Discover the strong culture and Gaelic language in the Western Isles of Scotland, United Kingdom

United Kingdom

updated

Favourited 978 times

Host rating
Feedback
50
Last activity
25/02/2021
Reply rate
100.0 %
Average reply time:
within 4 days
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Availability

2021

Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks

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What's this?

Details

Description
Croft in western isles with Gaelic being native language, having hosted many helpers, can offer many references as to me being a good host
Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practice
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Had many workaway's who wanted to improve their English,there is the strong cultural crofting way of working and living on an Island. So many things to learn and do and eat in this part of the world. Min. stay 3 weeks.Have had loads of helpers who improved their English while here, by reading writing,etc.
Help
!!!!!!!!!!!looking for helpers for late Oct/ Nov only!!!!!!!

Gardening painting ditching no large animals now retired . Also have chickens, two cats.

Workaway must have feedback or references as to their personal character before being hosted!!!!!!
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Gaelic (Scottish): Fluent
This host offers a language exchange
Can teach English and some Scottish Gaelic!!
Accommodation
Small comfortable caravan with use of house shower and bathroom, possible cottage in winter months
What else ...
Cycle for use to see Island,will show volunteers around the Island
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Have unlimited internet connection
Space for parking camper vans
Plenty parking space available if needed?
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
25 hrs max a week

Photos

Feedback left by and about host (50)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(5.0)

22/01/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Ali)

Ali was an amazing helper, came for 3 weeks but due to covid he stayed for 6 months. He adapted great with being in a different country. He planted potatoes , vegetables, he feed animals helped neighbours, cut grass did cleaning and most of all he came to be a good friend. And he always has a smile whatever the situation .I highly recommend him to… read more

(Excellent )

18/01/2021

Left by Workawayer (Ali) for host

This is my first experience in Workaway. Three amazing weeks of stay with john was turn to 6 great months due to traveling restriction with Covid 19.

Accommodation:
First 5 months I was accommodated in a cozy cottage that has a breathtaking view of the ocean and his own island. Friendly little birds come and sing for me while there ware two… read more seals lay down on the rock. Later i changed to Caravan as we welcomed to another helper. This was another great experience staying at Caravan.

Work:
John always give me the proper guidance and clear demonstration before handing over any work. He made sure i am comfortable doing it on my own. However most of the time he will be working along. His first priority is always your safety. Since i am from a tiny tropical country, everything i tried was for the first time in a new climate and environment. I have learn cutting the grace, looking after a small family (DJ, Joana and Di) and Hens and other DIY jobs as well. I had opportunity to do some community work like gathering sheep and cutting peat. This was where i connect with local community made new friends.

Food:
John is a great cook and offer very healthy food and never repeated same on the following day. Moment i finish any course, he kept asking "Do you need more?". You will never ever get hungry with John. When the lockdown eased up, he took me out some days to explore street food from local cart operators.

John is a very hospitable, kind and open minded person who has great sense of humor. I enjoyed being around with him and listening to his stories about island history, politics and so on. He is very rich on information about anything. He show me around the village whenever possible. Katharina who was living next door is a lovely woman who always offer me a ride after my duty. She took me around many places including all the beaches in isle of Harris during my stay. Last month of my stay i met Bruce (another helper) who become such a good friend. We both went to explore Berneara island. Jessie baked most delicious cake and short bread i ever tasted on my birthday. Calum, Taffy, Murdo and all the neighbours are lovely people.

This whole experience was unforgettable (even though i am forgetful). Thats where i kept my heart and made lots of memories to take back home instead. I highly recommend to stay with John and experience his workaway program.

(Excellent )

11/10/2019

Left by Workawayer (Thomas) for host

What an adventure !
I spent 5 weeks in the Hebrides, with John and that's was amazing !
The view is amazing, you live in a bay, with the seals and all the water birds. It's very peacefull. The only sound you'll heard is the sound of the sea on the rocks.
I lived in a caravan, with all what I needed, John cooks you something new everyday, with… read more

(Excellent )

09/09/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Thomas)

A very pleasant young man, and very willing to do any task required. Enjoyed his helpful help on my croft, hope to see him again.

(Excellent )

12/08/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Ivan)

Ivan is a great guy, always a smile on his face. He soon got used to country life and did all his tasks with skill and professionalism. It was a pleasure having him for a month, hope he comes back

(Excellent )

02/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Ivan) for host

I m on my way back to Edinburgh struggling to find the best words to describe John . I spent a month with John and I can say that I couldn't have asked a better hoster. He is kind , polite and smart. He loves jocking and have fun with the helpers. He is a good teacher too ! Otherwise he's an excellent Cook , I m gonna regreat his mousse Forever !!… read more

(Excellent )

06/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Miguel) for host

It was a great experience up in Harris. John is a friendly host, he provides you with the best Scottish food you can taste and also gives you many opportunities to understand life and culture there.
The work is not hard and you can learn different skills every day.
Also you can enjoy the Hebrides wildlife and hike between the neverending hills… read more

(Excellent )

06/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Miguel)

Miguel had a strong polite personality, had many skills, was willing to try anything new. Good at fishing enjoyed eating the trout he caught. Hope to see him again soon!!

