Tiny Scots isle where only 15 people live offering rare job with accommodation

A RARE and remote job opportunity has arisen on one of Scotland’s smallest inhabited islands.

The National Trust of Scotland are advertising the role of Pier Manager on Canna, a tiny island off the west coast, that’s home to just 15 permanent residents.

The once in a lifetime “dream job” to live and work on the island would see the the successful candidate “ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of Canna Harbour, an essential facility for the Isle of Canna community.”

The NTS, who look after the island after it was bequeathed to them in 1981, said they were looking for a person with “marine or seafaring experience, a strong health & safety ethos, and a passion for preserving Scotland’s incredible places and heritage.”

Based on the island of Canna the Pier Manager role will be to manage the operation and maintenance of Canna Harbour.

It is visited six times a week by a Cal Mac ferries between March and October.

The latest operational figures recorded show 13 international cruise ships (1063 passengers), 26 sailing boats (613 passengers), 69 small cruise ships (315 passengers) and tour operator RIBS of approximately 5000 passengers, have also docked at habour.

Full training would also be provided to the right person.

Canna is home to 20,000 breeding seabirds such as the puffin, with most of the island is a Site of Special Scientific Interest thanks to its geographical and biological importance.

The island has one guest house, a campsite and a handful of self-catering properties for those who like the peace and quiet.

Ferries only run three times-a-week in winter, and it has only one unmanned community shop, which is open 24-hours a day but run as a honesty system.

There is one pub on the island, popular with tourists and locals alike.

In bad weather Canna can be cut off for days on end. In good weather, in the summer, it is infamous for its fearsome biting midges.

Canna is smallest and most westernly Small Isles in the Inner Hebrides, lying an hour and a half’s ferry trip away from the nearest mainland port in Mallaig.

The permanent role pays £ 26,907 for 40 hours a week and includes some weekend and evening duties.

The job also comes with accommodation as part of the contract.

The deadline for applications is June 16.

For more information visit the National Trust of Scotland website.