It is as far away from the rat race as it is possible to get yet still be on the British Isles – a point at the western edge of the map that boasts unrivalled views of the sea and the distant Outer Hebrides.
Now two people are wanted for a “once in a lifetime experience” of watching the waters for a living at Ardnamurchan Lighthouse as part of efforts to record migrating whales.
The summer placements at the remote lighthouse are aimed at developing the Hebridean Whale Trail, which launches soon and will be the first of its kind in the UK.
The trail will be a network of about 25 world-class whale-watching and whale heritage sites, developed by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT).
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It plans to promote Scotland as one of Europe’s best destinations for spotting whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known as cetaceans – and champion conservation of the Hebrides’ unique, globally important marine wildlife and environment.
And the trust is looking for a couple willing to turn their backs on urban living and keep an eye out for passing whales and dolphins in the area.
The job is voluntary but food, accommodation and all expenses will
be met by the trust for the length of the project.
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Its leaders say successful candidates must provide “expert wildlife guiding and informal interpretation to visitors about Hebridean marine wildlife, environment and heritage” and “carry out dedicated land-based cetacean data collection and encourage visitors to participate in whale watching and biological recording activities”.
The job description adds: “Are you looking to gain valuable work experience, and play an active role in marine conservation? Are you interested in living and working at a lighthouse in a remote but beautiful part of Scotland? If so, then this is a fantastic opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience.
“The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has been leading the way for the conservation of cetaceans in the Hebrides for 25 years.
“As the trusted voice and primary source of information in the region, HWDT research has critically advanced the understanding of Scotland’s whales, dolphins and porpoises while working directly with communities to encourage the stewardship of our rich seas.”
It says the post offers “the opportunity to be a part of a project which will connect communities and visitors with the amazing Hebridean marine environment”, adding: “The Ardnamurchan Lighthouse Trust operates a busy visitor centre and cafe, offering the chance to learn more about Scottish lighthouses, and the flora and fauna of the Ardnamurchan peninsula.
“The volunteer will be responsible for the delivery of the Hebridean Whale Trail’s Ardnamurchan programme, working with members of the HWDT team alongside Ardnamurchan Lighthouse staff.
“Living and working at a lighthouse in a remote but beautiful part of Scotland makes this is a fantastic opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience, while playing an active part in marine conservation.”
A quarter of the world’s whale and dolphin species’ live off the Scottish coast, making it one of the best European destinations to try and catch a glimpse
of cetaceans.
Bottlenose dolphins, risso’s and common dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, humpbacks and killer whales are all found in Hebridean seas.
Tiumpan Head, on Lewis, is also considered the best place in Europe to
see cetaceans from land all year round.
Wildlife tourism is becoming big business in Scotland, with whale-watching top of many people’s list.
Other denizens of the deep have also become hits on the tourist trail, with a company that specialises in swimming with basking sharks being awarded a five-star rating from VisitScotland last month.
Basking Shark Scotland received the national tourism body’s top grading at the first time of asking after a bumper year that saw the company fully booked during the peak summer season.
The Oban-based firm offers trips to see basking sharks in their natural environment and swim alongside them using a snorkel or scuba gear.
The wildlife tour company was awarded the five-star rating from VisitScotland’s Quality Assurance Scheme in recognition of its exceptional standards. It also won the Best Outdoor Experience title at the Highlands & Islands Tourism Awards.
Founded by marine biologist Shane Wasik in 2012, Basking Shark Scotland also offers seal-swimming tours, sea-bird safaris, and beach-cleaning trips to
isolated islands.
Meanwhile, Calmac Ferries launched a new national marketing campaign
ahead of this year’s tourism season to raise awareness of Uist as an “unmissable getaway”.
Although the two islands have fewer than 6,000 residents, they are home to remarkable wildlife such as golden eagles, wading birds and otters.
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