Hi There, I'm Gillian and I live in Garmouth in the Northeast of Scotland with my partner Gordy and our beautiful greyhounds Jasper and Ace. I am a freelance private chef and part-time student and Gordy works from home for Paypal. We have no kids and are totally devoted to our hounds!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Animal Care
House & pet sitting
Interests
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Pets
Music
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Camping
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
We live walking distance from the Speyside way and moray coastal trail and there are numerous lovely walks just out our door. Although Speyside is well known for its numerous whisky distillery's it is off the beaten track as far mass tourism goes. It is an interesting part of the world with friendly people and beautiful scenery, the house I less than 10 minute walk from the river spey estuary Scotland's famous salmon river and 15 mins walk from the Moray coastal trail.
Help
Looking for ideally a couple, two friends or a small family to come and dog sit. As Ace is reactive we would like two people and ideally someone with experience with reactive dogs definitely someone with lots of dog experience. He loves humans and is a big softie but doesn't like other dog. We would definitely consider 1 person if they were willing to walk the dogs separately, Jasper walks are shorter these days biof his age.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Semi detached house with 2, double bedrooms and an office. We have a recently installed central heating system so the house is now toasty at all times and there is a wood burner with lots of wood if wanted.
What else ...
Garmouth is a charming wee village but has few amenities apart from a nice part time coffee roasters which sells lovely coffees and a pub at the gold club which is welcome to all and a nice place to sit and have a pint. You would have to get a bus to do anything other than enjoy the outdoors and hang out with the dogs by the fire. We also have bikes you can borrow to go to the nearest shop which is 3 miles away we can also arrange lifts to do this. I can pick you up from train station in Keith or Elgin and will buy you a big supermarket shop before we head off. We have lots of steaming services such as Netflix and Apple TV to cosy up to in the winter nights and plenty books to read.
We are easy going people who really love animals and are looking for similar humans to look after our boys.
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 office to work in and decent WiFi.
Space for parking camper vans
You can park your campervan here but you would have to stay inside with the dogs.
Harmyn came and dog sat our greyhounds for a week and was excellent. I wouldn't hesitate recommending her to any potential hosts. She was friendly, easy going and easy to talk to and looked after the dogs very well. The house was left immaculately and she gave us regular updates and photos of our dogs. I imagine she would fit in anywhere and would… read more be a good addition to any work setting or household. Thank you Harmyn and I hope you have a great time on the rest of your travels.
(Excellent
)
20 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (TravelwithNess)
Nessa and her friend Tasha came to our house for a week to look after our Greyhounds Jasper and Ace.
Before we met there was excellent communication from Nessa.
We found them both to be very friendly and kind and Jasper and Ace warmed to them immediately.
Whilst we were away Nessa gave us lots of updates of their walks etc and nice photos most… read more days. we were very happy that they were being given a high level of care and very grateful to Nessa for administering Jaspers medication. On our return, the dogs were very happy and contented and the house was spotless.
I have no hesitation in recommending Nessa she is certain to look after your pets and house very well. Thank you both so much and we hope you can come back some time!
(Excellent
)
15 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Madison) for host
I stayed at Gillian's house for six days, and had a wonderful time! She is really nice, accommodating, and easy to talk to, and Jasper is the sweetest. Her home is in the most beautiful location, and I enjoyed taking nature walks and soaking up the sunshine. I visited some towns nearby too, and found some sweet little spots to have coffee and ice… read more cream. She left me with paint and supplies to paint the kitchen, and it was easy work! I just played an audio book and spent a couple of afternoons painting. I would absolutely recommend this workaway.
Thanks again, Gillian! Give Jasper some love for me.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Harmyn came and dog sat our greyhounds for a week and was excellent. I wouldn't hesitate recommending her to any potential hosts. She was friendly, easy going and easy to talk to and looked after the dogs very well. The house was left immaculately and she gave us regular updates and photos of our dogs. I imagine she would fit in anywhere and would… read more be a good addition to any work setting or household. Thank you Harmyn and I hope you have a great time on the rest of your travels.
(Excellent)
20 Feb 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (TravelwithNess)
Nessa and her friend Tasha came to our house for a week to look after our Greyhounds Jasper and Ace.
Before we met there was excellent communication from Nessa.
We found them both to be very friendly and kind and Jasper and Ace warmed to them immediately.
Whilst we were away Nessa gave us lots of updates of their walks etc and nice photos most… read more days. we were very happy that they were being given a high level of care and very grateful to Nessa for administering Jaspers medication. On our return, the dogs were very happy and contented and the house was spotless.
I have no hesitation in recommending Nessa she is certain to look after your pets and house very well. Thank you both so much and we hope you can come back some time!
(Excellent)
15 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Madison) for host
I stayed at Gillian's house for six days, and had a wonderful time! She is really nice, accommodating, and easy to talk to, and Jasper is the sweetest. Her home is in the most beautiful location, and I enjoyed taking nature walks and soaking up the sunshine. I visited some towns nearby too, and found some sweet little spots to have coffee and ice… read more cream. She left me with paint and supplies to paint the kitchen, and it was easy work! I just played an audio book and spent a couple of afternoons painting. I would absolutely recommend this workaway.
Thanks again, Gillian! Give Jasper some love for me.
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
11 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
I had a wonderful time staying in Gillians home and looking after the beautiful Jasper. We were lucky enough to get some really good spring weather, so walking around the surrounding woods and castle was very enjoyable. Jasper is a sweet soul and very loving. Gillian is a very hospitable host and made my stay very welcoming. Thanks again Gillian… read more and Jasper!
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
19 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Reuben & Stella) for host
Sorry it's taken us so long to leave feedback Gillian..we both had such a great time looking after Jasper and are so grateful for this wonderful experience! Thank you so much for providing us with delicious food and such a beautiful cottage to stay in! Hope you and Jasper are doing well.
Love Stella and Reuben xxxx
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
1 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Reuben & Stella)
Reuben and Stella are incredibly easy going and helpful volunteers who would be a great addition to any environment. They did such a great job looking after Jasper and were friendly, helpful, interesting and kind. Thank you so much guys come back anytime xxx
(Excellent)
2 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Aneta) for host
Gill and Jasper are couple of great beings. Jasper is easygoing doggie. It was wonderful to look how happy he is and that he finally found a perfect loving home. I wish all dogs would get at least a pease of this big love what Gill gives him. Gill treated us as we would be her guests. I had a beautiful time and I’ll be happy to come back one day… read more and see how are you guys doing. And last but not least - the place is just beautiful, close to the nature
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
(Excellent)
1 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Aneta)
Aneta was a such a lovely volunteer and would be an asset to any home or business. She is incredibly thoughtful, kind, interesting and practical and looked after my dog and painted my bathroom to highest of standards. It was an absolute pleasure to have her in my home and she is welcome here anytime. Thank you so much Aneta xxx
(Excellent)
1 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Ane)
Ane was a great volunteer. She is cheerful and friendly and very good with animals. It was very cold here in January but Ane warmed us up with some of the sunshine of Spain. Thank you so much Ane come back and visit us again sometime! Xx
(Excellent)
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Animal Care
House & pet sitting
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Politics / Social justice
Pets
Music
Cooking & food
Carpentry
Books
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Camping
Beach
