Anne’s mums.

• Susan is a former psychotherapist and workshop facilitator
• Gerrie brings creativity, nature connection, and tradition
  They’ll offer gentle, optional activities like:
• Beach labyrinth making (an old folk tradition)
• Guided reflections or circle chats
• Creative or craft-based mini-workshops
• Career counselling

🌦 What’s the weather like?

Unpredictable. You may experience sunshine, mist, rain, and wind - all in one day.

Bring waterproofs, layers, and sturdy shoes.

The scenery is breathtaking no matter the weather, and it’s all part of the charm.

📵 Is there phone reception?

• Reception is patchy but present, depending on your carrier.
• Enough to send a text or check WhatsApp - but don’t expect constant connection.
• It’s a great chance to unplug.