At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in preserving history through traditional stonemasonry at Blackness Castle.
- Company: Historic Environment Scotland, dedicated to conserving Scotland's heritage.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a Civil Service pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal development await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by restoring historic monuments and mentoring apprentices.
- Qualifications: Must be a time-served stonemason with relevant qualifications and conservation knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 27600 £ per year.
Locations: Blackness Depot, Linlithgow, West Lothian, EH27 7UH, GB
Number of Openings: 1
Grade: 2
Starting salary: £27,519 pro rata, per year
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Blackness Castle Depot
Working Hours: Full Time – 1820 hrs (annualised hours)
Interviews: To be held in person at Blackness Castle Depot on Week Commencing 23rd March 2026
Thank you for your interest in the post of Stonemason with Historic Environment Scotland at Blackness Castle. This is a permanent and pensionable appointment. You will be involved in planning, organising and conducting masonry repairs within Blackness Castle and the wider remit of HES sites. This could range from pointing and conservation works to dressing stone in the workshops ready for upcoming projects.
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:
- To carry out conservation and routine maintenance works to HES monuments in the Blackness area.
- This involves all forms of traditional building maintenance for the sites local to Blackness as well as monuments in other areas as and when required.
- Stone cutting and hewing of various architectural mouldings / stones for Blackness Castle and monuments in other areas as required.
- Traditional building / repairs / indenting of stonework.
- Raking out and pointing defective joints and beds.
- Promote traditional methods of conservation techniques to carry out challenging and diverse conservation projects / works.
- Operation of electrical and petrol-powered hand tools and machinery to facilitate work including disc saws, mortar mixers, compressors, hoists etc.
- The winter season may consist of work outwith the normal duties associated with stonemasonry such as fence repairs, grounds works and painting.
- Provide training and mentoring for apprentice stonemasons in traditional conservation skills, which you are trained in.
- Comply with and promote HS Health and Safety Policy.
- Throughout your employment with HES you will be required to attend training courses identified to assist the work, or to comply with health and safety legislation, including First Aid (training as required, this may require overnight stays away from home).
Key requirements of the role:
- You must be a time served stonemason with relevant building trade qualification to SVQ3.
- You should have a proven knowledge of traditional building crafts.
- In particular an understanding and knowledge of current conservation practises and techniques relating to historic buildings and monuments.
- Good understanding and practical experience of the conservation, presentation and repair of historic monuments and/or listed buildings.
- Good all-round understanding and practical experience of using lime mortars.
- Good knowledge of Health & Safety at Work (Responsibilities & Practise).
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.
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’ followed by ‘Apply Now’ button to begin your application.
Stonemason - Blackness Depot employer: Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Scotland's rich heritage while advancing your legal career. With a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from professional development opportunities and the chance to engage in meaningful projects that have a real impact on the community. Located in a vibrant environment, HES fosters a supportive atmosphere where innovation and teamwork thrive, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding role in the legal field.
Contact Details:
Historic Environment Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Stonemason - Blackness Depot
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We think you need these skills to ace Stonemason - Blackness Depot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Historic Environment Scotland's eye.
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How to prepare for a job interview at Historic Environment Scotland
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
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Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
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