John Muir Trust on the lookout for warden to look after stunning Sandwood Bay near NC500
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A warden is wanted to look after the increasing flow of visitors to a popular Sutherland beach.
Those that make the trek to Sandwood Bay near Kinlochbervie are rewarded with having one of the greatest beaches on the planet sometimes to themselves – but it has become busier in recent years.
Sandwood has magnificent sands and dune systems and a landmark sea stack, Am Buachaille, dominates the view along with miles of wild cliff scenery that leave visitors enthralled.
Sandwood Bay is also on the North Coast 500 road trip route – which has brought a flood of visitors to the area.
Now the John Muir Trust, which looks after the beach, wants a warden for six months to watch over the stunning natural attraction, by concentrating on the car park and other duties.
Sandwood Bay is about 11 miles from Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point on the Scottish mainland.
The area was acquired by the John Muir Trust in May 1993 and Sandwood Loch is at the junction between two rock types – Lewisian gneiss, multicoloured, with stripes, swirls and bubbles, and one of the oldest rocks in the world; and Torridonian sandstone, which is sandy, layered sedimentary rock, laid down about 600 million years ago.
Bird life teems in the area and several pairs of great skuas nest along the coastal heathland between Sheigra and Sandwood Bay, and on the nearby islands.
The warden's job carries a salary of £12,500 for the season.
"We're looking for someone to lead on the management of the Trust’s facilities at Blairmore car park while engaging widely with visitors, local residents and other organisations in the local area," say the JMT.
"Working closely with the Sandwood and Quinag property manager, local crofters, residents and visitors, you will promote the Trust’s work and ethos and take responsibility for the maintenance and management of facilities at Blairmore car park at Oldshorebeg."
It adds that the successful applicant must "communicate and engage with visitors to promote and encourage responsible access, camping and parking – in accordance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) guidance and particularly the ‘leave no trace’ ethos".
"Manage and maintain the WC and car park facilities at Blairmore car park; including regularly cleaning the WC block, monitoring and managing car park use and overseeing refuse collection.
"Help in management of the wider estate, and in particular the track to Sandwood Bay.
"Help deliver events such as local beach cleans, guided walks and working with the local schools to deliver the John Muir Award (if Covid restrictions allow)."
Applications for the post close on May 19.
