Make a meaningful difference, together
Imagine spending time in a peaceful woodland setting, surrounded by nature, good-hearted people and a shared sense of purpose. At Gomde Scotland, to volunteer is an opportunity to contribute to something meaningful: caring for the land and forest of the Scottish Highlands, supporting a Buddhist Meditation & Retreat Centre and helping create a place of rest, reflection and inspiration for yourself and others.
Whether you live nearby (we are located near Nairn, Inverness and Forres in the Scottish Highlands) and can offer a few hours, have a particular skill to share either remotely or in person, or feel drawn to join our residential volunteer community, there are many ways to get involved.
Come as you are, bring your enthusiasm and discover what we can create together.
“Be calm, kind and clear. This is the most valuable things we human beings can learn, train in and master.”
— Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche
A place to contribute, connect and grow
Gomde Scotland is a Tibetan Buddhist Meditation & Retreat Centre in the Scottish Highlands, near Nairn, Inverness, Forres and Findhorn. Set within 50 acres of woodland, our centre offers a peaceful natural environment in which to practise meditation, care for the land and bring people together. We aim for sustainable, low impact and eco-friendly management of the woodlands and hermitage.
We are a small, welcoming community working towards a shared vision: nurturing heart, mind and land, and making the Buddhist teachings accessible to all who wish to explore them.
Gomde thrives through the generosity and shared efforts of its community. Every contribution, from preparing a meal to tending the gardens or helping develop our retreat facilities, supports this vision.
We welcome volunteers who would like to get involved, meet like-minded people and make a positive contribution. If you are good at identifying what jobs need to be done and are self-motivated, then we would love to hear from you.
How you can help:
Conservation, woodland and residential volunteering in Scotland
There are many ways to contribute, depending on your interests, skills and availability. You don’t have to be an expert. A willingness to help, use your initiative and work considerately with others is a wonderful starting point.
- Gardening and land care
Help tend our gardens, grow vegetables, care for our woodland and support conservation and ecological projects.
- Hospitality and housekeeping
Help prepare for retreats, welcome guests and keep our communal spaces clean, comfortable and inviting.
- Cooking and community meals
Join our volunteer cooks in preparing nourishing vegetarian meals for residents and retreat guests.
- Maintenance and practical projects
Lend a hand with DIY, decorating, repairs, carpentry, building maintenance and general improvements around the centre.
- Administration and organisation
Support bookings, office tasks, project coordination and the everyday organisation that keeps Gomde running.
- Communications, Marketing and IT
Help with our website, digital resources, photography, filming, social media, marketing or other creative projects.
- Fundraising
Help us bring future developments to life, from improving facilities to supporting the long-term care of the land.
“My month at Gomde Scotland has been one of the most memorable and heart-opening experiences of my travels.” – Kapi Ketu
“An unforgettable experience. From the very beginning, they made me feel so welcome and truly part of the family.” – Vanessa
“It was a delight to be a part of the volunteer crew in preparation for an upcoming retreat, and I am grateful to have been able to attend some of the teachings. Many happy memories were made over communal meals and sharing in cooking, as well as driving tractors, woods wanderings, and spiritual discussions over another cup of tea.” – Allison
Read more verified reviews of previous volunteers on our dedicated Workaway Page.
Residential volunteering:
Make Gomde Scotland your temporary home
For those who feel drawn to a deeper involvement, residential volunteering offers the opportunity to experience community life, practical service and Buddhist practice as part of everyday living. The woodland hermitage is secluded but not remote. A 15min walk through the woods brings you to the main road where you are connected to public transport and can go to the shops in Inverness, the beach at Findhorn, the Cairngorm National park or still further north and west to the many beautiful Scottish Islands.
We are looking for enthusiastic people who enjoy contributing, taking initiative and living considerately alongside others. We aim to match responsibilities with your skills and interests, whilst remaining flexible about the changing needs of the centre.
What we offer
- Simple accommodation: A room in one of our wooden cabins or a caravan in the woodland, depending on availability and arrangements.
- Vegetarian meals: Nourishing, communally prepared vegetarian food.
- A welcoming community: Opportunities to share meals, conversations, friendship and everyday life.
- Meditation and Buddhist practice: Opportunities to join meditation and Dharma activities in our Buddhist Temple.
- Time in nature: Space to enjoy the woodland, sunny courtyard and the beautiful surroundings of the Scottish Highlands.
- Shared facilities: Access to communal spaces, including a lounge and Wi-Fi in the common area.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a Buddhist to volunteer?
No. You are welcome whether you are Buddhist, follow another spiritual tradition or have no religious affiliation. We ask that volunteers respect the centre’s Buddhist tradition and approach community life with kindness and consideration.
Do I need meditation experience?
Not at all. Curiosity and an open mind are welcome. You will have opportunities to learn more about meditation and Buddhist teachings during your stay.
Are LGBTQ+ volunteers welcome at Gomde Scotland?
Most definitely. We welcome enquiries from people of all backgrounds and want everyone to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. You are welcome to discuss pronouns, privacy, accommodation or any questions confidentially with us before applying.
Can I volunteer together with my partner?
Yes, you are welcome to stay at our centre together. Please contact us to discuss accommodation availability.
What accommodation is provided for residential volunteers?
We have wooden buildings with simple, comfortable rooms, as well as caravans. Some of our accommodation is off-grid which means we have portable lanterns, portable heaters and hot water bottles. In the central area there is a shared kitchen with WiFi, a wood burning stove, a big kitchen/dining table, and a lounge area with sofas where you can relax and socialise. There is a shared toilet and shower block, and we help by taking turns to keep it clean.
Join us and make a fulfilling and meaningful impact
Gomde Scotland is created through many hands and hearts, each offering something different. Whether you bring practical skills, fresh ideas, a love of nature or a willingness to lend a hand, your contribution matters.
Residential volunteering at Gomde Scotland is an opportunity to contribute to a living Buddhist Meditation & Retreat Centre whilst spending time in the peaceful surroundings of the Scottish Highlands. Through practical work, community life and time in nature, you may discover a different rhythm to everyday life, develop new friendships and deepen your connection with what matters to you.
How to apply?
Simply get in touch through our dedicated volunteering form. Tell us a little about yourself, your availability, your interests and why you would like to volunteer. We can then discuss current opportunities, practical arrangements and whether Gomde Scotland is a good fit for you.
We’d love to hear from you.