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.

11/06/2026

Fulltime Gamekeeper – Murthly & Pourie Estates, Perthshire
Murthly Estate is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Gamekeeper to join its existing team. The estate
extends to over 9,000 acres in Perthshire and offers a traditional and well-established programme of
driven commercial shooting alongside deer stalking.
The successful candidate will play a key role in deer management and the delivery of the sporting
programme, reporting to the Head Keeper and working closely with the wider team to provide high-
quality, traditional sporting days for guests.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for the right individual to develop their skills and, over time,
progress within the team.
Responsibilities
Actively manage deer populations
Lead and accompany guests on stalking days
Larder work
Assisting with the management and care of game birds
Assist with commercial shoot days
Vermin control in line with best practice and legislation
Maintenance of vehicles and equipment
General estate maintenance including drainage and fencing activities
Maintaining Health and Safety Policies, and code of conduct
Required
Previous experience with gamekeeping
Full UK driving license
Valid fi****ms and shotgun certificates
Ability to work independently and as a part of a team
Strong work ethic
Package
Accommodation included
28 days of paid holiday entitlement per calendar year.
Attractive salary dependent on experience
How to apply: please email your CV and a cover letter to Kim Pearson at [email protected]

11/06/2026

Part-time role for couple with accommodation on Highland estate

We’re looking for an experienced housekeeping and gardener/handyman couple to join a small team managing our four holiday properties (ranging from off-grid glamping cabin to five-bedroom house) on a 3000-acre estate in North Perthshire.

• Part time roles (each guaranteed 20 hrs/week)
• Potentially additional hours in peak season
• Attractive package includes exceptional, recently renovated, two-bedroom cottage (council tax paid)
• Stunning rural location on family-run estate 20 minutes from Pitlochry

The housekeeping role is assisting with changeovers and maintaining overall presentation of our high-end properties, so a keen eye and meticulous approach is essential, along with a positive attitude.

We’ll guarantee a minimum of 20 hours per week throughout the year, though there’s every chance this will be increased during high season. Additional housekeeping work on other properties may also be involved.

The gardener/handyman partner is required to maintain gardens and grounds of the family properties as well as the holiday homes. Work will include growing vegetables and flowers, mowing and general garden maintenance so gardening experience is therefore important. You must also be prepared to undertake routine property maintenance tasks, odd jobs and occasional driving.

The accommodation tied with the job is a delightful estate property that has recently been totally renovated from top to bottom so is extremely well insulated and all bathroom/kitchen fittings are entirely brand new.

We are looking for a couple seeking a long-term role and comfortable working both independently and in regular communication with both the owners and manager.

Start date: tbc (Autumn 2026)

To apply, send a covering letter and CV to: [email protected]

Live-in Assistant Housekeeper – Ben Alder Estate, Dalwhinnie, PH19 1AE Would you relish working in an unforgettable loca...
09/06/2026

Live-in Assistant Housekeeper – Ben Alder Estate, Dalwhinnie, PH19 1AE

Would you relish working in an unforgettable location in the Scottish Highlands? Are you ready for career growth in a Private Household and hospitality setting? At Ben Alder Estate, you’ll enjoy a competitive salary, bonuses, and the chance to develop your skills while working in one of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.

What’s in it for you?
• Higher pay than the national minimum wage plus performance-based bonuses—because we value your hard work.
• Career growth opportunities that’ll help you take your private household and hospitality skills to the next level.
• Work in a breathtaking location where every day feels like an escape to the extraordinary.
• Accommodation including council tax, heating and utilities

What you’ll be doing
• Maintaining and cleaning guest and staff areas to immaculate standards.
• Handle delicate fabrics and materials in laundry care.
• Ensure rooms are guest-ready by paying attention to every detail.

Why Ben Alder Estate?
We’re a growing business in one of the UK’s most beautiful areas, and we take pride in supporting our team’s personal and professional development. When you work here, you’re part of a team that cares about quality, growth, and enjoying the job along the way.

What we’re looking for:
• Experience in a private household or high net worth environment.
• A professional, discreet attitude with an eye for detail.
• A team player who is adaptable and ready to take on new challenges.
• A full UK driving licence is essential.

What’s next?
If you’re excited about this opportunity, we’d love to hear from you!
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience to [email protected].

08/06/2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an ambitious Under Keeper on a well-resourced privately-owned Pheasant and Partridge shoot in Dorset. The Estate has recently added new ground such that the total acreage is now around 3000 acres.

The job offers an exciting opportunity for an ambitious candidate, with excellent longer term career development on a progressive and supportive estate

Minimum of 4 years experience in conservation, gamekeeping and general estate work and related college qualifications an advantage

A positive attitude and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team is essential.

Full, clean driving licence, Firearm and Shotgun Certificate essential.

Applications will be treated in the strictest of confidence. Competitive salary dependant on experience.

Previous applicants need not apply

The position comes with accommodation and it is anticipated that the applicant will be in post by July 2026.

Applications in strict confidence with full CV and covering letter to [email protected].

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 516088

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 516088

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:
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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 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]

Address

Bedale

Telephone

+447857145746

Website

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