By Alexander Smail

Copyright dailyrecord

An opportunity for a couple to move to an estate in the Scottish Highlands for work has come up. The jobs have been described as a chance “to embrace a lifestyle surrounded by lochs, hills, and wildlife”. At the moment, a private Highland estate in Ross-shire is looking to hire a housekeeper and a cook. The successful applicants will become part of a long-established family home, taking the place of the current couple at the estate who are retiring after 15 years. The salary of the roles is described as “competitive” on the Rural Recruits website . However, pay will depend on experience. The main perk of the jobs is the “comfortable live-in three-bed accommodation” that will be provided. The accommodation includes its own garden , with council tax covered and an allowance for heating oil provided. Another advantage of the positions is the use of an estate vehicle for shopping and work-related errands. The successful applicants will also have the opportunity to “live and work in Scotland’s stunning landscape”. Responsibilities of the housekeeper will include maintaining the 12-bedroom family home, as well as keeping both family and guest rooms fresh and tidy. Among the other daily tasks will be laundry and ironing, helping prepare for lunch, managing the security and smooth running of the property , and occasionally helping with service at dinner. On the other hand, the cook will be responsible for preparing breakfasts, lunches, and dinner for the family and guests using fresh and local ingredients. They will also be required to cater large lunches for groups of up to 60 people, as well as carry out occasional butchery, light gardening, and airport and railway station pickups and drop offs. According to Rural Recruits, those applying for the positions must have previous experience with strong references. Meanwhile, desirable attributes include a positive and flexible attitude and interest in a varied hands-on role. Additionally, applicants should be organised and dependable, and possess strong communication skills. A full driving licence and the legal right to work in the UK are also essential. The job listing on Rural Recruits states: “We are looking for a warm, capable couple to join us on a private estate in the Scottish Highlands as our Housekeeper and Cook. “This is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to embrace a lifestyle surrounded by lochs, hills, and wildlife, while becoming part of the fabric of a long-established family home and part of a community. “Our current couple are retiring after 15 wonderful years, and we’d love to welcome new people who will take pride in caring for the house and enjoy the rhythm of life here—from preparing quiet family suppers to helping with lively shoot lunches in the winter.” The listing adds: “If you’re an energetic couple who love the idea of working together, enjoy variety in your day, and are ready to embrace life in the Highlands, we’d be delighted to hear from you.” The start date for the roles is stated as February 2026 in the job listing. In order to apply, a CV and covering letter must be supplied. For more information about the job, read the full listing on the Rural Recruits website .