We are the most isolated Inn on the British mainland, with 4 letting rooms, camping allowed on the lawn and many visitors for food and drink during the summer season. The Inn was gifted to the Scottish Episcopal Church in 2017 and continues to be ran as a place to provide a warm welcome to visitors from around the world. We are open to all. We offer our guests a homely welcoming retreat within a remote location. Visitors come on bicycles, by foot, horse, car and campervan. We serve home made food all day and the bar is open from 11am till late. We have a shared dining experience for all our resident guests and we join them for dinner when possible. Functioning off-grid with generators, solar panels and water from the surrounding hills, we are truly a remote retreat.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will become a member of the family with the opportunity to meet many visitors and listen to their stories. Helping in the kitchen you will learn about Scottish cooking. There is the opportunity to walk, fish and explore the historic parts of the surrounding area. You will be welcome to join in the church life of the Inn if you wish but we do not expect this of those who help.
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
We are looking for helpers to join our family (Shane, Mack, 2 children and our pets) and help out within the Inn with what ever skills they bring. Due to the isolated nature of the Inn support in the morning and evening are most appreciated giving time for exploring the area during the day. We would appreciate help with domestic, kitchen and other tasks around the inn for about 6-8 hours a day 5 days a week. There will also be opportunities for gardening and general maintenance activities depending on the applicants skills.
In exchange for your help around the Inn with kitchen work, dishes, and front of house service, we provide room and board and can pay at least the national minimum wage. In addition, we allow use of our outdoor gear (bikes, tents) to allow each Workaway access to enjoy the outdoors.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
We offer accommodation in a room in the inn with a shared bathroom. We can provide all meals in the Inn, cooked breakfast , simple lunch and an evening meal.
Although off grid the Inn has electricity and clean water.
We have Wifi through-out the complex . We have no TV licence but have DVDs, board games and a large library of books. There is also a reflection space and craft room available if not used by guests. We have a laundry on-site.
What else ...
The only public transport is the weekly community bus. Car driver an advantage but not essential. There is a railway station 14 miles away and transport to and from can be arranged to fit in with the running of the Inn.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
We have space for a campervan but do not have chemical disposal on site. We have limited electricity so can not provide 24/7 hook up facilities. We have access to a shower and toilet for anyone in a campervan.
It was my first workaway experience, and it turned out to be a perfect one! Shane and Mack are such friendly hosts with kind hearts. They treated me with equality and respect, and their kids, Sammy and Rosie, are so cute—I love playing with them. I stayed there for 23 days, and we had a lot of great memories together.
I learned a lot about making… read more Scottish desserts, and I also showed them how to cook some Chinese dishes, they were always enthusiastic and appreciative.
The work I need to do is simple and reasonable, I had a plenty of time for my own, I read many cookbooks, and rode a bike to explore nearby places( The landscape was breathtaking!).
They even took me to the Lairg Crofter Show, which was such an amazing Scottish experience I had never had before. There were Scottish dances, bagpipes, horses, sheep, sheepdog herding ducks and fun children’s races at the show.
Life at the inn was so peaceful and quiet, I came across new things everyday and never felt bored—time flew by so quickly that I didn’t realize that my stay was coming to an end.
If I have the chance I would definitely love to come back and stay with them again. Thank you so much, Shane and Mack, I wish you all the best!
Junling was such a delight as a Workaway placement. She was always eager to help, learn more about Scottish culture, and even teach us some Chinese recipes. Her friendly demeanor and willingness to help was such a great benefit to us this summer. We will miss her and hope she visits again one day.
Gill was an absolute amazing person to have at our Inn and in our home. Gill provides a cheerful, can-do attitude, a willingness to learn, and a keen skill of baking and cooking. She provided great conversation and was a delight to have! We hope Gill will return and she would be welcome any time! If Gill is interested in Workawaying with you, let… read more her!
I stayed here for about a month and had a lovely time! Mack is incredibly kind and supportive in all
manners, she is very open and welcoming to whatever needs I had. Shane and I shared many laughs, he is very personable and easy to chat with.
