Ranger

Kyle & Lochalsh Community Trust is committed to instigating and delivering social, economic, and environmental regeneration projects and local services. We are fully focused on improving the quality of life for the residents of Lochalsh and the visitors to our spectacular location on the west coast of Scotland. We aim to achieve the sustainable regeneration of our community which, despite its magnificent geographic setting, has been identified as one of the most economically fragile and deprived in the Highlands. We work to generate income through enterprise and the ownership of assets. As a not-for-profit organisation, all our trading surpluses are reinvested in the community.

The Plock in Kyle of Lochalsh is a large area of land, around 60 acres, on the outskirts of the Kyle at the access point to the Skye Bridge. In 2019 we took ownership of the Plock and adjacent former Skye Bridge Toll Office and developed an extensive Masterplan that identifies projects that will be developed there. The Plock, which lies within the UNESCO-designated Wester Ross Biosphere, is a wonderful place to explore. It has a wide variety of habitats: wildflower meadows, native woodland, areas of dry and boggy heath, exposed lichen-covered rock, a series of hidden rocky coves and an elevated viewpoint which gives excellent views across to Skye and Raasay.

In 2019, Kyle of Lochalsh has been chosen by the Highland Green Health Partnership (HGHP) as one of 3 pilot sites in the Highlands to study social prescribing of green activities. Supported by the HGHP, its project’s steering group for Kyle and KLCT’s new project staff – Ranger and an Outdoor Learning Officer, the Plock will play an important role in the delivery of socially prescribed green activities. This will include a Community Shed workspace at the Toll Office, where community craft workshops and a Men’s Shed programme will run from.

We have successfully secured 3 years project funding from the Community Lottery Fund & the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve the condition of the Plock and introduce a variety of conservation volunteering opportunities and activities that will connect people with the Plock, improve their health and well-being and help them to learn new skills. This project will be led by a Ranger and an Outdoor Learning &Wellbeing Officer, working as a team, and supported by KLCT staff and volunteers.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Ranger who will oversee the maintenance and management of the Plock; the infrastructure projects works; the work of our keen conservation volunteers; the Community Shed project as well as help to deliver activities and work to raise awareness of the Plock. Find out more on how to join the team and inspire others to enjoy the outdoors go to www.lochalsh.uk

This post is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Highland Green Health Partnership and KLCT.

The successful applicants for each post will be initially offered a 3-month probationary period. It is anticipated that the jobs will be based in the Trust’s office in Kyle but this will depend on Covid-19 restrictions at the time of appointment.  Each post carries 33 days’ annual leave (pro rata) inclusive of public holidays and Employer pension contributions of 5% are offered.

For more information on the role and on how to join our small, friendly and dynamic team please go to www.lochalsh.uk or contact Fiona.Wellings@lochalsh.uk. A CV and a supporting cover letter detailing your suitability to the job as well as relevant experience and qualifications to admin@lochalsh.uk before midday on the 1st November.

Interviews will be week commencing 9th November