The Scottish Highlands and islands stretch across 15,000 square miles and occupy over half of Scotland. Its majestic and diverse landscape is home to nearly half a million people, 50% of which are under the age of 44. So who are these highlanders? They mainly consist of nature-loving volunteers and workers, many of which work in hospitality.
As a recruitment agency, it is our job to find fun and exciting opportunities for our hospitality candidates. Gaining experience in the Scottish Highlands and Islands is one of our most sought after placements for those looking to get off the grid, have their rent paid for a while and, for our chefs, work with some of the finest local ingredients Caledonia has to offer.
That is why we put together our top four reasons why you should consider heading north for your next job interview:
1- The Food
Ok, let’s get right to our favourite part – the food! Our highland and island chefs get to oversee the best of ingredients to guarantee guests an exceptional experience, brimming with Scottish hospitality. Some of the top food trends that shape the way we eat in Scotland stem from the highlands. Foraging for wild mushrooms, catching fresh haddock for Cullen Skink and working with seasonal delicacies such as oysters and venison.
The Highlands is also home to one of the eight Michelin Star restaurants in Scotland – the Loch Bay Restaurant, Stein, Isle of Skye. The award-winning restaurant attributes its success on its use of only the freshest fish and using as much local produce as possible.It’s an exciting time to work in the Highlands for any aspiring chef.
2- The Beauty
The Highlands and Islands are not limited to chefs though. The distinct and vibrant landscape has something for any worker that sparks an interest in outdoor sports and leisure pursuit. Lovers of hill walking, golfing, fishing, hunting, sailing, skiing or just taking some much deserved “me time” out in mother nature, have the opportunity to work and stay in their dream getaway destination. Imagine spending your days off hiking along the Fairy Pools in Skye or hopping aboard the Harry Potter train (the Jacobite steam train) from Fort William to Mallaig.
3- The Live-In Opportunities
From country-house hotels, castles, inns, to hunting lodges and homely restaurants with rooms, more and more Highland hospitality jobs are offered on a live-in basis. This is a great way to save money and see more of Scotland if you are new to the country and have some ou reception, waiting/bartender or cheffing experience. Thanks to its beauty, low crime right and that strong community feel, the Scottish Highlands and Islands is a fine place to live – especially on your employer’s dime.
4- The Whisky
Now to end on a good note – a fruity, sweet, spicy and malty note to be exact! There are 47 distilleries spread across the Highlands and Islands, the largest of the Scottish whisky regions. It is home to some of Scotland’s oldest distilleries including Glenturret at Crieff and Balblair at Tain, and some of the newest, such as Isle of Raasay Distillery, Torabhaig Distillery on Skye and Ncn’ean Distillery by Lochaline.
Working in the Highlands allows you to tick some of the world’s most distinctive malts and blends off your bucket list and if you are a novice, you may just grow a nose for it.
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