Exciting chance to teach at the 'edge of the world'

Primary teachers who fancy a slower pace of life are being presented with the tantalising opportunity to take charge of modern school in a dynamic remote island that enjoys dramatic cliffside views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Shetland Islands Council is advertising the head teacher’s post at Foula Primary School after the popular incumbent, Beverley McPherson, decided to retire.

Foula lies 16 miles west of mainland Shetland and its tight-knit, welcoming community has a permanent population of 28. The school roll currently totals four primary pupil and one nursery pupil.

It is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and birdlife, hosting the UK’s second highest sea cliff standing at more than 1,200 feet.

The council’s education committee chairman Davie Sandison describes it as a “unique” and “really attractive opportunity for the right candidate”, while the job advert seeks “a can-do attitude, vision, energy, initiative, good communication skills and self-discipline”.

You can reach Foula either by ferry from Walls on the west side of mainland Shetland, a trip lasting around two hours, or by taking a 15-minute flight from Tingwall Airstrip.

Foula featured in the celebrated 1937 film The Edge of the World, about the eviction of St Kilda off the west of Scotland, as the filmmakers could not access St Kilda itself.

It also enjoys a distinctive history and culture, with its residents observing the Julian calendar meaning it celebrates Christmas on 6 January and New Year a week later.

The school was built in 1992 and contains a light and airy main classroom, a nursery room, an office, kitchen facilities and the large community hall. It also boasts a large and colourful outdoor space and playground, an array of solar panels and a polytunnel for the school and community to share.

The successful candidate will work as a teaching head teacher, supported by an early learning practitioner, art instructor, IT instructor and school administrator.

Whoever takes up the permanent, full time position will be offered an attractive package including an annual salary of £61,374, including distant islands and remote school allowances, and a three-bedroom rented house.

A relocation package is on offer, as well as interview expenses from within the UK.

If you are interested in moving to Shetland, please download our handy Welcome Pack, which you can access for free by signing up to our Making Shetland Home newsletter.

You can read the full job spec on the My Jobs Scotland website.

To learn more about the island, see our Foula area guide and read Shetland Islands With Leah's top five tips for exploring the island.