Our hostel is family run, has 27 beds, 5 acres of land and is situated in the small village of Portnalong on the west coast of the beautiful Isle of Skye in the north west Highlands of Scotland.
We pride ourselves on offering the highest level of customer service and cleanliness as well as a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for guests and staff to enjoy.
Tipos de ayuda y oportunidades de aprendizaje
Jardinería
Construcción y bricolaje
Ayuda doméstica
Mantenimiento general
Intercambio cultural y oportunidades de aprendizaje
The hostel is in the Scottish highlands, run by Scots and offers a genuine Scottish Island experience!
Although English is the main language spoken, our multi national/ cultural guests provide helpers with a great opportunity to improve and develop their language skills and learn about the cultures of other nations.
We prefer our helpers to commit to a full summer season as this allows us time to really get to know each other and learn about the other's way of life. All of our previous helpers, ( well...with the exception of one..., we'll tell you about that too, if you're the right people!), are now our friends and keep in touch. Our last helpers, (the wonderful Tim and Sheree), stayed for 6 years before heading off to New Zealand (before they got too old!), to try van life there!
Our previous helpers have said that their hostel experience with us made them more confident communicators, connected them with a load of new friends and taught them lots about Scottish and Island/Gaelic culture.
El anfitrión ofrece una paga acorde al salario mínimo
Este anfitrión ofrece alojamiento y paga.
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.
Ayuda
We are looking for two cheery souls who able to get on with people from all walks of life and who are hardworking, honest and reliable. All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK have good spoken and written English as reception duties may be included. Van lifers are particularly welcome!
Our ideal candidates would be a couple or a couple of friends. We have space to accommodate up to two campervans with hook up as well as a large towing caravan, with parking, in the Hostel garden. Having your own transport is must as island bus services are not the most regular and run limited routes!
We are a family run hostel and like to get to know our helpers well, you know, make a proper connection, so it's important to us that you would be able to commit to a minimum of 3 months, ( May, June, July), and even better, the full summer season, (1st May - 30th Sept). As we said, it's a family run hostel and it's hard to keep that family feeling going if the Workawayers are always changing!
Ideally, we would like to recruit helpers that want to immerse themselves in the hostel experience, so it's a must that you are sociable, friendly and outgoing. It really helps if you like people!
The right candidates would be expected to help with all aspects of the day to day running of the hostel: general cleaning duties, checking in guests, outdoor groundskeeping/gardening etc. - basically you'd be happy to do a bit of anything and everything! There may also be further opportunities in the future, for the right people! We're not being mysterious, we'll tell you all about them if you're the right people!
In return, we offer the opportunity to experience what it is like to live on a majestic, remote Scottish island steeped in Highland heritage and tradition. Our guests come from all over the world and our hostel is a cultural melting pot....it's kind of like travelling the world without having to pack a suitcase! The whole world comes to visit us - how great is that?!! These are paid positions with hours to be mutually agreed.
We are happy to take Workawayers who identify as rat-race drop outs, freethinkers, dreamers, non conformists etc. All we ask in return is that you are honest, nice, happy, can use your initiative and have a good work ethic. Simply put, we're looking for all round great people to who would like to spend an unforgettable summer on the Isle of Skye in an interesting, friendly and laidback work environment.
Idiomas hablados
Inglés: Fluido
Alojamiento
Campervan pitch with hookup and wifi in the hostel grounds with use of all hostel facilities.
Large towable type caravan.
Algo más...
The Hostel makes an ideal base from which to explore the Cuillin mountain range, swim in the Fairy Pools (not for the faint hearted!), take a tour of Talisker whisky distillery, spot a sea eagle or a shooting star and see for yourself the spectacular, wild landscapes that make the Isle of Skye a world class destination
Un poco más de información
Acceso a Internet
Acceso a Internet limitado
Tenemos animales
Somos fumadores
Puede alojar familias
Puede acoger a nómadas digitales
We have good internet connectivity and wifi is available throughout the hostel and hostel grounds. We have had in the past several workawayers who did their online work alongside hostel duties and it worked well for both parties!
