National Trust for Scotland work parties have been making the long sea journey to this island archipelago for over fifty years. The work parties are a working holiday with members participating in essential conservation work; this may include repairing stone walls, turf roof repairs, clearing drains and repainting as well as helping with the day-to–day running of the island. The work parties normally take place between May and June.

An experienced leader heads each party of ten members, directing their labour and providing instruction and guidance on the work to be undertaken; a cook prepares all meals during the party's stay on the island. Accommodation for the work parties is provided in male and female dorms in the restored cottages in Village Street. Walks are organised to explore the main island.

St Kilda work parties attract people with many different interests – some are looking for a different kind of conservation holiday, others are enthusiastic about the history or bird life of St Kilda, and others just want to spend time on this isolated island. Over the years hundreds of people like you have enjoyed the unique experience of joining a National Trust for Scotland work party to St Kilda. No special skills are required, but you must be physically fit and a sense of humour is desirable! Parties are open to everyone aged 18 or over. For more information and feedback from work party members click here.

If you are interested in volunteer and working holiday opportunities at other NTS properties please visit www.thistlecamps.org.uk or www.ntslocalgroups.org.uk

ST KILDA WORK PARTIES 2010

Applications for places on St Kilda Work Parties 2010 are now closed.

We will notify successful applicants, in writing, before the end of February 2010. We will also notify unsuccessful applicants who have provided us with either a stamped, self-addressed envelope or with an e-mail address.

Applications Forms and Guidance Notes for our 2011 season will be available for you to download from this web page by the end of November 2010.

You may contact the St Kilda Work Party Co-ordinator on 0844 493 2237.

All work parties leave from Leverburgh, Isle of Harris in the Western Isles of Scotland.

What’s included: the prices are per person and includes;

• all accommodation and meals on St Kilda
• travel to and from St Kilda by boat
• accommodation in Harris the evening prior to departure and on return
• breakfast on day of departure

What’s not included:

• travel to the Western Isles
• meals in Harris other than specified
• drinks and other personal expenses

This year we are particularly looking for people with skills in seabird monitoring and traditional building including the use of lime mortar.