Volunteering on Handa | Scottish Wildlife Trust

With nearly 100,000 breeding seabirds, gorgeous white sandy beaches, 120 metre high cliffs and spectacular vistas, Handa really has something for everyone.

Enjoying it for a day as a tourist is special, but to stay on Handa as a volunteer is an unforgettable and magical experience.

A superb team of volunteers and staff means that there is always a friendly face and good banter at the bothy, but there are also many undisturbed, tranquil spots for relaxing amid stunning views and abundant wildlife.

Applications for our 2021 season are now closed. Please check in December for information on applications for 2022.

The Handa experience

We’ve produced a series of short videos to give you an insight into life as a volunteer on Handa.

If you’re interested in joining the Handa team, you can find out more by clicking on the tabs below.

Read the latest Handa newsletter

Long-term volunteering
Weekly volunteering

Placements on Handa are widely recognised as important field experience and provide excellent networking opportunities with Trust and RSPB staff, and several seabird researchers.

Many former volunteers have gone on to paid employment on Handa and other reserves, and the majority are now employed full-time within the conservation or academic sectors.

We will open recruitment in December 2021. Watch this video to get a feel for the Handa experience.

Unfortunately we’re unable to recruit weekly volunteers for the 2021 season due to the impact of Covid-19 on our working practices. We hope to reintroduce this popular programme in future seasons and we’re sorry for any disappointment in the meantime.