Espacio para aparcar autocaravanas
We can take one or two campervans and have hook up and wifi available on the pitches.
Podría aceptar mascotas
We have two dogs and two cats ourselves and may accept workawayers with a friendly/well behaved dog. as long as it gets on with ours!
Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Emily)
Right from the start, Emily and Dan proved to be excellent communicators in the interactions we had in arranging their stay with us. We had not intended taking any volunteers this season due to the Coronavirus situation however, we needn't have worried! Emily and Dan were very respectful of the conditions we attached to their stay (social… read more distancing, enhanced cleanliness measures etc.) and were an absolute pleasure to have around!
Honest, reliable and hard working, neither are afraid to get stuck in and literally get their hands dirty! We found Emily and Dan to be very smart, capable individuals and we never had to show them how to do anything more than once. Thoughtful, willing, quick on the uptake and fun company, we would not hesitate to recommend them to other hosts and would be delighted to welcome them back to our hostel anytime! "Super lush" helpers! Thank you so much Emily & Dan! xx
(Excelente
)
24 oct 2020
Dejado por el workawayer (Emily) para el anfitrión
What to say about Brian and Lisa?.. there is absolutely no words to describe their wonderful energy. Warm and welcoming just doesn’t cut it! From the moment we joined them, it felt more like home than a workaway! Heating on, WiFi passwords handed over, room all cosy - we felt like well treated guests! We didn’t have to ask any questions - because… read more they gave such a good welcome.
Brian is such a great person to work alongside. Always whistling, singing or telling funny stories. He always checks that your okay with the given work, and is out and about every day (even with his bad shoulder!) Lisa is so bubbly and smiley, with a warm motherly nature - as well as a great baker! We admire their family business so much! Brian and lisa gave us a very Scotish experience.
The work was really fulfilling. You knew that the projects you worked on would be seen through, and they were super appreciative and thankful which makes working so much more enjoyable. We got stuck in with all sorts, outdoor painting and lots of gardening. Brian and Lisa are happy to give you a job and leave you to get on with it - which was a nice way to work as we felt like they trusted us. We loved working on the hostel and the grounds - improvements made were so well received and it felt really worthwhile.
Thank you again for what was a top tier experience. Emily and Dan x
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente
)
17 dic 2019
Dejado por el workawayer (Annaluz) para el anfitrión
April 2019- July 2019.
It is so difficult to find the right words to express my love for the Hostel (place, family, & team). It almost felt too good to be true. But it's real, it happened, and I had an incredible time there.
The Hostel is number 1 in Scotland but I have to believe it must be pretty high up in the world rankings. The family that… read more runs it keeps it in tip-top shape and the level of organization and cleanliness is *almost* insane. But I say this in the most loving way possible and with the best intentions. Seriously-- cleaning was one of my favorite parts of the day. The whole team worked together while chatting, laughing, listening to music, and playing pranks on each other (okay, mostly me playing the pranks). Reception was also unbelievably fun because I got the opportunity to chat with people from around the world and exchange stories. The work almost didn't feel like work and in exchange I got to live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth amongst some of the most amazing people. Which brings me to the bosses...
There is so much I could say about them (Lisa, Brian, and Georgia), but to keep it short: they are some of the kindest, most thoughtful, and most hilarious people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Not only do they treat their business with an immense amount of care, but they also make sure their volunteers are happy and well-cared for. That also goes for the rest of the family, who are all lovely as well. I was so grateful on the occasions I was invited to share meals with them, included on outings, and invited over.
I fully recommend this host but would only recommend this place to people who are comfortable and happy being in rural areas where the only immediate entertainment is hiking, swimming, and chatting with strangers. Without a car, navigating the island is a bit difficult but can still be done to a certain extent by bus or by tagging along with guests. If that sounds fun to you, you will probably love it.
