Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
16 Sep 2020
Feedback
13
Email verified
Badges (3)
Details
Description
Hello!
Thanks for showing interest in our workaway profile. Helen and Jamie live just outside Edinburgh but within 35 minutes from the centre. We have a small, family run farm on the outskirts of Edinburgh. We are principally looking for someone to house sit and look after our 2 have a passion for pigs and have a small herd of outdoor reared rare breed pigs, as well as a few free range hens.
We are looking to accommodate workaways to help out around the family home as well as some general work in the garden, mowing grass, cutting hedges and general garden duties; lots of different jobs that will change depending on the season and what is needed to be done.
We are a very relaxed and welcoming family and would really appreciate the help of workawayers and like to get to know people from all over the world. A good level of English is preferred.
This job is more suitable for couples as our accommodation is more comfortable for this, however solo workaway's will also be considered.
We have successfully used workaway for over 2 years and have made some really good relations with people from all over the world and with whom we continue to maintain contact.
I hope our profile interests you and we look forward to hearing from you!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Elderly Companionship
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
House and pet sitting
Interests
Carpentry
Pets
Farming
Art & design
Winter sports
Camping
Mountain
Sailing / Boating
Animals
Hiking
Cycling
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We are not far from the centre of Edinburgh so during time off it is quick and easy to get to the capital. A bus from the closest village; Balerno, takes 40 minutes to reach the centre of Edinburgh.
We are a very close and welcoming family and look forward to showing you how we live; you will also learn about Scottish food, culture and wildlife.
We live in a beautiful setting, very close to the Pentland hills and reservoirs but also a short bus journey from the bustling city!
Help
Help around the house; cooking and cleaning.
Help around the garden; cutting hedges, strimming, mowing grass, general garden maintenance.
Occasionally helping feed/move a small herd of rare breed pigs.
Collect eggs from a small chicken coup.
Occasionally feed 2 donkeys.
A moderate level of strength, fitness and endurance is preferred - the weather sometimes isn't that great in Scotland and some jobs will be outside!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Live in the house with our family but have own area of the house to relax; private accommodation within the house includes double bedroom, kitchen, shower room, toilet, and living room.
Workawayers will be provided with food - an evening meal is usually taken in the main family kitchen but a personal kitchen is available if workawayers prefer to cook their own food; do not feel you need to spend every evening meal with the family. Breakfast and lunch is eaten in the main house with Helen and Jamie.
A budget will be given if the workawayer prefers to cook their own meal/ eat separately and have more independence.
What else ...
Bicycles are provided for use around the farm and as a way of transport to the local village (Balerno - 2 miles). There is a direct bus to Edinburgh from Balerno 44 (40 minutes to the centre of Edinburgh - £1.70 single ticket). We are located at the foot of the beautiful Pentland hills, near a number of scenic reservoirs with lots of well sign posted walking routes with views of Edinburgh.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Zola & Maple
Working Cockers
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (10)
Photos
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Feedback
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Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(4.8)
They were so easy. They were kind to my dogs and they were very good at feeding the pigs.
Both Gee and Jackie are incredibly kind and happy to help in the kitchen or on the farm. No task was ever too much and I very much hope that they will return to Scotland… read more
We arrived to stay only a month and ended up getting almost 3.
Jamie is kind, adorable, generous, funny and very intelligent. He helped us explain the work, eventually prepared delicious meals and made us company. He also had a lot of patience when we did not understand something and always tried… read more
We had some meals with them where we got to know them and their sons. Helen is a great cook (and a better flies hunter ;) ).
We had to feed the pigs every morning and afternoon. At first, they were outside and… read more
They are very kind and they made me feel comfortable as soon as I got there.
The majority of the activities are around the… read more
They are warm, kind, fun and hardworking.
Our experience as Workaway here was unforgettable, now we know we have friends in Scotland and very good memories.
Helen, Jamie, Angus, Charlie, Alice, Luci, Stella, Jack, Megan, Poppy, Zola, Gin and the whole clan you guys are the best. We… read more
Jamie's family made me feel part of the family as soon I had arrived...in my stay I came across with many people visiting the farm and all of them were really interesting ( jamie's children are very kind!)
No boredom during my stay. And I could also reach easily… read more
