Our volunteers share our passion for Scotland's heritage. They inspire visitors, help care for historic places and join us to tell vibrant stories from the past. From giving guided tours to playing the piano at Duff House, every experience is different. Meet our volunteers to discover what it’s like volunteering with Historic Environment Scotland and find out how you can take part.
Individuals volunteer for many different reasons. Some of our volunteers and staff share with us why they volunteer, why they chose to join ‘Team HES’ and what they gain from the experience.
View our YouTube playlist:
- Hear from PC Walker about developing a successful volunteering partnership with HES and how volunteering helps young volunteers to develop their confidence
- Stanley tells us how volunteering developed his interest in, and opened new doors into, regular medieval re-enactment
- Volunteering at HES events helps Ronnie connect with people and give back to Scotland’s heritage
- Hear from Iain on how volunteering helps his wellbeing and welcomes him into a new community
- Malina finds volunteering fits around her work and helps her to feel more connected to the nature and local place that she loves
- Volunteering was a key step for Lawrence achieving a career change
Here's what one of our volunteers, Charlene Forbes, had to say:
"Volunteering is a fresh experience every time. The staff and public couldn’t be nicer towards the volunteers and at the end of the day, it’s that reception that keeps me coming back for more"
Here's what Joyce had to say about her volunteering experience:
"This volunteer work has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It opens a window for me, a retiree and newcomer to Edinburgh, to better know the city, meet people, and do things I enjoy doing. Once, I was even gifted a seat at the Lumineers concert in a box reserved exclusively for HES volunteers. What a delightful surprise!"