If you’ve ever thought, ‘Sod living in the big city, I want to get away and live in the middle of nowhere for a bit,’ we might have the opportunity for you. A primary school in one of the remotest villages in the UK is looking for a full-time teacher. Kilchoan Primary in the West Highlands only has a handful of pupils anyway, so how hard it could be?
To drive from London to Kilchoan, which sits on the Ardnamurchan peninsula, would take you more than 11 hours. Don’t even think about travelling by public transport – this would involve multiple trains, buses, ferries and walking across the country. It’s worth it though, as the area is made up of unspoilt, peaceful landscape.
The small community, the most westerly village in mainland UK, is made up of 150 people dotted around the region. Kilchoan Primary itself only has 15 pupils – it is one class made up of P1 to P7 students. The £52,800-a-year full-time role will also include a relocation package of up to £6,500, as the current teacher at Kilchoan Primary moves to part-time work.
If you decide to take on this position, you’ll be the only full-time teacher – overseen by a cluster head, who looks after several small schools. Kilchoan Primary also has another teacher who visits one day a week, a pupil support assistant, admin support and a cook. Be warned, the classroom will rise to 16 pupils in August!
What is there to do in Kilchoan?
Not a lot to be honest, but isn’t that point of taking on this role? But it does have The Kilchoan House Hotel, the most westerly bar/hotel on the mainland of the UK, a community centre, Ferry Stores – the local shop and post office – and a local coffee shop, Puffin Coffee. The nearest large town, Fort William, is also a two-hour drive away.
What it does a lot of is an abundance of nature. The coastal village has views of the Isle of Mull (often the easiest place to stock up on supplies by jumping on a ferry) as well as a hilly region behind – reach the summit of Ben Hiant for breathtaking views. Perfect if you’re the outdoorsy type, who enjoys everything from hikes to kayaks and spotting wildlife. It’s also home to BBC cameraman and Strictly Come Dancing champion, Hamza Yassin.
Highland Council is offering a salary of more than £52,896 to become the new teacher of Kilchoan Primary. The deadline for applications is next Monday (January 22) and you can apply here.
