People with skills in building, plumbing and gardening needed on island
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is looking for two families to join the community on the Hebridean island of Canna, the most westerly of the Small Isles, a group of islands near Mallaig
The NTS-owned island currently has 15 inhabitants, great community spirit, good communication and transport links, making it a unique and beautiful place to live.
However, the population has been slowly diminishing over many generations and in an effort to reverse this trend the NTS is now offering two properties for rent. There are potential employment opportunities on the island, particularly for people with practical skills in fields such as building, gardening, electrics and plumbing as the Trust has an ongoing programme of maintenance and repair on its properties and infrastructure on the island.
Employment on the island is mainly associated with agriculture in the traditional farming of sheep and cattle together with crofting. Tourism also plays an ever-increasing role in sustaining the community with around 30,000 people visiting every year. Because of this the Trust believes there is a demand for having a bed and breakfast on the island and one of the properties available to rent is particularly suited for this.
Alex Lindsay, NTS Director for the Highland & Islands said: ‘We are very keen to hear from families who wish to take up the opportunity to live and work on Canna. Applicants should be keen to play an active role in the development of the island’s community. It is hoped that bringing in new residents will contribute to the safeguarding of the school, community and economy of the island, whilst increasing the skills base and making a valuable contribution to island life.
‘The Trust is very much committed to supporting and invigorating rural communities. As well as Canna, we are helping to support communities in places such as Fair Isle and on the Balmacara Estate, Lochalsh. The communities in the these places are faced with many challenges but we feel it is vital that they survive.’
The local primary school is situated on the neighbouring Isle of Sanday, which is now linked to Canna via a new road bridge. There is currently only one child at the school, however there are two children of pre-school age currently on the island.
The two properties available to rent are:
1. Available late 2006. Taigh Buel na Fadhlach (Also known as the New House…it was built 14 years ago!) – Modern detached, 1 ½ story, 4 bedroom family home and garden.
2. Available early 2007. Tighard – Traditionally constructed, detached, 2 story, 5 bedroom Victorian townhouse and garden. Ideally suited for use as a Bed and Breakfast.
