The HAGGiS Passion
Here at HAGGiS, our connection with not only the land, but the amazing people on it is everything.
The locals in Scotland have captured our hearts and the wildness of the rugged Highland and Islands has been imprinted on our personalities.
That is why it is our responsibility to nurture it.
5 Day Wild Skye Volunteer Adventure
Join us on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that provides the best mix between exploring and volunteering; all while making a difference on Scotland's magical landscapes and communities.
Between tree planting, path building and repair, you can expect stunning scenery, romantic castles, awe-inspiring waterfalls, legendary tales of our bloody history, whisky, and all-round guaranteed belly laughs.
Why Tormore Forest needs you
Tormore Forest is a community-owned forest on the beautiful Sleat peninsula of the Isle of Skye; with jaw-dropping views to the Scottish mainland and stunning wee isles. The forest contains the remains of historical settlements that have huge potential to be used by Skye's residents and visitors to the island - but the community needs more helping hands to make the forest more accessible.
By helping to create a new fascinating site of interest you support the development of an amazing local-driven project. Being a part of this will tremendously benefit both locals and visitors for years to come.
Tour Highlights
Eilean Donan Castle
Not only is this the most photographed castle in Scotland but it has also been a popular filming location. It has featured in movies such as: James Bond - The World is not Enough, Highlander and Made of Honour to name a few.
Whisky Distillery Tour
Experience the joys of Scotland's 'water of life'. Learn about how whisky is made with our golden barley and crystal clear water at Torabhaig Whisky Distillery and sample its fiery warmth yourself. Love it or hate it, whisky runs through our veins and is a must when visiting Scotland.
The Skye Inn Accommodation
Cosy up by the fire at our very own guest house accommodation in the quaint island village of Portree on the Isle of Skye. Share stories with fellow travellers and enjoy a dram or two. Only a short walk to the heart of the village where you'll find local shops, cafes, and of course pubs all around a beautiful harbour.
The Fairy Pools
The Fairy Pools are a series of wee waterfalls and turquoise pools, which have risen to internet fame thanks to their natural beauty and magical charme. Sitting against a backdrop of stunning Cuillin mountains, you will lose yourself in your imagination; it truly is a one of a kind, spellbounding sight.
Gaelic Tutoring Session
Speak like a local Scot! During an awesome tutoring session at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig you will not only learn about our founding language but also help to keep an endangered cultural heritage of Scotland alive.
Tree Planting
Who doesn't love a bit of digging in the mud? Plant a variety of trees including native oaks for wildlife to enjoy, as well as sycamore and other trees as a source of sustainably managed timber supply for the local community.
Invasive Plant Eradication
To give the native flora and fauna on the Isle of Skye the opportunity to flourish, you'll help to clear Tormore Forest from invasive species (e.g. non-native buddleia). Time to let all your built-up stress and anger out!
Path & Step Building
Tormore Forest is stunning, but it needs secure and accessible paths for the locals and visitors to appreciate and nurture it. Path and step building is one of the survival skills you didn't know you needed. Trust us - it's a ton of fun and incredibly satisfying!
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER Experiences are our very own, unique and conscious travel experiences that we are committed to including on our tours.
They are authentic, fun, and aim to have a positive environmental and social impact on Scotland for one generation and the next.
The Sleat Community Trust
To create our inspiring volunteer project we teamed up with our mates at the Sleat Community Trust - one of Scotland’s best recognised charities in supporting the economic, environmental, and social development on the stunning Isle of Skye.
"This has to be one of my favourite trips"
"Many major environmental impacts come from tourism groups, such as littering and erosion. The idea of doing a volunteering adventure is to help offset our environmental impacts - we want to leave tourist locations better than when we get there while exploring the country. We built paths, did some tree planting, removed weeds, learnt some Gaelic, had a laugh with locals and chased waterfalls!"
April Bright, October 2022