The Abbotsford Trust
Charity registered in Scotland SC037425
Abbotsford is the home of the 19th century writer Sir Walter Scott and is run by The Abbotsford Trust, a registered Scottish charity. We offer a five star visitor experience to visitors from across the world including the historic house and collections, 100 acres of designed landscape, formal gardens, a free Visitor Centre with an exhibition on Sir Walter Scott, play trail, gift shop, restaurant, events and special exhibitions.
Current opportunities
Why we want you:
Abbotsford welcomes over 40,000 visitors a year from all over the world. We
have been a world-famous visitor attraction since Sir Walter Scott died in 1832.
Taken over by a charitable trust in 2007, our mission is to care for his house,
estate and collection and share his legacy with the world. We are looking for
friendly and outgoing individuals to welcome visitors to Abbotsford and to
ensure that their visit is enjoyable and satisfying. Based at the reception desk
and gift shop within the visitor centre at Abbotsford, our Visitor Services
Volunteers are the face of Abbotsford and play an important part in welcoming
visitors from all around the world, ensuring the best possible visitor experience.
This role involves a variety of customer service tasks based in and around the
reception desk, such as the ticketing system and the retail tills. Our retail
operation supports the important work of our charity, so an interest in retail
would be advantageous. You might also have the opportunity to help with our
public events.
What you will be doing:
Greeting visitors at the reception desk
Ensuring safety and wellbeing of visitors and staff by adherence with good
health and safety practice and any mitigating measures during Covid-19
pandemic.
Processing admission tickets upselling gift aid, guidebooks, garden tours
and any other events on site
Offering directions and guidance to visitors on the shop floor and in VC
including giving information on other places of interest within the Borders
Handling cash and credit card transactions
Promoting Abbotsford membership schemes, events, promotional offers &
café
Liaising with other staff and volunteers across the site
Assisting with retail display; cleaning, tidying and restocking
The skills you need:
Excellent communication skills.
Friendly, helpful and welcoming approach to all.
An interest in meeting and speaking to people from all walks of life and all
around the world.
Commitment to excellent customer service.
Confidence with cash handling, credit card processing and sales (previous
experience is desirable, but not essential as full training will be provided).
Confidence with operating an EPOS till system (previous experience is
desirable, but not essential as full training will be provided).
An interest in and willingness to learn about Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott
and the Borders.
As the public face of the Abbotsford Trust, volunteers are expected to
present themselves in a manner appropriate to their role.
What's in it for you:
Learn new skills and gain confidence in a work environment
Make new friends and meet people from all over the world
Become part of a friendly and diverse team
Be uplifted by spending time in the stunning surroundings of Abbotsford
and support the important work of our charity
Get invites to volunteer social events
Get discounts in our café and shop
Travel expenses will be reimbursed (conditions apply)
Use of ASVA cards to visit other attractions
Why we want you:
Abbotsford welcomes over 40,000 visitors a year from all over the world. We
have been a world-famous visitor attraction since Sir Walter died in 1832.
Taken over by a charitable trust in 2007, our mission is to care for his house,
garden, estate and collection and share his legacy with the world. The purpose
of this role is to drive Abbotsford’s minibus in a responsible and competent
manner, ensuring the safety and comfort of your passengers. The route served
is Abbotsford – Tweedbank Station shuttle service. Melrose may be added to
the route as the Trust develops the service. Occasional bookings may be taken
for other destinations.
What you will be doing:
Complete vehicle safety checks prior to and at the end of each day and
record these as per organisational procedures
Report any defects and faults as per guidelines and procedures
To be responsible for the safety of your passengers and to be aware of the
relevant mini bus legislation and any Covid measures introduced by the
Abbotsford Trust
To be able to use the passenger lift/ramp in a safe and responsible
manner.
Ensure the correct use of the appropriate wheelchair tie downs and
passenger restraint systems
When necessary assist passengers when entering and leaving the vehicle.
To work in a helpful, caring and confidential manner within the aims and
objectives of the organisation.
To be self-motivated and sensitive to the needs of passengers and
colleagues.
To inform the Visitor Services Manager and in their absence the Volunteer
Co-ordinator of any changes to your health or endorsements that affect
your driving licence or ability to drive.
To notify any incidents or accidents affecting passenger safety whilst on
duty.
To work within health and safety legislation at all times.
To attend relevant training courses before carrying passengers
Ensure that the vehicle is in a clean condition (inside and out) before and
after use.
Refuel the bus as required.
Contribute to mini bus service development by making suggestions and
feeding back passenger comments.
The skills you need:
Applicants must be over 30 years of age. This is an insurance
requirement.
Must have a full, clean licence which includes the D1 entitlement
(automatic if manual car licence obtained before Jan 1st 1997).
Over the age of 70 drivers will need to renew the ‘D1’ entitlement of their
licence, requiring a medical examination (D4). This is valid for 3 years.
Over the age of 70 drivers will need to be accepted as a ‘named driver’ by
Abbotsford’s insurers. Unless and until this is agreed the applicant will be
unable to drive the minibus.
