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- Tasks: Join our team to keep Scotland’s finest stately home sparkling clean and welcoming.
- Company: Hopetoun House is a historic charity dedicated to conservation and hospitality near Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy a real living wage, pension scheme, free access to the house, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Transport provided from South Queensferry; flexible hours available.
- Why this job: Be part of a friendly team in a beautiful heritage environment with regular social events.
- Qualifications: No experience needed; just bring your reliability and a passion for cleanliness.
Job Description
Hopetoun House, often described as Scotland’sfinest stately home, is a place of history, grandeur and hospitality. Just outside Edinburgh, we welcome over 50,000 visitors each year to explore our heritage, attend events, and experience the magic of this exceptional place. As a registered charity, we are committed to the care, conservation and celebration of Hopetoun House, and we’re looking for dedicated people to help us do just that.
We’re currently seeking a warm, reliable and detail-focused Cleaner/Housekeeper to join our close-knit Housekeeping Team on a permanent, part-time basis. If you take pride in keeping beautiful spaces clean, are comfortable working in a heritage environment, and want to be part of a friendly, supportive organisation – we’d love to hear from you.
Why Join Hopetoun House?
We believe in looking after the people who help us look after Hopetoun. When you join our team, you’ll benefit from:
- Real Living Wage – £12.60 per hour
- Pension scheme – helping you plan for your future
- Warm, supportive working environment – where your work is valued
- Free access to Hopetoun House – for your family and friends
- Staff discount – in our charming tearoom
- Exclusive ASVA card – free access to hundreds of visitor attractions across Scotland
- Regular staff social events – get to know the team and enjoy special occasions together
- Free transport – to and from South Queensferry if needed
About the Role
You’ll play a vital part in the day-to-day cleaning and presentation of our public areas helping ensure our historic rooms and spaces look their absolute best, whether for daily visitors or special events. You’ll work under the guidance of the Head Housekeeper and alongside a dedicated team who care deeply about the details.
Duties will include:
- Daily vacuuming, dusting, and floor polishing
- Cleaning public WCs and restocking toiletries
- Cleaning rooms before and after events
- Careful cleaning of antique furniture and historic interiors (full training provided)
- Occasional high-level cleaning with ladders
- Use of buffers/polishers (training provided)
- Supporting any other tasks required to maintain our exceptional standards
- This role does NOT include the family/resident areas, bedrooms or catering kitchens
Working Hours – 25 hours per week:
Off-Season (October to Easter):
- Monday to Friday, 07:00 – 12:00
- Occasional weekend work depending on events schedule
Visitor Season (Easter to end of September):
- 5 days per week, 06:00 –11:00 (including alternate weekends)
- Or 5 days per week, 06:00 – 11:00 Sunday to Thursday, if preferred
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for someone friendly, reliable, and happy to work to direction and take initiative as part of the team. Ideally, you’ll have some housekeeping or cleaning experience especially in a heritage, events, or corporate setting but we provide full training, so it’s not essential. An interest in historic properties or visitor attractions is a bonus.
Please note: public transport is limited, so access to your own transport is an advantage. However, we can provide transport to and from South Queensferry.
To apply, please send your CV and a short covering note for consideration.
Hopetoun House Preservation Trust – Charity No SC009760
Housekeeper employer: Hopetoun House Preservation Trust
Contact Detail:
Hopetoun House Preservation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Housekeeper
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hopetoun House and its history. Understanding the significance of the property will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience in cleaning or housekeeping, especially in heritage or event settings. Even if you don't have direct experience, emphasising your attention to detail and reliability can make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your ability to work as part of a team. Since this role involves collaboration with the Head Housekeeper and other team members, showcasing your teamwork skills will be beneficial.
✨Tip Number 4
If you have access to your own transport, mention it during your application process. This can be a significant advantage given the limited public transport options, and it shows your commitment to being punctual and reliable.
We think you need these skills to ace Housekeeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the specific duties and requirements of the Housekeeper position at Hopetoun House. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills.
Craft a Personal Covering Note: Write a short covering note that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention why you are interested in working at Hopetoun House and how your values align with their commitment to heritage and hospitality.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any previous housekeeping or cleaning experience, especially in heritage or event settings. If you have experience with antique furniture or historic interiors, make sure to mention it.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, proofread your CV and covering note for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Housekeeper role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hopetoun House Preservation Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Heritage
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working in a historic environment. Talk about any previous experiences you have had in similar settings or your interest in heritage and conservation.
✨Highlight Attention to Detail
As a Housekeeper, attention to detail is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've maintained cleanliness and presentation in past roles, especially in public or heritage spaces.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Hopetoun House values a friendly and supportive working environment. Share examples of how you've successfully worked as part of a team, showing that you can collaborate and communicate effectively with others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand more about the expectations and culture at Hopetoun House.