As we do from time to time, we bring news of another ‘island fantasy’ job, this one on an uninhabited island off the northwestern tip of Scotland.
That’s right—uninhabited—except for the part-time ranger the Scottish Wildlife Trust is hoping to hire for Handa Island, which is otherwise home only to birds, whales and dolphins. But in summer, those residents are joined by 8,000 or so visitors who come for breathtaking scenery, crystal clear waters and golden sandy beaches.
The job starts in March and runs six months, and pays half of an annual salary of £25,600 with free housing. The ranger’s job is to supervise the volunteers who staff the island during the season, and then to deliver an annual report to the fund. They will also monitor the seabird population, maintain buildings and be responsible for health and safety. Weekly supply trips to a nearby village are necessary.
Officially, application deadline was January 8, but is held open if there are no suitable candidates—and the island also has more islands to staff. The Trust says it’s “an outstanding opportunity for a passionate, highly motivated and skilled job-share couple or individual person to effectively manage this remote and beautiful island.” Despite the isolation, the ad says they are looking for someone comfortable in a “highly sociable” environment.
