Senior Castle Guide

MacLeod Estates Ltd; Dunvegan; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A heritage attraction in Scotland is seeking a Senior Castle Guide to manage visitor experiences and lead tours. The role involves overseeing staff, assisting with ticketing, and ensuring the preservation of the castle's collection. Ideal candidates will have management experience in customer service, be adaptable, and possess strong interpersonal skills. Training is provided, making this an excellent opportunity for those with a passion for Highland history. A valid driving license is required for this position.

Qualifications

• Management experience in a customer-focused position in a busy environment.
• Good general education (GSCE or equivalent and above).
• Cash handling and till experience.
• A valid driving license.

Responsibilities

• Lead private tours and manage visitor interactions.
• Fill staff rota gaps and assist at the Ticket Office.
• Oversee film crews and conduct conservation cleaning duties.
• Line manage the castle guide team.

Skills

Customer-focused personality

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to multi-task

Adaptability

Education

Good general education (GSCE or equivalent)

Tools

Cash handling

Job description

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens is an iconic part of Scotland’s heritage at the heart of the 41,000-acre MacLeod Estate on the Isle of Skye. As the ancestral home of the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years, Dunvegan is an award-winning 5* heritage attraction, acting as a magnet for an average 180,000 visitors per year. As a major heritage attraction on the island, we operate with a diverse and friendly team who share our passion to preserve and share this unique part of Highland history with our visitors.

We are looking for a Senior Castle Guide to join our team and welcome visitors during the busy open season. As a junior management position, the role is varied and you must be able to adapt as you may find yourself leading private tours, filling last minute gaps in the staff rota, queue busting at the Ticket Office, oversee film crews, ad hoc conservation cleaning duties and additional responsibilities such as line managing the castle guide team to cover the Custodian’s days off.

We expect you to be a welcoming, self-motivated, and practical individual with the ability to remain calm under pressure and manage high visitor volumes while at the same time ensuring the castle collection is secure and reducing the possibility of any damage caused by visitors inside the castle. The ideal candidate will have excellent front of house and good presentation skills. Training will be provided regarding the castle, its history and collection, but a personal interest in Highland history and the region in general is desirable, especially as you will be asked questions by visitors.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Management experience in a customer-focused position in a busy environment.
• Good general education (GSCE or equivalent and above).
• Cash handling and till experience. Training will be provided.
• A valid driving license.

DESIRED SKILLS :

• Customer-focused personality with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and resolve issues under pressure.
• Adaptability. This is a varied and interesting role which requires a flexible approach.
• Some experience working in a cultural or heritage environment.
• A foreign language skill is not required but is desirable