Gardener/Caretaker

An experienced, self-motivated, responsible individual is required for the position of sole Gardener/Caretaker on a beautiful, small, private estate of 100 acres on the Isle of Skye in the Scottish Highlands.

Day to day duties focus on maintenance of the walled kitchen garden and 2 acre woodland garden. The kitchen garden combines soft fruit and vegetable growing (including in a polytunnel and fruit cages), fruit trees and herbaceous borders. The woodland garden features a wide range of rhododendron, magnolias, acers and other specimen trees.  

Wider estate management duties include: woodland management, fencing repairs, ditch maintenance etc. The role also involves caretaker duties when the family are not in residence.  

Clean driving licence, chainsaw certification, pesticide certification and quad bike driving skills are essential.

Basic machinery maintenance (strimmer, chainsaw) skills would be desirable. Experience of livestock handling would also be an asset (we have a small herd of Dexter cattle for conservation grazing), but is not essential. Any candidate must be suited to remote, rural living and relish the rare opportunity to live and work in this wonderful location.

Accommodation on site provided in recently fully renovated two bedroom cottage annexed to main house.

20 days annual leave plus public holidays.