Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
11 Apr 2024
Feedback
24
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (2)
Details
Description
I have a 35 acre Croft or small holding here on the wild and beautiful Isle of North Uist, off the north west coast of Scotland in the Outer Hebrides. The land runs from the shoreline up to an inland Loch and the hills. In the hills there are standing stones, stone circles and the traces of past generations.
I have a herd of 14 non-ridden horses, ponies and donkeys and 24 sheep, and hens and ducks. Eagles, hen harriers, owls and otters are regular sights. We are planting trees, growing potatoes and laying out more garden and growing spaces alongside running a small scale bike hire business in the summer.
The croft is on the Hebridean Cycle route and within walking distance of a pub and cafe.
There is endless work to do; fencing, ditching, horse care, animal shelters, vegetable plots, tree planting and developing the Croft.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The Isle of North Uist is a beautiful, working island with a large proportion of Gaelic speakers and a very strong cultural tradition. It is a wild, remote place shaped by the seas and the weather, with impossibly big skies that are constantly changing.
Managing and developing the Croft well is essential to maintain the land as a living place through careful planting, drainage and grazing. The environment here is pretty unique and a delicate balance in quite a challenging climate. The wind is frequently around 50mph and often with storms taking that over 70 or 80mph.
The island has a strong artistic community with the university art campus and lots of artist’s and photographers drawn by the incredible light and beauty of the land and sea and sky. There are lots of opportunities for photography and art.Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Host has indicated that they will pay at least the UK minimum hourly wage for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided inline with UK guidance. They are asking for help with a business or business activity. Contact the host directly via the site messenger for more information and details about the wage provided. Any arrangements should be agreed in advance with your host.
Help
With lots of horses and sheep there is always lots of help required to feed, groom, care and keep their shelters safe and clean. They are a lovely bunch who are used to being close to people and love low pressure low energy interaction.
We are trying to grow more produce so lots of help needed to develop vegetable plots and planting trees on the Croft to improve the land and provide shelter. Help with this would be wonderful!
This summer I am looking to lay out a new garden, repair fences and ditches, maintain the bikes, build a new chicken shed, and other DIY tasks.
The UK National Living Wage (minimum wage) for over 22 year olds is £11.44. The accommodation provided is offset against that at the UK government standard rate of £69.93 per week. The payment for a 10 hour working week would be £44.47. Typically there is at least this much work depending on the weather and the season. I work remotely from the house during office hours so it is important that you are able to work some of the time alone or in the early mornings, evenings and weekends alongside me.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
There is a cabin by the sea and small caravan for accommodation. These have running water, solar power, a wood burner and gas stove. There is a bathroom in the house with shower etc. There is a cafe and a pub in walking distance.
What else ...
The island is connected to four other islands via causeways with the an airport, swimming pool and small village on Benbecula. The islands offer beautiful scenery and a unique environment. It is the kind of place that enters your soul and stays with you! There is limited public transport and we have an electric bike that can be used to get around if wanted.
The larger islands of Harris and Lewis are a short ferry ride to the north. The Isle of Skye and the Scottish mainland is a longer ferry ride to the east. Both make great choices for short breaks and are very spectacular places to visit!
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Full fibre broadband
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Minimum of 2 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (11)
The work was satisfying - I was mostly mucking out the stables, walking the dogs and helping to fight the ongoing… read more
Guy is… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
The work was satisfying - I was mostly mucking out the stables, walking the dogs and helping to fight the ongoing… read more
Guy is… read more
She was great company and full of positive energy.
I enjoyed the variety of jobs on his property either feeding , cleaning or building fences for his pleasant natured horses who he takes care of very nicely.
Guy cooks very nice meals as he's a very good cook and I enjoyed our chats at meal times especially about… read more
Guy was a fantastic host - very welcoming and always making sure I was ok. He cooked lovely dinners each night and kindly offered to drop us off at places to explore the island. He also let us… read more
I was mostly helping around the animals. At this time of the year,… read more
It is a bit remote, which is of course part of the beauty and interest of the place, but it can also induce a few mood swings when the weather is gloomy. :-)
Guy was always keen to drive Dylan (who was also workawaying) and I to the local cafés when he was on his way to somewhere else, or to… read more
