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Be part of a team in the beautiful Scottish Highland, UK

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least 1 month

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Details

  • Description

    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

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    General Maintenance
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural 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

    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

    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: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    I speak English (native), Spanish and French (fluent), Dutch and Russian (learning). Like to practice

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    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 ...

    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

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    We have an excellent cable internet connection straight to the workawayers' accomodation.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 5 hours a day 5 days a week

Host ref number: 293518462998

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