Volunteers do a great deal of the work described across this site. Some help once a year, some have been at it for over a decade. Training and equipment are provided where a role needs them.
TO CONFIRM: There is no list of current volunteer roles anywhere on the old site, and the old volunteering page for the charity shops was blank. The sections below are drawn from project pages. MICT needs to supply an up-to-date list of what is actually needed now, with a contact for each. This is the main thing missing from this page.
In the charity shops
The Island Castaways shops could not run without volunteers, in the shops and behind the scenes. Help is welcome on a regular or occasional basis, on the till, in the sorting shed, or with any of the work that happens out of sight. Some volunteers have been with the shops for over ten years, and the social side of it matters as much as the work.
Contact the shop manager, Hazel Cowe, on 01680 812908 or hcowe@mict.co.uk.
In Ardura Community Forest
Ardura holds remnants of Scottish rainforest, and the long job of restoring it involves collecting seed, growing and planting native trees, clearing rhododendron and Sitka spruce, and monitoring wildlife.
To find out about volunteering at Ardura, contact the Biodiversity Officer, Lara Jackson-Turner, on ljacksonturner@mict.co.uk.
Mink trapping
The Ranger Service runs a mink trapping project across the islands, protecting ground-nesting birds. It has been going since 2004 and has around 50 volunteers. Equipment and training are provided.
Contact Jan Dunlop, Countryside Ranger Manager, on 01680 300640, 07765 898600 or jdunlop@mict.co.uk.
TO CONFIRM: The mink project figures come from a page that has not been updated in years. Is the project still running and still recruiting?
Ranger events and practical tasks
The rangers work with volunteers on guided walks and events, children’s nature clubs, wildlife monitoring, habitat management and access projects. If you have an idea, an issue or some time, they would like to hear from you.
Emily Wilkins covers the Ross of Mull, Iona, Staffa and Burg, on 01681 700659, 07717 581405 or ewilkins@nts.org.uk.
Defibrillator guardians and first responders
Public access defibrillators around the islands are checked every month by local volunteer guardians. There are also five Community First Responder networks – in Iona, the Ross of Mull, Dervaig, Ulva Ferry and Tobermory, run by residents who volunteered for the role.
For defibrillator and CPR training, or to ask about becoming a first responder, contact facilities@mict.co.uk or 01680 812900.
Steering groups and the board
Many Trust projects are guided by a steering group of members and residents. Joining one is a good way to shape a project without committing to a formal role. Members can also stand as volunteer directors of the Trust – see membership.
TO CONFIRM: No contact is given for steering group volunteering, and no list of which projects currently have groups open to new members.
Before you start
TO CONFIRM: The old site says nothing about time commitment, minimum age, expenses, insurance, or whether any role needs a PVG check. Volunteers will ask. MICT to supply.
To talk it through, ring the office on 01680 812900 or email enquiries@mict.co.uk.