99/100 (Point docked due to lack of world clocks)
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente
)
20 jun 2019
Dejado por el workawayer (Pauline) para el anfitrión
I don't know why it took me so long before writing this, but here I am doing it! What is even more funny is that I bored the hell out of everyone speaking about my experience working at Skywalker hostel last summer and how I absolutely adored it, how Skye is one of the most beautiful place in the world, how it looks like you're walking through a… read more picture and bla bla bla… (Of course, I did show them pictures to illustrate everything I was saying, it’s less funny if I did not ! I think my friends in my former acting school could be able to tell you about my trip themselves if you ask them.) Truly, the only place I've been silent about my stay at the Skywalker is on this website, curiously.
Somebody said in an earlier review “I felt welcomed the moment I spoke with Lisa on skype to the moment I left all the Skywalkers.” No, that is absolutely not an accurate quotation, but I think it gives you an honest overview of what it is like to be part of the Skywalker Family. I am so happy I got that unique chance, and if I could go back in time, I would do it again without hesitating. Be prepared to meet a family of amazing, funny, generous, hardworking, and genuinely nice people. If you are prepared to do the work and do it good, you will live an extraordinary adventure. They work so hard themselves, they are running this hostel all by themselves, making sure it is super clean and welcoming EVERYDAY. They work so hard to give their customers the best experience they could ask for, and it pays off. I was very impressed about that. They totally deserve their first place.
I often think about every precious life advices Lisa gave me, about Brian teasing me because I was eating way too many sweet potatoes, about speaking and laughing with Tim and Georgia... I remember going to the cinema with Georgia, Tim and some of their friends (you will meet them), Tim picking me up to drink delicious Cappuccino sometimes after work (I still haven’t tasted a better one yet), watching Game Of Thrones after a day of work, wishing for the sky to be dark enough for the stars to show (if you come in July, it should begin mid-August :).... And, what I loved the most, the thing that makes working at the Skywalker so special: You will meet the entire world every evening. If I could give you a piece of advice, it would be: don't be shy! Prepare your food when visitors are preparing theirs, go sit in the couch and speak with them, socialize, ask about their food, their day, their trip or anything. Because this is an amazing opportunity to speak with the entire world. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're not that much into meeting lots of people from all around the world. If you are, definitely go, you won’t regret it. Also, don’t be lazy on your days off: Go explore Skye, it is even more breathtaking in real life! You might find yourself hiking, suddenly stopping to appreciate the landscape, and thinking “it can’t get more beautiful than that”. Then walk two steps. Stop again. Be mesmerized by the place who has gotten even more beautiful, so much that you are wondering how this is even possible. Maybe you’re living in a postcard now ?
And, future workers, if I can give you advices : Do good work, show up on time, keep a smile on your face, keep your sense of humor and your personality, and I guarantee you that your stay will have a special place in your heart.
~~ Your crazy French worker who can’t wait to hug you again.
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
Son opciones de calificación adicionales para cuando los miembros dejan sus comentarios. Se muestra la calificación media dejada en cada opción.
Precisión del perfil:
(5.0)
Intercambio cultural:
(5.0)
Comunicación:
(4.7)
13 nov 2020
Dejado por el anfitrión para el workawayer (Emily)
Right from the start, Emily and Dan proved to be excellent communicators in the interactions we had in arranging their stay with us. We had not intended taking any volunteers this season due to the Coronavirus situation however, we needn't have worried! Emily and Dan were very respectful of the conditions we attached to their stay (social… read more distancing, enhanced cleanliness measures etc.) and were an absolute pleasure to have around!
