The next course will take place in Ullapool, Wester Ross, from Saturday 18th to Friday 24th July 2026.

Booking for Variations 2026 is now closed.

Once again, your tutors for the week will include members of the renowned Edinburgh Quartet together with others tutors who will be  announced later.

The Egremont Quartet at Ullapool 2022

Your course fee also includes tickets for the two public concerts given by the Edinburgh Quartet.

If you book your place before 31 March 2026, the course costs £520 (£560 after 31 March). A £150 deposit is required to secure each place at the time of booking. See our ‘Book Your Place‘ page for more details.

Variations String Quartet Challenge 2026 – 27

Variations Scotland is happy to announce its first String Quartet Challenge, open to amateur musicians aged between 18 and 40 based in Scotland. Variations has been running a week- long chamber music course with the Edinburgh Quartet in residence in Ullapool each July over the past 20 years. The winners of the String Quartet Challenge will be awarded a place at Variations 2027, with all tuition and accommodation costs covered, worth over £1000 for each individual. Challenge runners up will be offered free one day workshops with the Edinburgh Quartet.

Visit our dedicated String Quartet Challenge page for more information and key dates.