I loved spending time with the crofters around and learning all about the sheep culture. it's a great… read more place to spend some time alone and reflect in the beautiful countryside
Mae was a gem! She was an encouragement to us and even to our neighbors. A very helpful, self starter who we enjoyed becoming friends with over the course of her stay.
It was my first workaway experience, and it turned out to be a perfect one! Shane and Mack are such friendly hosts with kind hearts. They treated me with equality and respect, and their kids, Sammy and Rosie, are so cute—I love playing with them. I stayed there for 23 days, and we had a lot of great memories together.
I learned a lot about making… read more Scottish desserts, and I also showed them how to cook some Chinese dishes, they were always enthusiastic and appreciative.
The work I need to do is simple and reasonable, I had a plenty of time for my own, I read many cookbooks, and rode a bike to explore nearby places( The landscape was breathtaking!).
They even took me to the Lairg Crofter Show, which was such an amazing Scottish experience I had never had before. There were Scottish dances, bagpipes, horses, sheep, sheepdog herding ducks and fun children’s races at the show.
Life at the inn was so peaceful and quiet, I came across new things everyday and never felt bored—time flew by so quickly that I didn’t realize that my stay was coming to an end.
If I have the chance I would definitely love to come back and stay with them again. Thank you so much, Shane and Mack, I wish you all the best!
Junling was such a delight as a Workaway placement. She was always eager to help, learn more about Scottish culture, and even teach us some Chinese recipes. Her friendly demeanor and willingness to help was such a great benefit to us this summer. We will miss her and hope she visits again one day.
Gill was an absolute amazing person to have at our Inn and in our home. Gill provides a cheerful, can-do attitude, a willingness to learn, and a keen skill of baking and cooking. She provided great conversation and was a delight to have! We hope Gill will return and she would be welcome any time! If Gill is interested in Workawaying with you, let… read more her!
I stayed here for about a month and had a lovely time! Mack is incredibly kind and supportive in all
manners, she is very open and welcoming to whatever needs I had. Shane and I shared many laughs, he is very personable and easy to chat with.
I loved spending time with the crofters around and learning all about the sheep culture. it's a great… read more place to spend some time alone and reflect in the beautiful countryside
Mae was a gem! She was an encouragement to us and even to our neighbors. A very helpful, self starter who we enjoyed becoming friends with over the course of her stay.
(Excellent)
3 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Virginia)
Virginia became our friend over the course of her stay, providing encouraging help to us, no matter what need arose. Hosting Virginia would be a delight for anyone!
(Excellent)
27 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Valeria)
Val was such a help to us, but so much more than just help. She has a great attitude and willingness to learn. Val is now a dear friend we look forward to seeing again soon.
(Excellent)
27 Mar 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Cameron)
Cam was a delight to have at our Inn. He went the extra mile to help us out during a very busy season. He provided great company to our family and we look forward to seeing our friend again one day.
(Excellent)
22 Feb 2024
Left by Workawayer (Cameron) for host
I stayed for the month of August 2023 and absolutely loved it. Shane and Mac were themselves new to the inn and Scotland when I got there, and we had a blast navigating the isolation, the dreaded highland midge and meeting/hosting some very interesting (and some very strange) visitors. The work was very reasonable, the food hearty and plentiful… read more and the craic endless. I spent my free time hiking the beautiful surroundings, failing at hitchhiking, learning about whiskey, chatting with the guests and cosied up next to the fireplace with a book from the library. I even snapped some photos of the northern lights in the middle of August! I had a great time with this lovely family and I really hope to return to this beautiful part of the world some day to see them again.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
20 Sep 2023
Left by Workawayer (Natalie) for host
My time at the Inn was amazing!
I only stayed for a short period, but I am really thankful for this experience. The Inn is ideal for a peaceful getaway in the Scottish Highlands. I worked mainly in the evenings for 5-hour shifts, allowing me to explore the stunning surroundings during the day.
