Grounds Person & Gardener

Winton Castle & Estate; Cousland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious hospitality venue in Scotland seeks an experienced grounds manager to oversee the grass and grounds surrounding the property. Your role includes maintaining high standards, mowing, hedge cutting, and supporting various outdoor events. Candidates should possess horticultural qualifications, experience with machinery, and be willing to work outdoors in all conditions. A UK driving license and First Aid certification are essential. Competitive salary starting at £27,000 offered, with an expected start date in March 2026.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Salary dependent on experience

Opportunities for training

Qualifications

• Experience in horticulture and turf maintenance with relevant qualifications.
• PA1/PA6A spraying certificates or willingness to train.
• Valid UK driving license.
• Current First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Manage grass and grounds around Winton Castle and surrounding properties.
• Perform hedge cutting, strimming, and herbicide application.
• Support Hospitality and Forestry Teams as needed.

Skills

Horticulture expertise

Machinery operation

Outdoor work capability

Plant husbandry knowledge

Education

NCH/HNC/RHS level 2 or equivalent

Tools

Pedestrian mowers

Ride-on mowers

Tractor & trailer

Strimmers

Hedge cutters

Job description

Winton Castle is just half an hour from Edinburgh. It is an established, award-winning venue for hospitality as well as a family home. There is aspiration and support for the gardens and grounds to play a significant and memorable part in the offering to visitors. The immediate castle grounds extend to 16 acres, which is in the centre of an agricultural estate involving farming and forestry.

What are you here to do? Your primary role is to manage the areas of grass and grounds around Winton Castle, the broader estate and three self-catering properties. As well as mowing, your role will include hedge cutting, strimming and herbicide application on the paths around Winton Castle. You will be joining an experienced gardening team where the work will naturally be shared therefore you will be involved with garden maintenance and pruning works during the winter months. The result will be gardens and grounds that reflect the high standards of functions and year-round events provided.

With the seasons come varying demands on small but dedicated, professional teams, all of which rely on interaction and integration at peak times. Consequentially, during these busy times it is envisaged there may be occasional calls on your time for from:

• The Hospitality Team, to help with their outdoor events and activities for groups who are all there to have fun and enjoy their visit. This would include the likes of Highland Games where our teams lead groups around the activity stations.
• The Forestry Team, to carry out log deliveries to customers around East Lothian and Edinburgh. Using a transit tipper style vehicle for loose and bagged loads.

You’ll have:

• NCH/HNC/RHS level 2 or equivalent vocational qualifications and experience in horticulture and turf maintenance
• Spraying certificates PA1/PA6A (or willingness to train).
• Experience with machinery, ideally including: pedestrian and ride on mowers, tractor & trailer, strimmers, leaf blowers, hedge cutters
• Willingness and the ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Some knowledge of plant husbandry
• UK driving licence
• Current First Aid certification

The successful applicant will report to the Head Gardener.

Terms and Conditions

• Hours of work - 39 per week (Mon-Fri) averaged over the year.
• Annual leave - 28 days including public holidays rising to 30 after 5 years.
• Salary from £27,000 dependent upon experience.
• Start date March 2026.

To Apply

Please send your C.V. and covering letter to [e-mail]

Apply Here

Closing date 16th January 2026