(Excellent )

06/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Matěj)

A very nice polite and a hard working helper, we became good friends. hope he comes back soon!!!

(Excellent )

04/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (Matěj) for host

I've spent three weeks with John, Miguel (other helper) and Teide (the cat). These 3 weeks were great because of many reasons. First of all, Island of Harris is beautiful place, like from dream. Second, I've met new people and I've learned new things, which enriched me. Third, I was workin outside on fresh air and sun, I've slept very well there.… read more

(Excellent )

16/04/2019

Left by Workawayer (Baptiste) for host

It was my first experience through Workaway and I couldn’t have dreamt any better. John is a marvellous host. Food was really great : you’ll eat John’s vegetables and eggs. You won’t be bored by the tasks : from potatoes planting to house cleaning, feeding his lovely highland cows or painting. You’ll have each meal of the day with John : John’s… read more

(Excellent )

25/11/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Tomas)

A great helper and very good at his work, a very tidy and clean person. Very pleasant and good company . Highly recommended!!!

(Excellent )

11/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Albert)

As very pleasant young man with plenty energy, no job was too much for him, with a good sense of humor, I do hope he comes back again Alberio!!

(Excellent )

11/08/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Sergio)

A great and pleasant helper, he did his work with care and attention, highly recommended.

(Excellent )

09/08/2018

Left by Workawayer (Sergio) for host

I really enjoyed this magical place. Time goes fast. Perfect food, company and tasks. John is a wonderful and very close person. I hope we'll see each other again.

(Excellent )

22/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Philipp & Tanja)

A great helper, very friendly with a good sense of humour!!
Hope he finds time to come back when the boat can stay afloat!!!!!!!

(Excellent )

27/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Gacanovic) for host

John is a really great guy, funny and kind. The food was awesome, he Always makes sure everyone is completely full. (He also asks "are you full?" Quite a lot". He taught me some gaelic, which was great. The scenery was amazing, one of the best places I've been to ! The help wasn't so hard and you'll have a lot of free time.

(Excellent )

11/05/2018

Left by Workawayer (Davide) for host

I spent one month in April in this beautiful place. John is a very nice and polite man, he provides you everything you need and makes you feel like at home. Food is very good, complete and healthly and you can enjoy very fresh meat, eggs and vegetables. The tasks are intersting and you can do a lot of diffetent jobs, both inside and outside, never… read more

(Excellent )

10/05/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Davide)

Davide stayed for a month , a very pleasant and polite young man. All the work he did, he made with care and very good. Highly recommended to future hosts. I hope he may come back one day again!!

(Excellent )

04/01/2018

Left by Workawayer (Carlos) for host

John is a great person he cooks for you and the work is very easy. we went to know the beaches, they are wonderful. Always to the see the seals and you can trap massels.

Thank for everything John!

(Excellent )

08/12/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Carlos)

A quite young man who is a good worker and makes a good job!!!

(Very good )

24/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Raul)

Raul was a great helper, he did a lot of new things while here, as he was from a city. Very pleasant, will recommended to any future hosts.

John

(Excellent )

22/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Raul) for host

I spent for three weeks with Jhon in Harris. I got a lot of good moments and i'm sure that i'm going to remember them all my life. My recommendation is John's jelly, or tapioca, mmm i have many doubts everything was perfect. Thank you for helping me with my poor English, this city boy will always have good words for you.

(Excellent )

24/08/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Sandro)

Sandro was a very nice and pleasant guy, did a lot of work and enjoyed his company, highly recommended to future hosts

John

(Excellent )

22/08/2017

Left by Workawayer (Sandro) for host

It was my first Workaway experience, I stayed 4 week's and had an amazing time on the Isle of Harris. John is an amazing host and was happy to show the helpers the Island and introduce them to the Scottish culture by his interesting stories about the comunity and the past times and of course by the Food, due he is an amazing cook ;), had excellent… read more

(Excellent )

06/05/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Johann)

Johann was a very nice young man and did his work very good, pleasant and cheerful. Always willing to work. Hope to see him again!!!!

(Excellent )

06/03/2017

Left by host for Workawayer (Osvaldo)

Please see our feedback policy for more info about why this review is not displayed

(Negative )

01/03/2017

Left by Workawayer (Aymeric) for host

John is a realy good man, I spend two months and it was too short. I hope I'll be able to come back ! I did a lot of interesting things, he teachs me a lot and made me feel in peace. If you work well, he will give you extra, like chocolate fudge cake !!!

