Frequently Asked Questions
You do not have to stay in the accommodation at the site. However, if you do decide to stay on the site, accommodation is available in mobile homes and caravans. There is no electricity in the accommodation caravans.
How much does it cost to live in the accommodation?
A facility charge of £4.50 per day is made to cover gas electricity etc in the kitchens, recreation rooms and washing facilities.
What other facilities are available on the site?
There are separate shower and toilet facilities for males and females. Kitchen facilities are in other blocks and include cooker, fridge, and kettle, cooking pots, cutlery, crockery and tables with chairs. There are washing machines in the camp too. There are recreation rooms provided in the camp (with pool tables, TVs, DVD’s, etc).
Do I have to help clean the facilities?
All workers staying in the camp must keep the living areas clean and tidy. A rota for cleaning duties will be posted and work will be allocated per caravan.
Do I have to buy cleaning products to for my caravan?
You will be expected to clean your accommodation and some equipment can be borrowed from the farm. There are cleaning products available in the camp to use for the cleaning rota and for your caravan.
Is food provided during my stay at the farm?
Everyone is expected to prepare and cook their own meals including making food and drinks to be used when working. There are fully equipped kitchens in the camp.
Can I buy any food on the site?
No, there is not a shop on site, but bus trips may be arranged to local supermarkets so you can make necessary purchases. Alyth is within walking distance of the camp.
How much does it cost to buy food in the UK?
There are several supermarkets which offer a variety of different products and prices. In the Blairgowrie Tesco supermarket there are different ranges of food to suit all prices (Tesco value range – cheapest, Tesco Finest range – most expensive and others in between).
What do I need to bring with me?
A warm sleeping bag is essential as temperatures in the UK during summer are considerably lower than most European countries. Do not forget to bring warm clothes and solid work boots, waterproof clothing and rubber boots. Bring some money with you (£50-£100 is recommended or equivalent currency) to cover travel expenses and to cover your costs until the first pay day. (This is only a guideline because everyone has different requirements). We advise you not to bring items of a high value with you. No responsibility will be taken for items lost or stolen on site.
Is it possible to arrive in my car at the camp?
There is no space for parking cars in the camp due to fire regulations. Please do not bring a car with you without contacting the farm first.
What are the hours of work?
There are no normal working hours. Row checkers on the whole like to start around 0730 and finish at 1630 if work is available. Harvesting is normally available no more than 8 hours per day. In very hot weather these hours can be altered by mutual agreement.
How do I get to work?
All of the fields are within walking distance from the camp. If you do not live in the camp, you will need to make your own way to the farm.
What do I need to wear for work?
You should bring solid work boots, waterproof clothing and rubber boots. In the tunnels it can be hot so appropriate clothing must be worn. Warm clothes are also needed because some days can be colder. You must not wear any jewellery when you are at work.
How is payment for work arranged?
Most work will be done on a piece work basis, which means earnings depend upon your own production levels. Pay entitlement is in accordance with the Agricultural Wages Order and will be taken daily. We do not pay wages during breaks such as meals. You will be paid from the camp office at a given time.
Can I check how much I have earned every day?
A report with the days picking will be posted every evening. If you have problems with your money, you must inform the office within 48hours of the report being posted.
Are there any deductions from my pay?
National insurance contributions are deducted in accordance with the government regulations and go towards the costs of the NHS and other benefits in the UK. You have to pay as long as your earnings are more than a certain level, as required by HM Revenue and Customs. The amount you will pay depends on how much you earn. If you have worked in the UK before, you should have a national insurance number already. If you do not have one, you will need to apply for one when you arrive. Income tax is a tax paid on your income if you earn over a certain amount. If you require further information, and current rates please look at the HMRC website www.hmrc.gov.uk/ni/index.htm for NI or www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/it.htm for income tax.
What is there to do when I’m not working?
You have time for yourself when you are not working. There are several tourist attractions in the surrounding area (look at the links page for further information). There could be some trips arranged for you (to Edinburgh or other places of interest). You can attend Scottish dance evenings in Blairgowrie. Every year we organise a BBQ party in the camp.
Do I need a work permit to work on your farm?
You must check the UK Border Agency website to see if you are able to work in the UK. If you fall under these criteria, we are able to employ you. Workers from within Europe are allowed to travel and work in Europe.