Handa Island is looking for its latest resident ranger
A unique role has emerged, seeking an individual to become the lone resident on a secluded Scottish island. The position comes with complimentary housing and a pro rata salary of £25,600 for a six-month stint starting this March.
The successful applicant will act as the newest ranger for Handa Island, which is under the stewardship of the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Although devoid of permanent residents, the island attracts an impressive 8,000 visitors annually who come to marvel at the stunning scenery and to observe birds, whales, and dolphins. A team of volunteers will also be managed by the successful applicant.
The job description highlights that only those comfortable in “highly sociable” situations should apply as a result, ruling out those wanting a peaceful retreat from urban life. The chosen candidate must be at ease managing animals and their environment, suggests the Scottish Daily Express, and needs only a valid driver’s licence and vehicle access as qualifications.
The opportunity is also open for a job share between partners or friends keen to relocate to picturesque isolation. Despite the idyllic setting, some practical challenges exist, including the weekly trek required to the nearby village of Scourie for mundane tasks like laundry, shopping, and exchanging gas bottles.
While it may sound like a dreamy six-month getaway for some, the ranger’s role is not to be taken lightly. They’ll be tasked with monitoring the local seabird population, maintaining buildings and ensuring general health and safety on the island.
The first duty is particularly crucial as the island is home to one of Europe’s most significant seabird breeding colonies. The island can be accessed via a pedestrian ferry from nearby Tarbet, located roughly three miles north of Scourie, with a free public car park available at the pier.
It’s renowned for its breath-taking natural landscapes, including seaside sandstone cliffs that tower 400 feet above the sea, offering dramatic views of local minke whales, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins, grey seals, the occasional orca and even otters. Puffins are a major draw for many of the island’s thousands of annual visitors. Applications closed last night and interviews are scheduled for next week.
