Description
St Giles' Cathedral is a site of significant spiritual, historical and architectural interest. Each year it attracts over 1,000,000 visitors from all over the world. We welcome folks of all ages, interests and faith backgrounds to volunteer with us. With over 900 years of history to share, we are always keen for more voices to help us to share it. Our volunteer guides are the first point of contact for most visitors and play a a crucial role in ensuring the quality of their experience - each encounter with the guides has the potential to make someone's visit. Apply now and give a few hours a week to volunteer in one of the most beautiful buildings in Edinburgh.
Organisation aims and objectives
St Giles’ Cathedral is the historic City Church of Edinburgh. With its famed crown spire it stands on the Royal Mile between Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Also known as the High Kirk of Edinburgh, it is the Mother Church of Presbyterianism and contains the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle (Scotland’s chivalric company of knights and Ladies chosen by The Queen.)
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At least one 2-hour shift per week. As you are giving up your time to us, we of course understand that you may need to take some time off now and then which we are happy to accommodate. While we strive to accommodate schedules where we can we are unable to take on very short-term volunteers ( e.g. 3 months).
Restrictions
Experience required: Friendly, welcoming, helpful, good communication skills and be able to convey your knowledge, interest and enthusiasm to others. Ability to speak a foreign language would be advantageous, but not necessary.
No experience in tour guiding or heritage work necessary, but we do ask you to do you own research and write your own tours if you would like to do them.
Travel details: Guiding takes place in St Giles' Cathedral, Royal Mile, Edinburgh. It is a short walk from Waverley Railway Station and most bus routes through Edinburgh City Centre pass close by.
Minimum age: 18
Support
Expenses details: No expenses paid
Training details: We provide all the necessary literature for study, including a volunteer guidebook. There will also be plenty of opportunities to have one-on-one guided tours with staff members and other volunteers to ensure you feel comfortable with the material. This is also a great chance to learn what really excites you about the cathedral, and to craft tours and stories of your own. Every volunteer is different, as are their favourite areas of interest!