Kitchen Assistant volunteers take part in basic cooking and food preparation (such as chopping and peeling!), with no prior kitchen experience needed. Our kitchen is a busy, social environment with a supportive team. If you want to develop your kitchen skills, we also offer a Kitchen Assistant Programme with Granton College. This is an opportunity to take an accredited course in ‘Introduction to Cookery and Hospitality Skills’, while gaining practical experience in our kitchen.

As a Cleaning Volunteer, you will help us maintain a clean and safe working and food production environment. Tasks can include cleaning in and around our packing hall, corridors, laundry room and toilets. You will receive full training, including shadowing another volunteer on your first shift(s). As part of the team, you will play an essential role in our service, providing free, healthy meals to those who need them.

We are looking to expand our language bank to ensure we can make volunteering with us as accessible as possible! This could include joining a 1-hour induction call (online or in-person), or joining the volunteer for their shift. Our inductions and shifts are always led by a trained member of staff / volunteer. There is no weekly commitment required, and we can arrange inductions/shifts to suit yourself and the volunteer.

W e n e e d y o u r h e l p Oxfam Lanark is looking for: Stockroom Volunteers Sales Assistants Online Shop Volunteer What you could be doing: • Making customers feel welcome • Helping customers • Sorting through items that have been kindly donated • Preparing items for the shop floor • Checking and pricing items What’s in it for you: • Grow your confidence and meet new people • Improve and learn new skills • We can be flexible around your work, education, family etc All training is provided and you will join a lovely team of volunteers whilst making a difference, giving back and beating poverty together! Please pop in and have a chat with Amanda for more details or you can apply online www.oxfam.org.uk

Castlebank Horticultural Centre sits within the historic Castlebank Park, on the banks of the Clyde in Lanark. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to facilitate our plant propagation activities to provide our gardens with healthy, pesticide free, organically grown plants and seedlings. Castlebank propagation volunteers are supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Together we propagate and grow a wide range of heirloom vegetables, herbs, rare edible plants, herbaceous perennials, alpines, succulents, trees and shrubs for education and the restoration of historic Castlebank Park. This volunteer position would be ideal for a person looking to gain valuable experience prior to entering a career in horticulture, or for an experienced gardener looking to use their skills to help out in the community. Specific tasks and duties: • Propagating by seed, cuttings, division and transplanting • Watering, fertilising, weeding and plant detailing • Labelling plants for sale • Helping to maintain infrastructure and propagation surrounds Additional Benefits * Learn how to grow a wide range of edible and ornamental plants from seed or cuttings * Meet and work with a social, friendly team with an opportunity to connect with both the Castlebank community and like-minded people * Working outdoors * Access to excess plant stock that we cannot sell to take home and plant in your garden * Attend horticultural and environmental workshops at Castlebank as part of ongoing training  * Gain horticultural/industry experience * Industry placement reference * When we have time we’re happy to give free gardening advice

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 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.

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: The Abbotsford Trust 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. The Abbotsford Trust cares for 120 acres of land beside the Tweed, made up of meadow and native woodland much of it planted by Sir Walter Scott himself. The Abbotsford Trust is committed to using the environment for the benefit of wildlife by promoting, supporting and enhancing its diversity on the Estate. We are looking for friendly individuals to work alongside the estates team in the role of Wildlife Volunteer. This is a practical based opportunity working within Abbotsford’s woodland and estate under the direction of the Head Gardener to help maintain and preserve Abbotsford's Estate both as a natural wildlife habitat and a place for the public to enjoy. A regular, reliable commitment is appreciated as is the ability to work as part of a team. This opportunity would suit someone who is happy to be based outdoors. What you will be doing: Monitor and maintain wildlife cameras across the site Monitor and maintain wildlife feeding stations Under the supervision of the Head Gardener conduct surveys of habitats, wildflowers, butterflies, birds Assist with maintaining accurate records of sightings and results of specific monitoring Assist with analysis of wildlife activity and sightings across the estate Supporting the Head Gardener to encourage and assist other wildlife groups who may wish to visit the estate Engaging with visitors to the estate in relation to wildlife at Abbotsford Undertaking any training deemed relevant Working by yourself or with other volunteers/staff Working within Abbotsford’s Health and Safety Policy at all times The skills you need: Be reasonably fit and healthy Be able to keep accurate records IT literate (training on specific systems will be provided) What's in it for you: Become involved and contribute to an internationally significant heritage site Be an ambassador for Abbotsford, Sir Walter Scott and The Abbotsford Trust Meet a wide variety of people, including staff, trustees, other volunteers and visitors from around the globe Volunteers are entitled to claim the costs of travel from their home to Abbotsford (conditions apply). 10% discount in Ochiltree’s café 10% discount on the cost of admission to events 20% discount in the Visitor Centre shop (with volunteer pass) Opportunities to apply for posts restricted to internal only advertising Use of ASVA cards (Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions) OR Historic Houses Association 2x guest passes for friends and family each season