Rural Recruits

Rural Recruits Rural Recruits Rural Recruits is a specialist recruitment service dedicated to country estates and field sports. Why not give us a try.

We specialize in employment opportunities for Game keepers, Deer Stalkers, Ghillies, Farmers, Lodge, Estate & equine staff as well as offering details of relevant training courses held in your area. We aim to provide opportunities for Work Seekers on country estates throughout the UK from casual labour and part time positions to full time packages. If you are seeking employment please email us mai

[email protected]
We also offer Employers a convenient, quick and cost effective recruitment service please get in touch with your requirements.

05/06/2026

Seasonal Assistant Stalker – Sutherland
July 2026 – February 2027
Seasonal stalker required for extensive open range estate for 2026 – 27 red deer stalking seasons.
Key duties include assisting the Stalker with:
· Providing an exceptional guest experience for all visitors to the estate
· Providing support with all operations undertaken across the estate
· Assisting with stalking with guests
· Assisting with culls at other times
· Driving Argocats and ATVs for deer extraction
· Lardering deer
· Cleaning and maintenance of vehicles and equipment
· Mowing and strimming
· General estate maintenance
· Maintaining a safe environment for the estate team and guests
A driving licence, current Fi****ms Certificate and DSC 1 & 2 (or equivalent) are essential.
Experience with Argocats and ATVs is preferred but not essential as training can be provided.
A competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be available to the successful applicant.

All applications by email to: [email protected]

Closing Date for applications: Friday 26 June 2026

For further information please call Tom Chetwynd on 07977 5106088

04/06/2026

Seasonal Ghillie – Erchless Estate, Beauly, Inverness-shire
July 2026 – October 2026
Erchless Estate are recruiting for a Seasonal Ghillie for the 2026 stag and salmon fishing seasons.
Erchless is renowned for its red deer stalking, fishing and wider guest experience given its close proximity to Inverness.
Key duties include assisting the Estate Stalker with:
· Providing a quality guest experience for all visitors to Erchless
· Providing support with all operations undertaken across Erchless
· Driving Argocats and ATVs for deer extraction
· Lardering deer and other game
· Feeding of pheasants and duck
· Cleaning and maintenance of vehicles and equipment
· Accompanying fishing guests to the River Glass
· Mowing and strimming
· General estate maintenance
· Changeovers at Erchless Castle
· Maintaining a safe environment for the estate team and guests
A driving licence is essential and experience with Argocats and ATVs is preferred but not essential as training can be provided.
A competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience will be available to the successful applicant.

All applications by email to: [email protected]

Closing Date for applications: Friday 26 June 2026

For further information please call Tom Chetwynd on 07977 5106088

04/06/2026

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:




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:






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 fi****ms 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 [email protected]

02/06/2026

Seasonal Assistant House Staff (Couple)
Location: Black Mount Estate, Bridge of Orchy
Contract: Mid-July to Mid-October 2026

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a motivated and personable couple to join a welcoming team at a beautiful private family residence set within the breathtaking surroundings of the Black Mount Estate.
This role offers the chance to spend the season in one of Scotland’s most spectacular Highland locations, working in a supportive and friendly environment.

Key Responsibilities
Upholding impeccable standards of cleanliness and presentation throughout the house
Assisting with guest room changeovers to ensure a seamless experience
Managing laundry with efficiency and care
Providing support in the kitchen, including preparing breakfasts and packed lunches
Preparing the dining room and assisting with meal service and general hosting duties

Working hours are typically split across the day (approximately 07:30-13.00 / 17:30-10:30pm). Depending on the family activities, this will vary across the season
In return, you will enjoy a unique seasonal role in a stunning setting, working alongside a professional yet approachable team.
Accommodation is available if required.

To Apply:
If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity, please send your CV along with a brief covering note to [email protected]

01/06/2026

Estate Handyman Contractor – Cromlix Estate

Cromlix Estate is seeking a reliable and experienced self-employed handyman contractor to assist with ongoing estate maintenance works on a part-time basis (1–2 days per week).
The role will involve a variety of practical maintenance and repair tasks across the estate, with the following skills being highly desirable:
• Joinery and Painting
• Glass repair, window frame painting and varnishing
• Checking and clearing drains, ditches, and gutters
• Maintenance of gates, oiling and padlocks
• Stone wall repairs and cleaning
• Grass cutting and leaf clearance
Applicants should be practical, trustworthy, and capable of working independently to a high standard. Experience in general estate maintenance, joinery and repair work is essential.
To express interest, please send details of your experience and availability to [email protected]

01/06/2026

Assistant Estate Manager

Hallyburton Estate, Kettins, Perthshire

Hours: Full-time

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Hallyburton Estate is a privately owned mixed rural estate with a diverse portfolio of residential and
commercial property. As part of a planned office systems upgrade and long-term succession and
retirement planning, the Estate is creating a new role to work with the existing team.
This is a key operational role, offering an excellent opportunity for the right individual to develop their
career within a high-quality, rural estate environment.
The Role
Working closely with the Office Manager and professional advisors, the Assistant Estate Manager will be have a varied and interesting role. The initial focus will be on the property portfolio, including the
administration and tenant interface, with wider involvement with budgeting and financial management and optimising day-to-day estate operations.

