At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors and provide engaging tours at the historic Stirling Castle.
- Company: Join Historic Environment Scotland, a leader in preserving Scotland's heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and free entry to all properties.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal development await you!
- Why this job: Be part of an iconic site and share its rich history with visitors from around the world.
- Qualifications: Excellent customer service skills and experience in fast-paced environments are essential.
The predicted salary is between 27740 - 27740 € per year.
Starting salary: £27,740 pro rata per annum
Contract type: Part Year Permanent (April to October)
Grade: 1
Location: Stirling Castle
Working Hours: 35 hours per week, 5 out of 7 days
Interviews: To be held in person at Stirling Castle on Week Commencing 15 June 2026
Thank you for your interest in the post of Guide with Historic Environment Scotland based at Stirling Castle. This is a full-time, part-year permanent post, working 35 hours per week (five days out of seven) which will include weekends and public holidays.
You will provide the highest standard of customer care to visitors, and you will also be responsible for enthusiastically providing information and assistance, where appropriate. You will be responsible for ensuring visitor safety at all times, whilst maintaining the high standards of presentation and professionalism that Stirling Castle prides itself in.
Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland:
- Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution
- 25 days annual leave, pro-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) + 11.5 public holidays
- Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions
- Support for further education and personal development
- Study leave for work related courses
- Flexible working hours (where appropriate)
- Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)
- Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties
Key Responsibilities of this role:
- Welcoming and interacting with the visitors to help enhance their visit to the Castle by delivering excellent customer service and assessing their individual needs.
- Using material researched by our Cultural Resources Team to be able to provide information to visitors on any areas or points of interest and answer any questions posed by our visitors.
- Once training has been given, be able to provide entertaining and informative guided tours of Stirling Castle, including the Palace Apartments, the Stirling Heads Gallery and Argyll’s Lodging, to an international audience of all ages.
- Undertake visitor focussed static duties around the Castle, and within the Stirling Heads Gallery and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Military Museum.
- Assist with the monitoring and management of the site and its extensive grounds, royal apartments, exhibitions and interpretation spaces to ensure that it is presented to the highest standard and report any defects to the Duty Manager.
- Promote all Historic Environment Scotland sites, and events and activities taking place at these.
- Awareness of the relevant risk assessments and fire action plans, evacuation procedures and incident response guidelines, and the position of First Aid boxes.
- Other ad hoc duties as directed by line management.
- Be willing to drive the courtesy vehicle if the successful candidate holds a full UK driving licence (training will be provided).
- Working together with related business areas within Stirling Castle.
Key requirements of the role:
In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to complete a cover letter which addresses:
- Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland
- How you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 800 words), using examples of where you have used these skills in the past.
Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience. Please read our CV and Cover Letter Guidance first before completing, as you will only be eligible for selection if you use examples of how you meet the essential and desirable criteria.
Essential Criteria:
- Excellent customer service skills
- Experience of working in a fast paced, high-volume environment
We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.
We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.
Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.
To submit your application online, please read our ‘How to Apply’ section followed by ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.
Guide (Part-Year Permanent) - Stirling Castle employer: Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the iconic Stirling Castle, where you can engage with visitors from around the world while delivering outstanding customer service. With generous benefits including a Civil Service Pension scheme, extensive annual leave, and support for personal development, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity and encourages growth. Join us in preserving Scotland's heritage and enjoy free access to our properties, making every day at work a rewarding experience.
Contact Detail:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Guide (Part-Year Permanent) - Stirling Castle
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Stirling Castle inside out! Familiarise yourself with its history, key features, and visitor experiences. This way, when you chat with the interviewers, you can show off your passion and knowledge about the place.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Think of scenarios where you might need to assist visitors or handle tricky questions. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and prepared for those in-person interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! When you go for your interview at Stirling Castle, make sure you look professional yet approachable. First impressions matter, and you want to convey that you’re ready to represent the castle’s high standards.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Historic Environment Scotland team. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Guide (Part-Year Permanent) - Stirling Castle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Personal with Your Cover Letter:When writing your cover letter, make it personal! Share why you’re excited about the Guide position at Stirling Castle. We want to see your passion shine through, so don’t hold back on what makes this role special for you.
Show Off Your Skills with Examples:Make sure to address the essential and desirable criteria in your application. Use real-life examples from your work, home, or volunteer experiences to demonstrate how you meet these skills. We love a good story that showcases your abilities!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While you have up to 800 words to play with, remember to keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re following the right process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at Historic Environment Scotland!
How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Know Your Castle
Familiarise yourself with the history and key features of Stirling Castle. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the role. Brush up on any recent events or exhibitions that might be relevant to visitors.
✨Customer Service is Key
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your excellent customer service skills. Think about times when you went above and beyond for a customer, especially in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate your ability to enhance visitor experiences.
✨Practice Your Tour Guide Skills
Since you'll be leading tours, practice delivering engaging and informative narratives. You could even do a mock tour for friends or family. Focus on making it entertaining while ensuring you cover all important points, as this will reflect your enthusiasm and professionalism.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like dealing with difficult visitors or ensuring safety during busy periods. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses, showcasing your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain high standards.