Honest, reliable and hard working, neither are afraid to get stuck in and literally get their hands dirty! We found Emily and Dan to be very smart, capable individuals and we never had to show them how to do anything more than once. Thoughtful, willing, quick on the uptake and fun company, we would not hesitate to recommend them to other hosts and would be delighted to welcome them back to our hostel anytime! "Super lush" helpers! Thank you so much Emily & Dan! xx
(Excelente)
24 oct 2020
Dejado por el workawayer (Emily) para el anfitrión
What to say about Brian and Lisa?.. there is absolutely no words to describe their wonderful energy. Warm and welcoming just doesn’t cut it! From the moment we joined them, it felt more like home than a workaway! Heating on, WiFi passwords handed over, room all cosy - we felt like well treated guests! We didn’t have to ask any questions - because… read more they gave such a good welcome.
Brian is such a great person to work alongside. Always whistling, singing or telling funny stories. He always checks that your okay with the given work, and is out and about every day (even with his bad shoulder!) Lisa is so bubbly and smiley, with a warm motherly nature - as well as a great baker! We admire their family business so much! Brian and lisa gave us a very Scotish experience.
The work was really fulfilling. You knew that the projects you worked on would be seen through, and they were super appreciative and thankful which makes working so much more enjoyable. We got stuck in with all sorts, outdoor painting and lots of gardening. Brian and Lisa are happy to give you a job and leave you to get on with it - which was a nice way to work as we felt like they trusted us. We loved working on the hostel and the grounds - improvements made were so well received and it felt really worthwhile.
Thank you again for what was a top tier experience. Emily and Dan x
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente)
17 dic 2019
Dejado por el workawayer (Annaluz) para el anfitrión
April 2019- July 2019.
It is so difficult to find the right words to express my love for the Hostel (place, family, & team). It almost felt too good to be true. But it's real, it happened, and I had an incredible time there.
The Hostel is number 1 in Scotland but I have to believe it must be pretty high up in the world rankings. The family that… read more runs it keeps it in tip-top shape and the level of organization and cleanliness is *almost* insane. But I say this in the most loving way possible and with the best intentions. Seriously-- cleaning was one of my favorite parts of the day. The whole team worked together while chatting, laughing, listening to music, and playing pranks on each other (okay, mostly me playing the pranks). Reception was also unbelievably fun because I got the opportunity to chat with people from around the world and exchange stories. The work almost didn't feel like work and in exchange I got to live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth amongst some of the most amazing people. Which brings me to the bosses...
There is so much I could say about them (Lisa, Brian, and Georgia), but to keep it short: they are some of the kindest, most thoughtful, and most hilarious people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Not only do they treat their business with an immense amount of care, but they also make sure their volunteers are happy and well-cared for. That also goes for the rest of the family, who are all lovely as well. I was so grateful on the occasions I was invited to share meals with them, included on outings, and invited over.
I fully recommend this host but would only recommend this place to people who are comfortable and happy being in rural areas where the only immediate entertainment is hiking, swimming, and chatting with strangers. Without a car, navigating the island is a bit difficult but can still be done to a certain extent by bus or by tagging along with guests. If that sounds fun to you, you will probably love it.
99/100 (Point docked due to lack of world clocks)
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente)
20 jun 2019
Dejado por el workawayer (Pauline) para el anfitrión
I don't know why it took me so long before writing this, but here I am doing it! What is even more funny is that I bored the hell out of everyone speaking about my experience working at Skywalker hostel last summer and how I absolutely adored it, how Skye is one of the most beautiful place in the world, how it looks like you're walking through a… read more picture and bla bla bla… (Of course, I did show them pictures to illustrate everything I was saying, it’s less funny if I did not ! I think my friends in my former acting school could be able to tell you about my trip themselves if you ask them.) Truly, the only place I've been silent about my stay at the Skywalker is on this website, curiously.
