A Dream Job Opportunity on the Isle of Ulva
Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean and the scent of salt in the air. Successful applicants for a new job posting will experience this reality. The listing has captured the imagination of dreamers across the UK. The Isle of Ulva sits just off the west coast of Mull in the Inner Hebrides. This tiny community owned island currently seeks two new team members to join its small but vibrant population for the 2026 summer season. This offers more than just a job. It presents an invitation to escape the rat race and become part of a unique island story.
The Roles at The Boathouse
The Boathouse hosts these specific vacancies. This popular seafood restaurant and cafe sits right by the ferry slipway. The owners look for a dynamic duo to fill two key positions. They need a chef or an experienced cook who can handle the pressure of a busy kitchen. They also require a brilliant front of house person to manage the customer service side of the business. The listing suggests a couple would suit these roles best but friends or two individual applicants can also apply. A solid background in hospitality remains the key requirement.
Banjo and Ro describe The Boathouse as a fast paced environment. The kitchen serves incredible local produce including fresh seafood landed nearby and beef from the island farm. The owners state clearly that this represents proper honest hospitality work. You will stay on your toes serving hikers and day trippers who come to explore the car free island. The position runs seasonally from April to October. It pays the Real Living Wage plus tips. Crucially for a remote location the job includes accommodation on the island.
Working for Banjo and Ro
This opportunity includes the chance to work with the island’s most famous residents. Banjo Beale and his husband Ro run The Boathouse. Banjo became a household name after he won the BBC series Interior Design Masters in 2022. He has since hosted his own show titled Designing the Hebrides. The couple currently star in a new BBC Scotland series called Banjo and Ro’s Grand Island Hotel which documents their ambitious renovation of Ulva House.
Banjo and Ro leased The Boathouse to help support their wider renovation projects and to provide a high quality culinary experience for visitors. Working for them places you at the heart of a creative and high profile venture. People describe their style as warm and welcoming but they also operate as hardworking entrepreneurs who commit deeply to the success of the island. You would join a team that values creativity and resilience.
Life on the Isle of Ulva
Ulva possesses breathtaking beauty and profound history. Over 800 people lived here before the Highland Clearances devastated the population in the 19th century. By 2018 the population had dwindled to just six residents. That same year the local community bought the island after a historic fundraising campaign. Since then the North West Mull Community Woodland Company has worked tirelessly to repopulate the island and regenerate its economy.
Today the population has grown to around 16 residents. Visitors know the island for its stunning landscapes which range from lush woodlands to rugged cliffs. Wildlife thrives here including white tailed eagles and otters. Living here offers a rare connection to nature that you will struggle to find elsewhere. The absence of tarmac roads and cars preserves a sense of tranquility that visitors adore.
The Reality of Remote Living
Prospective applicants must realize that life on Ulva presents challenges. It offers a true off grid experience in many ways. You reach the island via a small passenger ferry from Mull. This boat runs on a schedule that depends entirely on the weather. No supermarkets or convenience stores exist on Ulva so you must plan your supplies carefully. You need to feel comfortable with isolation and the vagaries of the Scottish weather.
However the right person will find these challenges part of the charm. The tight knit community offers support. You will rely on your neighbours and they will rely on you. The seasons and the tides dictate the pace of life rather than the clock. If you look for a place to write paint or simply breathe then Ulva offers the perfect sanctuary after a hard day of work.
How to Apply
If you feel ready to trade your commute for a boat ride and your office for a view of the Hebrides then this might prove the perfect move. The owners ask candidates to send CVs directly to their email address at ahoy@theboathouseulva.com. This presents a rare chance to spend a summer living and working in one of the most spectacular settings in Scotland. Whether you are a chef looking for fresh inspiration or a hospitality pro seeking a new adventure the Isle of Ulva awaits you.
