Profile information
Host rating
85 %
Last replied
14 Oct 2019
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Details
Description
Hello!
My name is Harriet and I live on a small farm in the Highlands of Scotland. I keep donkeys, sheep, chickens, dogs and run a small holiday cottage business.
Our home is located in the stunning Cairngorm National Park. You can walk out of the door and straight up a mountain. The River Spey also runs right by the house. The farm is equidistant from the local villages of Aviemore and Boat of Garten - about 4 miles from each - so it’s easy to get around by bicycle.
I play the harp and guitar and love making music with friends and visitors. I have three grown up children who visit me regularly and they are also creative and musical.
My daily routine revolves around feeding all the animals, walking the dogs and dealing with any tasks or odd jobs that arise. If we have had a renter in one of the holiday cottages then I have to clean the cottage and change the bed sheets.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
Animal Care
Babysitting and creative play
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
The Cairngorm National park is utterly breath taking - a haven for wildlife, walking, climbing, cycling and much, much more. The different areas of the park have their own distinct identity and cultural traditions, but they share deep connections to the same environments. You can explore local castles and other historical sites. The local pub is a great place to hear traditional live Scottish folk music and there are ceilidhs (dances) held regularly in our local village halls.
In addition to getting to know a historic and very special part of Scotland, you will hopefully learn some things about the areas biodiversity - the plant and wildlife in the area is very rich.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
I'm looking for help with my daily routine of feeding the animals and walking the dogs (3 large lurchers). There may also be some odd jobs around the house.
Typical tasks include:
Feeding donkeys, sheep and chickens
Walking the dogs
Gardening
Painting
Chopping wood
All the activities are physical so I am keen to host people who don’t mind getting their hands dirty and mucking in! It’s also very important you feel comfortable around animals. If you love animals, nature and rural living then you’d be ideal.
I would require around 20 hours per week. Apart from the daily animal routine many of the tasks will be flexible and I’d be happy for you to choose when in the day you’d like to carry them out.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Intermediate
French: Intermediate
Italian: Intermediate
Japanese: Intermediate
Accommodation
Travellers will have their own bedroom. I will cook evening meals and be happy if you want to help out. You will help yourself to breakfast and lunch. We have plenty of fresh eggs from the chickens and always ingredients for sandwiches or soups.
What else ...
With your time off you could take the opportunity to explore the magnificent Cairngorm National Park and all the fantastic hikes and hill walking it has to offer.
The local town of Aviemore is only 4 miles away (20 mins by bicycle) and has lots of lovely cafes, a few bars and some great charity shops if you like bargain hunting. If you want to explore further afield Aviemore has a train station and it is very easy to visit Edinburgh or Glasgow from there.
We have a nice barn space if you are an artist and want to make some of your own work in your spare time. We also have a sauna by the river so if you like a good sweat after a hard days work you’d be welcome to fire it up.
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?
One
My animals / pets
The donkeys
Jura (hand raised!)
Thistle
Juniper
3 generations
Samara
Hairy friendly lurcher
Silas
Hairy friendly lurcher
