Looking for a change of career in 2026? A fan of solitude? Well, this might be just what you’re after.
A new year often brings fresh perspectives, and with 2026 being right round the corner now, many may be exploring the idea of a job or change of career, and for those who consider themselves to be independent workers and are keen on their own company, the Scottish Wildlife Trust is currently hiring for a new Ranger.
The Ranger will work on Handa Island – which is a small, remote, and publicly uninhabited island in Eddrachillis Bay, just off the west coast of Sutherland in Scotland.
The role is described as being an ‘outstanding opportunity’ for a passionate and highly motivated individual.
They will be tasked with effectively managing this remote and beautiful island, along with all its incredible wildlife, and 8,000-plus annual visitors.
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Handa Island needs a new ranger / Credit: Donald Macauley (via Flickr) | Wikimedia Commons
The successful applicant will boast excellent organisational skills, coupled with a high degree of flexibility, and will be responsible for organising work programs for themselves and a team of volunteers – with the ability to constantly adapt their plans according to changing conditions.
This role is described as being ‘physically demanding’ at times, yet hugely rewarding for anyone with the desire to work outdoors in a remote location.
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Familiarity with Handa Island would be an advantage however not essential.
Accommodation for the post is provided free of charge in the purpose-built Ranger’s bothy, but weekly trips the nearest village are ‘necessary’ to do laundry, banking, shopping, and exchange gas bottles, therefore a current driving licence and access to a vehicle are both ‘essential’ for the role.
Fancy it then? To find out more about the specials skills and interests required for the roles, as well as benefits and also salary, you can head to the Scottish Wildlife Trust website.
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Apply for the role of Ranger – Handa Island before the deadline on 7 January 2026 here.
Featured Image – Geograph / Wikimedia Commons
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Major headliner pulls out of Manchester Village Pride
Daisy Jackson
One of the Manchester Village Pride headliners has had to pull out of their scheduled appearance, just one day before the celebrations begin.
Nadine Coyle was supposed to be headlining the LGBTQ+ event on Friday 27 August.
But in a statement shared by Manchester Village Pride today, they announced that the former Girls Aloud star is ‘under the weather’.
Nadine will be pulling out of her headline slot to ‘rest and recuperate’, but added that she hopes to see Manchester for Pride again soon.
Thankfully, Manchester Village Pride has already found a suitably fabulous replacement for the main stage on Friday – B*Witched.
The iconic Irish girl group will be encouraging ticket-holders to dig out their double denim and dance to hits like C’est La Vie and Rollercoaster.
In the statement shared by Manchester Village Pride, Nadine’s team said: “Nadine is so sorry to have to step out of Manchester Village Pride this year. It was her very first Pride many years ago and she loves getting to spend time with you all.
“Nadine’s voice has been under the weather and she only wants to give absolute best to you all which sadly won’t be possible this weekend as she needs time to rest and recuperate.
“We hate to do it so near the day. Nadine was really hoping she was going to be well enough and hopes she can see you in Manchester for Pride again soon.
“Thank you for being so kind and understanding and we hope you have a wonderful weekend.”
Manchester Village Pride added: “We know how excited many of you were for a massive hit of 2000s pop nostalgia, and we promised you a party. We’ve been working around the clock, and we are beyond thrilled to announce that pop royalty B*WITCHED are stepping in at the eleventh hour!”
Chester Zoo announces return of its £10 tickets for limited time only with extended opening hours
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo has announced the return of its popular £10 tickets deal for a limited time only.
You may remember that earlier this summer, Chester Zoo invited people from across the North West to visit for just £10, and as the offer proved so popular, they’ve now brought it back again for a limited time.
For the past three years running now, Chester Zoo has officially been named the UK’s best zoo thanks to tens of thousands of positive TripAdvisor reviews, and now as the summer draws to a close, you’ll get to see exactly what makes it such a special place worth visiting for a cut price.
With the offer only applicable to afternoons this summer, Afternoon Tickets allow entry to Chester Zoo from 2pm onwards – with the last entry being one-hour before it closes.
Chester Zoo is offering £10 tickets to visitors this summer / Credit: Chester Zoo
Without this offer, standard admission tickets to Chester Zoo usually cost up to £38 for adults, £37 for students, and £28 for children, all including a 10% donation to the zoo’s conservation efforts, while babies and carers go free.
So it really is worth making the most of these limited-time £10 tickets while you still can – with the offer now running until 6 September.
The best bit about the offer returning? The zoo is currently operating its extended opening hours until 6pm too, so included for the bargain price of a £10 ticket, you’ll even get to see all the animals while the sun goes down.
Afternoon tickets are only available online and must be booked in advance to claim the £10 offer.
Tickets can only be purchased online before 4pm on the day of your visit, and standard admission tickets can be purchased from our ticket office at the main entrance.
Find out more and book your £10 tickets online here.
Emily Sergeant -
30th December 2025 