Be able to drive minibus/vehicles safely and professionally. Training will
be given (MiDAS).
Be flexible; and able to work as part of a team
Be in good health
Be patient, understanding, have a responsible attitude and provide
exceptional customer care.
What's in it for you:
Become involved and make a contribution to an internationally significant
heritage site at an exciting and challenging stage in its history.
Be an ambassador for Abbotsford and Sir Walter Scott within the local
community and more widely.
Meet a wide variety of people, including staff, trustees, volunteers and
visitors from around the globe.
Develop skills, knowledge and increased confidence.
Get invites to volunteer social events
Get discounts in our café and shop
Travel expenses will be reimbursed (conditions apply)
Use of ASVA cards to visit other attractions
Why we want you:
Abbotsford welcomes over 40,000 visitors a year from all over the world. We
have been a world-famous visitor attraction since Sir Walter Scott died in 1832.
Taken over by a charitable trust in 2007, our mission is to care for his house,
estate and collection and share his legacy with the world. We are looking for
friendly and outgoing individuals to welcome and orientate visitors around the
site. You will be liaising with the house stewards to ensure that the flow of
visitors into the house is managed efficiently. Our volunteers are the face of
Abbotsford and play a vital part in welcoming visitors from all around the world
and making their visit unforgettable. No prior knowledge is necessary, as full
training will be given. All you need is a smile and a genuine interest to learn
about Abbotsford and support our important charitable work.
What you will be doing:
Welcoming visitors when they arrive in the the South Court
Check their tickets and orientate them towards their destination - house
or gardens.
For house visitors, explain what to expect on the house tour.
Stagger entry if multiple visitors arrive at the same time.
Manage the flow of visitors entering and exiting the house by liaising with
the house stewards through the glass door and the visitor centre staff
using the radio.
Explain the route through the gardens and point out the chapel.
Keep informed about and actively promote other activities and events at
Abbotsford..
Answer any questions they may have to the best of your abilities.
The skills you need:
Excellent communication skills and confidence in conversing with the
public.
An interest in meeting and speaking to people from all walks of life and all
around the world.
A warm and friendly personality
Excellent time management and punctuality
Commitment to excellent customer service
Be the public face of Abbotsford
An interest in and willingness to learn about Abbotsford and a desire to
support our work.
Enthusiasm to share your knowledge with our visitors
What's in it for you
Learn new skills and gain confidence in a work environment
Make new friends and meet people from all over the world
Become part of a friendly and diverse team
Be uplifted by spending time in the stunning surroundings of Abbotsford
and support the important work of our charity
Get invites to volunteer social events
Get discounts in our café and shop
Travel expenses will be reimbursed (conditions apply)
Use of ASVA cards to visit other attractions
Why we want you:
Abbotsford welcomes over 40,000 visitors a year from all over the world. We
have been a world-famous visitor attraction since Sir Walter died in 1832.
Taken over by a charitable trust in 2007, our mission is to care for his house,
garden, estate and collection and share his legacy with the world. We are
looking for friendly individuals to work alongside the gardens team and other
volunteers in undertaking day to day maintenance of the gardens and
ornamental policies. We are very proud of our gardens at Abbotsford and they
delight visitors with their changing displays of colour throughout the year. Our
volunteers work in small groups with hand tools on a variety of tasks within a
day or half day as suits their skills and aptitude under the direction of the Head
Gardener, Ranger or Gardening Assistants depending on the task. Much of the
work in the garden and grounds involves sustained physical activity combined
with an eye for detail and finish.
What you will be doing:
Watering and feeding plants, trees and shrubs.
Hand weeding, hoeing, staking, deadheading, tying-in plants and cutting
back in the flower, shrub and vegetable borders.
Harvesting fruit, vegetables and flowers for sale in the shop.
Construction of garden structures e.g. – fruit cages, supports.
Division and propagation of plants and planting.
Maintaining lawns and hedges – edging and trimming.
Maintaining good access e.g. paths maintenance, signposting.
Digging over, mulching and manuring borders.
Interacting with and helping visitors to orientate themselves around the
garden and estate.
Assisting with events and activities.
The skills you need:
Interest in gardening, the natural heritage and working outdoors is
essential.
Some gardening knowledge or experience is desirable, but not essential.
Good attention to detail and good communication skills.
Willingness to learn new skills and to work as part of a team.
Commitment to excellent customer service as you may be approached by
the public while carrying out your volunteering duties.
Dress appropriately to the weather - weatherproof clothing and tough
footwear is recommended.
What's in it for you:
Learn new skills and gain confidence in a work environment
Make new friends and meet people from all over the world
Become part of a friendly and diverse team
Be uplifted by spending time in the stunning surroundings of Abbotsford
and support the important work of our charity
Get invites to volunteer social events
Get discounts in our café and shop
Travel expenses will be reimbursed (conditions apply)
Use of ASVA cards to visit other attractions
Disclaimer
A good level of physical fitness and willingness to work in all weathers is
advisable.