Thanks for all John !

Aymeric

(Excellent )

11/09/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Aymeric)

Had Aymeric for 2 months,great helper one you could trust to do things properly.Nice personality and do hope he learns English very good.

Thanks

John

(Excellent )

11/11/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (Kilian)

Kilian is a very mature young man, his painting skills are excellent I have had him now for 2 weeks and he is a very good and willing worker.He is neat and tidy and he is a perfect guy to help you out on workaway

(Excellent )

16/06/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (david)

Info notice: Workawayer cancelled stay or there was a no show at the last minute

(No show)

04/04/2016

Left by host for Workawayer (francesco)

Francesco was a great helper,very good worker and friendly.A very nice helper to have around being polite and honest

(Excellent )

03/04/2016

Left by Workawayer (francesco) for host

John is really a good host, he is a very kind, funny and pleasant man. I enjoyed a lot of good food and a very confortable accomodation. The place is wonderfull and pacefull and john helped me to discover it. The help required wasn't hard and i was ever free to take my time to did it. I recommend to everybody this experience

(Excellent )

11/11/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Jan)

(Neutral )

03/09/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Serlou)

Serlou was a very pleasant young man with lots of energy, and a very good worker, it was a pleasure having him and will be a good helper wherever he is going.All the best!!

John

(Excellent )

21/08/2015

Left by Workawayer (Serlou) for host

I was at John's place for 20 days and I thoroughly enjoyed it. First of all John was a fantastic host, had fun discussions and great food !! The work was various and constant but was very doable and fun, the landscape was tremendous and ever changing. Highly recommend staying at Johns croft, I would suggest though a minimum of 2weeks, anything… read more

(Excellent )

05/08/2015

Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel)

Daniel was a great helper,full of energy and always with a smile, a great diy guy, who you can trust, hope to see you again if you can, all the best

(Excellent )

08/07/2014

Left by Workawayer (Alexander) for host

Working with John was a great experience; the tasks were varied, the food was amazing and there was never a dull moment, I would recommend the isle of Harris to everyone.

(Excellent )

29/06/2014

Left by host for Workawayer (Alexander)

Alex was one of the best helpers I had for a long time, he would adapt to any situation and worked well, hope to see him next year. -

(Excellent )

17/01/2013

Left by Workawayer (Raquel & Cesar) for host

(Neutral )

27/09/2012

Left by Workawayer (Dídac) for host

John is a funny man who lives in a special place shared by the hens, sheep, cows,two cats, tourists and some seals. He likes speaking and sharing all the meals that were lovely because he enjoys cooking and eating exellent food. The work is very quiet and varied but constant. You will need patience with the dry stone wall and be ready to learn a… read more

(Excellent )

05/06/2012

Left by Workawayer (Timothy) for host

Coming to the Isle of Harris was by far one of the best things i have ever done, the people are so friendly and welcoming. John took us around the island to see the wonderful scenery, and the knowledge he has on the island, landmarks and people is unbelievable. i learnt so much from john about the place.
I would definitely urge fellow… read more

(Excellent )

08/11/2011

Left by host for Workawayer (John)

John was a nice person and did good paint work in my cottages, would recomend him as a very good helper

(Excellent )

08/11/2011

Left by Workawayer (John) for host

great food, a good balance of work and rest, and a scenic treat for the eyes, oh and the seals, the fresh mussels straight out of the sea, the host john is easy going, all in all great place,

(Excellent )

05/05/2011

Left by host for Workawayer (Marc)

Marc was a great helper and did a lot of work over the weeks he stayed, i do hope he comes back soon

(Excellent )

05/05/2011

Left by Workawayer (Marc) for host

I had a really Great time Volunteering on the Isle of Harris. Good accomodation, great home cooked food and I found John to be a very kind man and a great character. Interesting wild life with Sea Otters and a Seal who came to say hello from time to time. I left the Island with some great memories, a very happy stomach and a great sun tan.

(Excellent )

24/04/2011

Left by Workawayer (Francis) for host

That was a great experience ! The place is amazing and John take on his time to allow helper to discover it. I will come back to his place if I have the opportunity.

(Excellent )

20/04/2011

Left by host for Workawayer (Francis)

A very nice and a good helper with many skills , hope he comes back another time, hope he enjoys his stay in Ireland

(Excellent )

16/03/2011

Left by Workawayer () for host

I had a fantastic experience staying with John for 10 days. He's a very kind and friendly person, and a great cook! He took the time to show me around the island, and introduce me to some of his neighbours. His croft is set right by the water, where you can see seals and otters and all types of birds. If you get the oppurtunity I definitely… read more

(Excellent )

26/12/2010

Left by host for Workawayer ()

Chis stayed for 10 days a good helper and a very pleasant person, hope he comes back sooon

(Excellent )

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