Volunteering at St Giles’
Our volunteer team is at the heart of St Giles’ Cathedral, welcoming tourists from all over the world and sharing our history through tours and conversations, bringing life to this historic building.
Creating a sense of community within our volunteer team of 60+, we aim to provide a place to build skills and learning, a place to meet new people and be surrounded by the incredible history and architecture of the building.
Who can volunteer?
Our volunteers represent a diverse range of backgrounds and ages, including those of different faiths as well as those with none. As part of your application you will receive an information document detailing what volunteering at St Giles’ will involve.
If you are interested in volunteering or simply want to get in touch to find out more about our volunteering opportunities, please email our Volunteer Co-ordinator at volunteer@stgilescathedral.org.uk or fill out the form below.
Interested in volunteering with us? Get in touch!
Concert Steward volunteering:
We are looking for volunteers to help to steward our St Giles’ at Six concerts. It’s a great opportunity to do some volunteering in Edinburgh’s historic High Kirk, whilst experiencing music from performers across the globe.
Concert stewards offer a different side to volunteering at St Giles’. Primarily required for our regular St Giles’ at Six concert series on Sunday evenings, stewards enjoy interacting with concert goers, and experiencing great music in the building. No prior experience in the music industry is necessary – our small team of stewards are very tight knit and learn as they go, supported by a staff member at each concert. The role would be on a monthly rotation, so you would be needed for a maximum of two Sundays each month.
If you are interested, or want to find out more, please email music@stgilescathedral.org.uk
Volunteer tEstimonials
“I have volunteered at St Giles’ for a year and I really look forward to my Wednesday mornings there. The volunteers are encouraged to learn about the history of the Cathedral and there is good support from the staff and informative background material provided. We meet visitors from all over the world, you never know who is going to walk through the front door next or what you are going to be asked! It is satisfying to be able to explain about the history of the building and eventually to be confident enough to lead small group tours. For me there has also been a lovely social side to it in getting to know my fellow volunteers.”
Fiona, Volunteer Guide
“Volunteering at St.Giles has provided the opportunity to meet so many different, interesting people from all around the world. Explaining the history and all the Cathedral currently has to offer is a fascinating and fun filled experience, with every visitor having their personal perspective and interests. Children especially love trying to find the Angel Playing The Bagpipes; as do their parents..........it provides respite from trying to keep them entertained !!!
Working with and learning from other passionate volunteers and staff, coupled with the excellent training and information materials, makes available a great learning and support network. Training sessions organised with subject matter experts also offers the opportunity to enhance collective understanding and knowledge, which assists in helping to make the visitors experience all the more enjoyable and memorable."
Steven, Volunteer Guide