Key Responsibilities
• First point of contact for residential and commercial tenants.
• Day-to-day administration of all property management, including proactive system
management and record-keeping.
• Management of rents, including arrears and rent increases.
• Coordinating maintenance works, liaising with the Maintenance Manager and approved
contractors.
• Completing property inspections and maintaining accurate records.
• Assistance with letting residential and commercial properties, and management of tenant
changeovers.
• Supporting the Office Manager and estate team in the delivery of overall estate objectives.

About You
• Diligent and proactive record keeping.
• Good working knowledge of, or willingness to learn, key aspects of the role.
• Highly organised, methodical and confident dealing directly with people.
• Good knowledge of and comfortable with office IT systems.
• Comfortable working as part of a small professional estate team.
• Experience of rural or mixed estates is advantageous but not essential.
The Opportunity
• Newly created role with scope to develop as part of office retirement planning.
• Exposure to a well-run rural estate and a broad variety of work.
• Supportive team environment with professional estate management input.
• Competitive salary and package based on experience.
• Long term career opportunities for the right individual.

Cover Letter and CV to: Janice Campbell, Office Manager [email protected]

29/05/2026

GARDENER/HANDYMAN

HEREFORDSHIRE

Gardener/handyman required to maintain gardens and grounds of a private country house.
Work will include growing vegetables and flowers, mowing and general garden maintenance. A wild valley stream garden adjacent to the garden to be attended to seasonally. Gardening experience is therefore essential and experience in working for a private household would be beneficial.
You must be prepared to undertake routine property maintenance tasks, odd jobs and occasional driving.
Three bedroom self-contained accommodation included.
A full valid UK driving licence is essential. Use of shared vehicle.
Competitive salary offered for a full-time position.
For further details or to apply send your CV to [email protected]

29/05/2026

Corriegarth Estate

Apprentice Shepherd Opportunity

An opportunity has arisen on an exciting and developing farming operation at Corriegarth estate. The farming operation consists of 14,000 acres, containing adequate low ground and facilities to allow for effective livestock management. The farming operation currently runs 1300 Blackface ewes and 150 cross ewes.

All year-round sheep husbandry including lambing , marking , dosing, hill gathers, tick treatment , dipping , shearing and all the usual required shepherding matters. In house silage production and grass reseeding also takes place, with some other tractor work required throughout the season.
General estate upkeep and maintenance matters form a smaller part of the role but would be required throughout the year.

This package includes a 2 bedroom house in close proximity to the main farm steading with council tax and electricity included in the package. Adequate dog kennels are also provided with a small outbuilding. Wages as per Agricultural wages board Apprentice Rates and will also include an annual Wet Weather allowance and any training courses required to be undertaken to meet the job requirements.

For any further details / information please contact Liam Sharp - 07808103051 - [email protected] / Justin Sharp - 07843525317 - [email protected]

26/05/2026

Job Opportunity:

General Estate Worker

We are looking for a reliable and hardworking General Estate Worker to join our team on a private estate near Strathtay, Perthshire.
This is a varied outdoor role involving:
Gardening and grounds maintenance (mowing, strimming, hedge cutting, weeding, etc.)
General estate maintenance and upkeep
Firewood processing
Assisting with deer management and other wild animals in our park
Assisting with our Wood-Mizer sawmill (producing timber)
Chainsaw, ATV, spraying tickets would be an advantage, but not essential, as training will be provided for the right person.
Essential Requirements:
Valid clean UK driving licence (essential)
Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weathers
Reliable, self-motivated and trustworthy
Based locally (as we have no more staff accommodation available)
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys practical outdoor work, takes pride in what they do, and wants a varied role on a beautiful Perthshire estate.
Hours: Full-time (hours and days to be discussed)
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
If you’re local to Strathtay, Ballinluig, Pitlochry, Dunkeld, Aberfeldy or surrounding areas and this sounds like the job for you, we’d love to hear from you!
Please send your CV to [email protected]

22/05/2026

Address

Bedale

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