Marco Crisciotti A remote Scottish island is looking for a ranger for 30,000 euros per year. Let's discover this unique job opportunity, a unique chance to live immersed in the wild and far from the chaos of the city.
Handa Island is a small piece of heaven off the west coast of Sutherland, Scotland, and it’s looking for a ranger to look after its virgin beauty. The position comes with an annual salary of £25,600-about $32,000-including accommodations on the island and life amidst nature.
A job among cliffs and seabirds
Handa Island, truly a haven for wildlife managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust-a charity inducted to preserve Scotland’s natural heritage-provides towering cliffs and one of the most enormous seabird colonies in Europe. Some of the most common species that one can trace in this haven of nature are guillemots, razorbills, and great skuas. If fortune is smiling, one can even manage a glimpse of minke whales, orcas, or basking sharks off the coast.
“The post commences in March 2025 for six months, until September 2025,” the Trust states. There are no formal qualifications needed for the job, but it requires a general knowledge of marine and terrestrial ecology. The position is open to all applicants from all over the world-which again means an opportunity to oversee a team of volunteers, organize events for the 8,000 yearly visitors, and take care of the island’s wildlife and wild landscapes.
Life on a timeless island
Far from the bustle and turmoil of city life, Handa Island offers Spartan existence with wind and seabird cries the only noises. There are no permanent residents, but weekly trips to the nearby village of Scourie ensures that laundry and groceries are available.
Accommodation is provided, and the post is open to couples, so that the work and experience of island living can be shared. A driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required, but the Trust wishes to receive applications from all sections of the community and is an equal opportunities employer.
Handa: a place of rugged beauty
Working on Handa Island offers a lot more than just a job; it’s a chance to step into a world where time appears to stand still. Life here revolves around the sea, the sky, and the land, creating a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature.
Admittedly, it is not for everyone. But if you are outdoorsy, need a break from the hectic pace of modern life, and want to make a difference, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
