Heritage careers
There's a huge range of job families across Scotland's heritage sector. You can turn your skills and interests into an exciting career in many ways.
This historic environment sector offers over 68,000 jobs across many fields.
More than half of these jobs are in the tourism sector where over 35,000 professionals work to share Scotland’s heritage attractions with local people and visitors from all over the world. Construction is the second biggest sector for historic environment professionals, with over 17,000 jobs that enable our historic buildings and infrastructure to be restored and repaired.
A further 2,700 jobs have been created by heritage organisations like ours, where there are opportunities in marketing, business, gardening, collections management, outreach and the environment, to name just a few. There really is something for everyone!
In this section, we've combined content from our "Careers Unpacked" and "I Make History" campaigns. You can learn more about the different types of roles and find links to useful resources.
Careers in the heritage sector
Heritage tourism
Working in tourism allows you to welcome the world to Scotland and share our incredible history and culture with a wide and varied audience.
Galleries, libraries, archives and museums
'GLAM' institutions are often grouped together, but they all have different functions in the heritage sector.
Conservation and traditional building skills
Conservation skills are important managing the effects of change on historic structures, places and objects, protecting them for the future.
Archaeology
Find out about the different roles available in archaeology, which extend from fieldwork and excavation through to digital innovation.
Landscapes and gardens
Learn about career opportunities in landscapes and gardens, discover the different roles, and if this path could be right for you.
Digital careers
Digital careers including communication, social media management and filmmaking connect people from all over the world with Scotland’s heritage.
Architecture, engineering, planning and surveying
If you have a passion for design and buildings then a career with a focus on the historic built environment may be the perfect fit.
Spotlight on heritage careers
Apprentice Painter
Mack is an apprentice painter and decorator based in one of Scotland’s most iconic buildings – Edinburgh Castle.
Blacksmith
Stacey is a blacksmith dedicated to passing her heritage skills on to the next generation.
Digital Innovation Officer
Sophia is a Senior Digital Innovation Officer at The Engine Shed, Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre.
Stonemason
Luke is a stonemason with an award-winning talent for maintaining our historic environment.
Modern Apprentice
Kirsty is a modern apprentice who knows more than most about one of Scotland’s most iconic castles.
Resources and support
Jumpstart Your Career
Check out our links and guidance below to explore courses, apprenticeships, work-based learning, volunteering and job opportunities in heritage.
Heritage Careers Week
Learn about Heritage Careers Week, what it is, and how you can get involved.
Resources for educators
These resources are excellent for educators looking to discuss careers and skills in the historic environment with their learners.