📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
Auchindrain, or in Gaelic Achadh an Droighinn, field of the blackthorn tree, is recognised as being the most complete surviving example of a Highland farm township, a type of settlement representative of much of Scottish rural history. The site is generally acknowledged as being national significant: it is designated as a Conservation Area; it is Category A Listed in its entirety, and its buildings are a Recognised Collection – one of the small number of collections held by museums other than the National Museums and National Galleries of Scotland that the Scottish Government formally recognises as being of national importance. The museum preserves the buildings of an ancient small farming community that remained active until the 1960s: these are surrounded by farmland. It is open to visitors seven days a week during the summer.
💼 What the programme involves
The participants will, for the duration of the project, join the museum’s outdoor workforce. This is a small team consisting of young people (many with disabilities) undergoing training, which operates under the direction and supervision of a highly-experienced agricultural worker. This approach offers participants the chance to vary the work they do and gain experience in a variety of activities. At this distance ahead in time it is impossible to predict exactly what particular tasks will be underway or planned, but in broad terms the work will consist of ground and brush clearance, ditching, fence and footpath repairs and gardening. In each of these areas we have small-scale projects in mind, but would prefer to give the group a chance to decide for itself rather than taking decisions without involving them.
🏠 Accommodation on site
Accommodation will be basic but warm and dry. Volunteers will have the chance to experience first-hand living conditions and working life as these would have been in places like Auchindrain 150 years ago. Participants will be provided with a soup-and-bread lunch every day, from the museum’s Tearoom. Lunches will be provided to the volunteers and evening meals will be prepared by the volunteers themselves. The volunteers will be based in Martin’s House within the museum, which has been similarly used before. The house, which is over 200 years old, has three rooms, two of which each contain two traditional timber bed compartments (“box beds”), which have sleeping space for two people: a total of 8 spaces across four beds in two rooms. Separate sleeping accommodation should thus be possible if desired, although to an extent this will depend on the gender-mix of the group. Any participant who would prefer to bring a one-person tent will be welcome to do so.
📍 About the location
Auchindrain is a 9.5 hectare/22 acre open air museum in Argyll, Scotland. The museum is set in a spectacular mountain landscape, with plenty of opportunities for walking and exploring Auchindrain is located in Argyll in the west of Scotland. Argyll is one of the most scenic and culturally significant regions of Scotland. Free time activities will be decided as a group. Volunteers will have the opportunity to explore the area and visit a number of local attractions.
⚠️ Requirements
The extra fee should be in pounds to the group leader on the first day of the project. Due to the lack of funding we receive for our international work we ask volunteers to make a small contribution towards our costs. You can transfer by bank- however please do get in touch first.
ℹ️ Additional information
Warm and waterproof clothes are necessary, a sleeping bag and games and food from your own country.