Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
21 Mar 2024
Reply rate
76.3 %
Usually responds within 11 days
Feedback
26
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Host offers payment
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Details
Description
This place is an old Highland township - cleared of people and turned into a sheep farm during the infamous Highland Clearances in the late 18th and early 19th century. By the mid 19th century it was unable to maintain its independence even as a sheep farm and became part of the neighbours' property being abandoned for habitation in 1906 when the last shepherd and his family left.
During the 1960s all the surrounding land was sold for forestry. By the early 80s we had resettled and recovered Monachyle Tuarach itself and sheep were back - in corridors among and above the trees- run by my husband, Basque, Juan. This enabled us to earn a living here.
By 1990 I was running a Gaelic animation studio. Unfortunately this folded by 2010 due to changes in government cultural policy, so, helped by a multi-talented Hungarian joiner and builder, our animators' facilities became tourist cabins and our Hostel was born.
This venture has been highly successful, since the place - though remote- is extremely beautiful, next to water and surrounded by mountains - here you have the Scottish Highlands in miniature! We are only two hours drive from the urban centres and airports of Edinburgh and Glasgow. The area is also now part of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park which has a conservation and tourist agenda.
All students of Highland history and of English are welcome - in particular Basques (My husband Juan, the sheep farmer, is from there.)Types of help and learning opportunities
Language practiceHelp with Eco ProjectsGardeningDIY and building projectsAnimal CareGeneral MaintenanceCultural exchange and learning opportunities
Being in the Scottish Highlands brings a new perspective to the English language and culture since here there is also Highland Gaelic culture. Find out about our ancient culture, the 1745 rebellion, the consequences of the subsequent defeat and subjugation of the Highlands by the Redcoats and the Highland outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor who used our place as a safe house for his wife and family.
Despite/because of our history this is a good place to improve your English - you can practice with your co-workers and guests. This is also a good place for language/engineering students who need a certificate of work abroad for their course qualifications.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 minimum hourly wage of their country for each hour worked and that accommodation will also be provided. 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
We are looking for couples/pairs who can do both:
- housekeeping: bed-making, taking bookings and welcoming guests to both the huts/cabins and the Hostel itself. There are a total of 30 beds though there is only full occupancy in July and August.
- maintenance: for example fixing benches, gates, small fixes in the huts, etc. You will need your own basic tools and some knowledge in maintenance.
Food can be ordered on the computer and delivered at the Village Hall in Balquhidder, hence a vehicle is essential. You will be responsible for your own cooking.
We offer a wage in line with the minimum wage.
Accomodation (in caravans), internet, heating etc are all free. We can discuss the details when you apply. One month minimum stay. Please make sure you have the necessary visas/ permits.Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
French: Fluent
Dutch: Intermediate
Russian: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I speak English (native), Spanish and French (fluent), Dutch and Russian (learning). Like to practiceAccommodation
Accommodation is in one static caravan and in a tent for July and August - adjacent to the Hostel.
We are very happy to accept couples with children. Two years ago, we successfully hosted parents with two young children.
The caravan has a shower, toilet, cooking facilities and beds. The upstairs of the Hostel is the work and play area for all staff - the washing machine, the booking system, extra electric shower/toilet/ snack area and video projector and large relaxation room are all available for your use, especially for those staying in tents. Everything is within walking distance.What else ...
Even though this ex-Highland township is remote (ie no noise of cars) , It is possible to get to Edinburgh or Glasgow, or indeed visit the rest of the Highlands in your time off. There is a subsidised bus service which comes near to the Hostel and buses regularly go up and down the main road. Michelin starred hotel and restaurant Monachyle Mhor is on the 'other side of the water' and can be visited for drinks and various organised social events.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have an excellent cable internet connection straight to the workawayers' accomodation.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 5 hours a day 5 days a week
Feedback (16)
I was also working online in… read more
Highly recommended!
Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(4.5)
Cultural exchange:
(4.5)
Communication:
(4.5)
I was also working online in… read more
Highly recommended!
Best wishes for all you undertake and thanks for coming!
les
Although it's been a while (almost 4month) since I visited here, I can't stop thinking of the beautiful time there. The landscape was amazing, I spent lot of time, walking around and exploring the shore and the mountains. There are also the possibility to borrow bikes or watch movies in the Volunteer… read more
Leslie is a great host, she's very kind and friendly, she even came to pick me up all the way to Stirling while she was dropping off two previous workawayers at… read more
The work was very nice we do a lot of things since the first week we arrive, i make a very good friends with the other volunteers we were a… read more
Hope your studies go well and thanks for your help here!
The place is beautiful with the loch and the mountains ! The works is not hard and you can make long walk around !
You rediscover what silence means !!
I definitely recommend this place for those who wants to have a break or like to be outside and enjoy nature !!
Thank you Leslie for all !!!!
So glad you enjoyed it here! We would love to see you back - meanwhile all best wishes for your stay in Ireland
Well I hope you are (nearly) a doctor by now and have some good plans for the future. Here we are all well. Abbey is expecting another baby next month so busy busy!
les
The work wasn't hard and I found an astonishing landscape around me. I've never thought of find such a beautiful landscape before going there.
Les and her family are really nice, also the other workers of the hostel. You'll have pleanty of time to know them well and also the guests from a huge diversity of… read more
Many thanks for your kind remarks about your stay here last summer! Will you be doing workaway again this year? I hope your time in Poland is going well and you are using your English and even learning some Polish! And it is not too hard being away from hope for so long.
Last week I went to Dublin which was a good change..
lots of… read more
Many thanks for being a great workawayer. All the best for the coming year in bike and studies. les