The specialist recruitment agency dedicated to the country estate and field sports industry
Headkeeper / Ghillie Required – Due To Retirement
Location: Garynahine Estate, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland
Package: Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus three-bedroom
estate accommodation.
We are seeking a dedicated, highly skilled Headkeeper/Ghillie to manage the
sporting operations on the prestigious 12,000-acre Garynahine Estate. Surrounded
by wild Hebridean wilderness, you will be responsible for all aspects of fishery
management and protection including sea patrols. You will also guide guests in
salmon and sea trout fishing on the Blackwater River, walked-up grouse over
pointers, and deer stalking.
Key Responsibilities:
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Fishing (Ghillie): Fishery protection including sea patrols, guiding guests on
the estate’s lochs and the Blackwater River, offering fly-fishing expertise, beat
navigation, and managing total catch-and-release.
Field Sports & Stalking: Guide walked-up grouse, snipe, and driven
woodcock shooting. Assist with red deer management across open hill ground
and woodland, ensuring quality herd preservation.
Estate Management: Oversee habitat conservation, predator control, and
general estate and infrastructure maintenance.
Guest Relations: Host discerning sporting parties staying at the historic
Garynahine Lodge, delivering an exceptional, traditional Highland sporting
experience.
Requirements:
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Proven experience in a similar role on a mixed sporting estate.
Sound knowledge of fly fishing (boat and bank), deer management, and
working with English pointers (preferable but not essential) .
Excellent communication and guiding skills with a professional, welcoming
manner toward estate guests.
Valid UK driving licence and a current firearms certificate.
Familiarity with modern digital surveillance equipment and techniques.
Resilience, self-reliance, and a genuine passion for the remote island lifestyle
and conservation.
How to Apply:
To apply for this rare opportunity on the Isle of Lewis, please send your CV and a
covering letter detailing your relevant field sports experience to the management
team at info@landandestateltd.co.uk
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