The Scottish Wildlife Trust has appointed a new Seasonal Ranger for Handa Island Wildlife Reserve in Sutherland.  

Molly Harvey will live and work on the island until the end of August alongside several long-term volunteers. The team will carry out a busy programme of seabird monitoring and conservation work, as well as helping thousands of visitors to safely visit the island this summer.  

Molly said: “I was drawn to working on Handa for so many reasons, including its unique, extreme, and stunning character. I still can’t quite believe that I have the huge privilege of calling the island home. It’s exciting to become immersed in island life with all of its wonderful challenges, and to be living and working closely with a team of passionate and committed volunteers. 

“I have a great love of our natural world and I feel humbled to be part of a dedicated team working towards safeguarding special and threatened seabirds. It’s also fantastic to have the opportunity to welcome visitors from all walks of life to the island so that they can enjoy this special place.”  

Molly has joined the Scottish Wildlife Trust from RSPB Scotland. Until recently she was based in Inverness as Assistant Warden for the charity’s reserves in the central Highlands.?  

Handa Island is owned by Scourie Estate and managed as a wildlife reserve by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. The island is home to internationally important breeding populations of seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and great skuas. A seasonal passenger ferry links Handa to the mainland. 

Applications are currently open for monthly volunteering on Handa Island