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Experience life in an island community, helping a non-profit on the Isle of Rum, Inner Hebrides, Scotland

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    We are a charity organisation that manages the only settlement on the Island of Rum in the Inner Hebrides, Scotland. We are a small community of 35 people who live and work here all year round, we are fully community based.

    Nestled in the bay of Loch Scresort off the western coast of Scotland its the ideal place to get away from it all and spend sometime away from civilisation and find yourself part of our community here on Rum. The island consists of 97% Nature Reserve with the other land the village of Kinloch. You will have plenty of time to explore of wild island and winter can truly be a spectacular time to visit.

    We are responsible for the upkeep of the village and the buildings within. Whilst on island you will be managed by myself. My name is Alex and I have been a resident here for 2.5 years and a member of the Trust for over 1 year. I can honestly say this place is magical and a small piece of heaven off the west coast of Scotland.

    We have had over 50 volunteers so far and have made many friends for life!

    We are also accepting specific skills (example of this may be builder, plumber, electrician, contractor, graphic design, interior design, physiotherapy and the list goes on) that you may believe could help our small community so please feel free to message us anyway and we can see what other opportunities there may be.

    This year we will also be accepting applications for people keen on running events for the community based on their skill or passion and this can be incorporated into the program

    UPDATE

    WE ARE CURRENTLY TAKING EXPRESSIOSN OF INTEREST FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024

    IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED PLEASE LET US KNOW AND WE WILL BE IN TOUCH DURING THE SUMMER WHEN WE ARRANGE THE PROGRAM

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Teaching
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Rum is a special place. An island full of natural life whether that be our seabird colonies, marine life or resident eagles upon the hills. As our volunteer you will feel part of our community, making friends, learning skills from our residents and making contacts along the way. Rum is the kind of place that has a life affirming ability and we will do all we can to boost your experience whilst on island. Many opportunities could arise from being here and many doors could be opened moving forward. You will learn what it takes to live in a small community and how to be part of a small island community.

  • UK chairty

    Registered charity

    This host is a registered charity in the UK and is looking for help with their charity project.

  • Help

    Help

    This winter the work will be based on simple upkeep and maintenance around the village such as painting, decorating, varnishing, sanding, vegetation clearance etc etc. More details can be found in the main profile section for each volunteer program. We aim to create a friendly relaxed atmosphere where people can express themselves, feel relaxed and be themselves and work within a small team of volunteers. Hopefully during your time here you will feel like a local!

    The spring opportunity will be based around making the Lodge wind and water tight and doing maintenance on an old hunting lodge. We are looking for a good mix skilled and unskilled workers so everyone can learn from each other.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    German: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    I am currently 10 months in to learning German slowly and would happily teach English

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Our winter volunteers will have the bunkhouse privately hired or a minimum a private room for themselves. Our bunkhouse is a newly renovated building with 20 beds (5 private rooms), a living room, 2 kitchens and wonderful hot showers after a day hiking the hills. A food allowance will be provided for use at our local shop and this can be arranged prior to arrival.

    Our spring volunteers will be camping on the Nature reserve with supplies shipped out daily. Spring volunteers will also have opportunities to get some village fix and hot showers at the Bunkhouse when required.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    To get to Rum, you must take a ferry from Mallaig. The winter timetable has now been announced and boats leave Mallaig Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday over winter. You will have time to explore Rum and the other Small Isles. We have not set any working hours in yet as we will work this around yourselves but the balance is going to be very manageable with hopefully 4 or 5 hour days with a couple days off a week but this can all be adapted to fit the individual upon enquiry. Living as part of our community we would expect you to respect all islanders and treat others how you want to be treated. Noise must be kept to a minimum late at night and lights should be kept to a minimum where possible to help the seabird colonies find their way home and help boost our Dark Sky application!

    Rum is totally explorable by foot. We are 7 miles x 8 miles and the walks can be truly breathtaking. Its been known for visitors to find their own private beach, be the only people up our cliffs and to truly find solitude amongst nature. I am happy to show you local experiences and things to do that would make your trip very memorable

  • 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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Cars are not allowed on the Island unless a permit is issued. We have space for 1 car if needed however the island is walkable and the roads are not good so most cars would not be beneficial here. We recommend getting public transport to Mallaig or leaving the car in Mallaig Car Park

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 913665174619

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