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<\/p>\nThe position will be based on a nature reserve along its stunning coast.<\/p>\n
20:00, 23 Feb 2026<\/p>\n
![\"Looking](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Looking-across-Loch-Gruinart-at-low-tide-Island-of-Islay-Scotland.jpg\")
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The job will be based around the spectacular Loch Gruinart(Image: Robin Bush \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n
A rare job opportunity on Scotland’s ‘whisky island’ has come up, and it would be well-suited to those who wish to work in beautiful and remote surroundings. The full-time position is on a fixed-term 12-month contract, but there is the possibility of it becoming a permanent role.<\/p>\n
The RSPB is currently seeking a warden around Loch Gruinart on the island of Islay<\/a>, with the successful applicant leading the practical conservation land management on the Smaull reserves. The job comes with a salary of between \u00a330,075 and \u00a332,108, while accommodation is available at Loch Gruinart for the duration of the contract.<\/p>\n Islay is the fifth-largest Scottish island and the most southern of the Inner Hebrides, situated off the west coast of Scotland<\/a>. It is renowned for its whisky, with around 10 active distilleries across the island producing whiskies that are enjoyed around the world.<\/p>\n The Smaull reserves sit on Islay’s beautiful west coast and are comprised of cliff and coastal heath, as well as low-intensity and high-nature-value farmland. Among the key species<\/a> found there are corncrakes, choughs, golden eagles, hen harriers, marsh fritillaries, and more.<\/p>\n The warden role will be based at the Loch Gruinart reserve office and will include periods of working<\/a> alongside the Loch Gruinart and Oa teams across the Islay sites. It will also involve significant lone working, so strong personal motivation is essential.<\/p>\n In addition to having accommodation provided, the job also comes with a range of other benefits. These include a Pension Scheme and a Life Assurance Scheme, while additionally the warden will receive 26 days of annual leave<\/a> per year.<\/p>\n The spectacular island of Islay is famous for its many whisky distilleries(Image: Rodrigo Narvaez \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n Those applying for the job should have experience delivering conservation land management and biological monitoring, as well as knowledge of agricultural and livestock systems and their use. Also required is the ability to communicate clearly and build positive working relationships and organise workloads effectively.<\/p>\n Another essential attribute is the capability to respond to challenges with practical, well-reasoned solutions to support smooth site management. It is also crucial that those applying for the role hold a full manual driving licence that is valid in the UK.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, skills that are not essential but desirable include experience operating and maintaining site machinery and equipment such as ATVs and brushcutters and working knowledge of IT systems. Experience supporting and working alongside volunteers in practical or monitoring tasks would also be beneficial.<\/p>\n![\"casks](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_casks-and-barrels-for-Islay-Whisky-to-get-aged.jpg\")
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![\"Loch](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/0_Loch-Gruinart-north-Islay-Hebrides-Scotland.jpg\")
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