Somebody said in an earlier review “I felt welcomed the moment I spoke with Lisa on skype to the moment I left all the Skywalkers.” No, that is absolutely not an accurate quotation, but I think it gives you an honest overview of what it is like to be part of the Skywalker Family. I am so happy I got that unique chance, and if I could go back in time, I would do it again without hesitating. Be prepared to meet a family of amazing, funny, generous, hardworking, and genuinely nice people. If you are prepared to do the work and do it good, you will live an extraordinary adventure. They work so hard themselves, they are running this hostel all by themselves, making sure it is super clean and welcoming EVERYDAY. They work so hard to give their customers the best experience they could ask for, and it pays off. I was very impressed about that. They totally deserve their first place.
I often think about every precious life advices Lisa gave me, about Brian teasing me because I was eating way too many sweet potatoes, about speaking and laughing with Tim and Georgia... I remember going to the cinema with Georgia, Tim and some of their friends (you will meet them), Tim picking me up to drink delicious Cappuccino sometimes after work (I still haven’t tasted a better one yet), watching Game Of Thrones after a day of work, wishing for the sky to be dark enough for the stars to show (if you come in July, it should begin mid-August :).... And, what I loved the most, the thing that makes working at the Skywalker so special: You will meet the entire world every evening. If I could give you a piece of advice, it would be: don't be shy! Prepare your food when visitors are preparing theirs, go sit in the couch and speak with them, socialize, ask about their food, their day, their trip or anything. Because this is an amazing opportunity to speak with the entire world. I wouldn't recommend this place if you're not that much into meeting lots of people from all around the world. If you are, definitely go, you won’t regret it. Also, don’t be lazy on your days off: Go explore Skye, it is even more breathtaking in real life! You might find yourself hiking, suddenly stopping to appreciate the landscape, and thinking “it can’t get more beautiful than that”. Then walk two steps. Stop again. Be mesmerized by the place who has gotten even more beautiful, so much that you are wondering how this is even possible. Maybe you’re living in a postcard now ?
And, future workers, if I can give you advices : Do good work, show up on time, keep a smile on your face, keep your sense of humor and your personality, and I guarantee you that your stay will have a special place in your heart.
~~ Your crazy French worker who can’t wait to hug you again.
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente)
6 sept 2018
Dejado por el workawayer (Virginia) para el anfitrión
This was our first workaway experience together and we had an excellent one working with Brian&Lisa's family . The hostel is very good located, with amazing landscapes and beautiful places to discover around the area.
We had a great time with Georgia, Tim and Danny who also work at the Hostel. We stayed there for 3 months and we all became good… read more partners and friends. Brian & Lisa made us feel like home all time , and they were really heedful and sweet with us, 100% recommendable, but, be careful, WE´LL COME BACK SOON (haha)
If you like the music and the guitars, this is a perfect place for you.
Andy & Ginnie
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente)
25 nov 2017
Dejado por el workawayer (Eric) para el anfitrión
This was a the best place to work and stay. Great accommodation. You will meet people from all over the world. The surrounding area is beautiful. The owners are some of the best people you will ever meet and they always make sure to take care of their helpers. We would deffinently come back and also recommend it to others to workaway here.
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente)
10 ago 2017
Dejado por el workawayer (Grant & Eilish) para el anfitrión
Grant & I got the pleasure of working for Brian & Lisa for three months this season (2017). We felt welcomed from our very first Skype chat to the second we got on the bus when we left. We originally signed on for the six month season though personal choice to leave early due to new travel arrangements which both Brian and Lisa highly encouraged… read more us to take. We had the pleasure of working along side their daughter Georgia and her partner Tim (who is a fellow Aussie), they're both super friendly and always up for a laugh and adventurous road trip. During our time we also got to meet some of there other family members and also close friends, when any of them are visiting expect even more laughter and fun. We worked 6 days a week doing anything and everything around the hostel from cleaning to reception, our hours changed 1st day was only 4 hours each 2nd day was 7 hours though if you work extra fast the cleaning can be completed quick and if you're lucky everyone checks in early!! This position is in a very remote area on the Isle of Skye so make sure you're an outdoors person but also happy to have movie/chill time in your room when it's raining. The busses are sparse, so planning your days off is a must. We can honestly say we loved our time here and look forward to returning one day.