The household is very lovely (including Meggie, the… read more doggo!). In addition, I appreciated the opportunity to talk to the local staff and visitors to the Inn (who came from all over). Shane is an excellent chef. Even though I've spent some time in Scotland before, I got a better taste of the local cuisine. Not to mention the fantastic desserts!
An outstanding Workaway!
Thank you so much, Shane and Mack! I hope all goes well. x
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
6 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Calum)
Callum was a willing worker who was willing to turn his hand to anything , a great asset to the team. Always smiling and often singing. Great to have around.
(Excellent)
24 Aug 2022
Left by Workawayer (Joanna & Liam) for host
Our first workaway experience and I'm not sure it can be rivalled. We were immediately made to feel like one of the family. Denise and Douglas are warm and friendly hosts with sunny dispositions and cracking banter. The caravan accommodation was bigger than we expected, with everything we could possibly need. The work is easy and can be as varied… read more as you like! Unpacking the dishwasher/pot washing in the morning and helping with dinner service in the evening is the norm but there were a couple of summer mornings spent picking blackcurrants and stripping the beds instead. The hours left us a big chunk of free time in the day to explore the BEAUTIFUL surroundings, travel in to Lairg (15 mins away), up to Tongue, Ullapool, Dornoch and much more.
Denise and Douglas always make sure you have your breakfast, which can range from home made muesli (which we got to make ourselves once) to bacon butties! We made ourselves lunch most days and got to pinch a few home made scones here and there (with clotted cream and jam, of course).
Dinner is a treat! Douglas is an amazing cook and every night we got a terrific home cooked restaurant quality meal. Paneer saag, venison casserole, lasagne, chicken jalfrezi, and of course haggis, neeps and tatties, to name a few favourites.
The desserts were incredible as well - thanks again for the sticky toffee pudding recipe and all the brownies!
You will meet other fun and interesting travellers whilst you stay here and maybe even make a friend or two. An experience like this is rare and we feel so lucky to have had it.
The remotest inn in Britain, the best hospitality in the world. See you again soon!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
30 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Anthony)
Anthony fitted in well the Inn family and was a willing worker , he took advantage of the opportunities to explore the area, speak with guests and learn new skills, was punctual , polite and accommodating. It was a pleasure having him stay with us
(Excellent)
10 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Anthony) for host
I had an amazing time at this inn.
The work was simple and fair. Restaurant work with some gardening. Also lots of chatting with guests, which was fun and engaging. Denise , Douglas and the other staff were very welcoming and I felt one of the family.
The static was perfectly supplied and I had dinner with the hosts which was amazing. They are… read more very knowledgeable about the area and will give great suggestions about what to do.
This is an incredible part of Scotland which made me feel like I was in another world. A truly incredible experience with great hosts!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
11 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Joana) for host
I can't thank Denise and Douglas (+ Brandy, their dog !) enough for their warm welcome at the Inn during these 2 weeks. I felt like a part of the family.
If you are looking for a quiet remote place with stunning views just by looking out the window, this is the perfect place. You may also see deers from very close ! There is plenty of beautiful… read more easy walks and hikes around the aera. It is a very peaceful place in the middle of the Highlands.
The work was fair. I mainly did cleaning but also did a bit of restauration services and learned to bake wonderful brownies and caramel slices. You won't be disappointed by the food prepared by Douglas, always very yummy.
I would 100 % recommanded this workaway if you want to be in a friendly remote place and meet wonderful people !
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
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Please note due to the UK leaving the EU, freedom of movement from the EU to the UK ended on 1st Jan 2021. If you are not a UK citizen, Irish citizen, settled status holder, Commonwealth citizen with the right to abode in the UK, BNO passport holder with valid visa or have a Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme (working holiday) visa and you are entering the UK to work or study you may be refused entry to the UK after Jan 1st 2021 unless you have the correct visas and permits in place. To find out more information about visas and work permits for your nationality you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
