Getty ImagesWould £150,000 tempt you to move to one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland?
One of Britain's most remote GP practices, serving the Hebridean islands of Uist and Benbecula, is offering the salary to attract new doctors to live and work there.
On the nearby Isle of Rum, parents are looking for a new teacher for their five primary school pupils and two toddlers – with a package worth £68,000
It is part of efforts to tackle the recruitment crisis in many rural services.
For residents, it's about more than just jobs.
It's about getting new people to live and work in the heart of Scotland's island communities.
“We always look at who is coming, the person and their family,” says Gordon Jamieson, CEO of NHS Western Isles.
“We look at opportunities for partners, not just the person who has been successful.
“It is not everyone's choice to come and stay in a remote island community.
“If you choose a place like Uist and Benbecula for healthcare professionals, it is a long way away in terms of work.”
Medical practice BenbeculaNHS Western Isles, based at the Benbecula Medical Practice, is offering an 'increased rate' of 40% above a normal salary to attract a new team of rural GPS workers.
They call on doctors with a “sense of adventure and passion for rural medicine”.
They would serve the group of six islands in the Outer Hebrides, with a combined population of around 4,700 people.
The health board said a big incentive was the opportunity to work in one of Britain's “most beautiful and idyllic locations”.
But successful applicants will also receive relocation expenses to move to the islands, as well as a 'golden hello' payment of up to £10,000.
Mr Jamieson told BBC Radio Good morning Scotland: “It has to be a certain type of person who wants that job and responsibility.
“So of course we want to reward them. It's not everyone's cup of tea.
“But there are people from all over the world looking for a remote healthcare experience like this.”
Mr Jamieson said NHS Western Isles was facing a “wide range of challenges” in rural recruitment – with consultants, GPS and nurses all under pressure.
But he believes the salary is an incentive to “live, work and stay here.”
He adds: “We want a sustainable service and we want people to live in the community for a long time.”
Getty ImagesMeanwhile, the Isle of Rum in the Inner Hebrides is home to just 40 people – all of whom live around the village of Kinloch.
Rum Primary School has just five pupils aged five to 11, and two preschoolers aged three and four.
Highland Council is offering an annual salary of £62,000 for their new headteacher, with an additional remote working allowance worth more than £5,500.
The council said there had been “some interest” in the post, but the recruitment process was still ongoing.
Island life on Rum, a 90-minute ferry ride from the mainland, is described as 'off-grid' with small hydroelectric power stations providing power.
The island is known for its large population of red deer, with most of the land owned by the Scottish government agency NatureScot.
Four new homes were built in Kinloch four years ago.
Isle of Rum Community Trust said yes hoped these would attract young families and “making island life suitable”.
GettyIt comes after Kilchoan Primary, on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, in the West Highlands, last month advertised a £53,000 job for its 15 apprentices.
And in 2022, Foula primary school with four students26 miles from Shetland, offered £62,000 and a rented three-bedroom house on the island for 28 people.
Highland Council said recruitment challenges may vary depending on school location, with some national roles attracting greater interest.
The local authority said it has offered a “generous relocation package” for teachers moving to the Highland region for permanent employment, including a contribution towards rent and travel.
A council spokesperson added: “For headteacher positions you are also entitled to a high remote allowance and a remote island allowance, which form part of the nationally agreed terms and conditions of employment.
“Where possible, permanent messages are posted to encourage applications.
“We are also currently investing in a comprehensive leadership program for newly appointed principals, as well as teachers at other levels, to drive staff retention and growth in our schools. ”
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