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente)
9 ago 2016
Dejado por el workawayer (Katarina) para el anfitrión
I volunteered for this hostel between Jul - start of Aug 16 and had a great time. Brian, Lisa, Georgia and her boyfriend Tim and sister Danni with husband Gary who live about 3 miles down the road. All are super welcoming and really nice people. Work varies from keeping the place clean to reception work in the afternoons or evenings. There is… read more plenty of free time to explore Island and walk to Carbost (with Talisker Distilery) or a longer walk to Talisker Bay via mountains, local beach or just going for a few to local spot The Old Inn. Suits people who are open minded, like rural wild stunning places, own car is an advantage as nearest big supermarket is about 30 mins drive but you can also manage just fine via bus that stops literally in front of the hostel or one the guys will give you a lift when going that way. Caravan is comfy and has its own TV with plenty of DVD's to watch and books to read. My favourite task to do was a reception work that included chatting to guests and giving them a brief tour around plus answering some basic emails and checking reservations. Place feels very lively and suits a volunteer who likes people and being around people. All in all this host comes highly recommended and I will never forget my real Scottish experience.
(Excelente)
9 mar 2016
Dejado por el workawayer (Sharlai) para el anfitrión
This is the best hostel in Scotland for a reason. It is a beautiful place filled with wonderful people. Lisa, Brian, Georgia, Kyle and Danni are all great & super easy to get along with. There is heaps of free time & the help required isn't hard because the hostel is soooo clean. Absolute cleanest hostel I have ever seen by far!
Can highly… read more recommend. Thanks so much for everything guys. I really hope to see you all again one day :)
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente)
25 oct 2015
Dejado por el workawayer (Calliope) para el anfitrión
I worked and stayed at this hostel for six months, of which months could probably be accounted as they best months of my life so far!
Ah Scotland is a magical place. The hostel and the business are well run and taken care of, it was impressive to see how to manage and maintain a top rated facility and surely I've left way more equipped on good… read more customer service amongst many other things. Work was easy, from cleaning to reception it never felt like a chore. I think that's mainly due to the relaxed atmosphere of the place. There's no pressure so it enables you to do your best naturally.
But fun is also a top priority here, the place is in a location to inspire, quiet and remote but filled with so much natural beauty that your eyes hurt just looking out the window. The hostel is full of musical instruments and various little bits and pieces of detail that spark your creative tendencies.
The family consists of the nicest and most welcoming people you could ever imagine and I instantly felt at home from the moment I set foot there!
The Isle of Skye is a magical place. Pictures simply do not do it justice and this is definitely one of the best (if not THE best) hostel out there and another home for me.
Brian, Lisa, Georgia, Kyle and Dani thank you for being the best people out there! You've restored my faith in humanity haha!
Solo puedes ponerte en contacto con workawayers con membresías activas.
(Excelente)
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Información para aquellos que piensan visitar el Reino Unido
Ten en cuenta que, debido al BREXIT, la libertad de movimiento entre la UE y el Reino Unido terminará el 1 de enero de 2021. Si no eres un ciudadano de Reino Unido, de Irlanda, de la Commonwealth con permiso de residencia en el Reino Unido, ni tienes pasaporte de nacionalidad británica en el extranjero (BNO), ni un visado de nivel 5 del Programa de Movilidad Juvenil (vacaciones trabajando) y vas a viajar al Reino Unido para trabajar o estudiar a partir del 1 de enero de 2021, es posible que denieguen tu entrada en Reino Unido si no tienes los visados y permisos adecuados. Si quieres más información sobre visados y permisos de trabajo para personas de tu nacionalidad, ponte en contacto con la embajada de tu país ANTES de viajar.
Jardinería
Construcción y bricolaje
Ayuda doméstica
Mantenimiento general
