Hospitality and Catering

Destination Assistant

About Us

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team – we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities from boating, paddling, walking and wheeling to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.

About the role

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Destinations Assistant to join our Destinations team in Fort Augustus You will work as part of the front of house team to create memorable experiences for visitors to the Caledonian Canal Centre.

The role is offered on a permanent basis, and with an incremental starting salary of £28,106 (Band B) plus Variable Hours allowance of 11.25%. Working hours are typically between 7am and 5pm on a 4 on 2 off rota (later start and earlier finish in winter due to seasonal variance) averaging 35 hours per week with flexibility required due to business demands.

Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

Primary responsibilities of the role:

Preparing and serving hot and cold drinks such as tea, coffee and speciality beverages.
Cleaning and sanitising work areas, utensils and equipment.
Describing menu items and suggesting products to customers.
Serving customers and taking orders and communicating with the kitchen.
Welcome, engage and inform our customers to exceed expectations.
Description and selling of our products and services.
Receiving, pricing, and distributing stock supplies.
Receiving and processing customer payments.
Cleaning and tidying public areas.
Stock movement and replenishment.
Assisting in other departments of the business when requested.
Qualifications and knowledge required:

Barista experience beneficial but not essential
Food Safety Level 2 beneficial but not essential
Skills and experience required:

Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills
The drive to work across various disciplines (gift shop, tourism, café, events, etc.)
Good time management and organisational skills
A flexible approach to the role and willingness to learn
Qualities & abilities required:

A real enjoyment for dealing and helping the public
A confident, friendly, welcoming, helpful, engaging nature
The ability to deliver a professional service to customers
The ability to work well under pressure
A sense of own initiative with the ability to work effectively as part of a team

Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Visitor Services Assistant – Catering

JOB PURPOSE

This role is specifically to operate and served from the mobile catering unit located externally to the visitor centre. This role involves a large amount of lone working, however you will work as part of a larger, multi-department team to ensure an unforgettable visitor experience every time.

This role is key to the visitor experience; your role is to put smiles on faces and ensure our visitors have an amazing visit.
Benefits include
• Cycle to Work Scheme – offering excellent discounts on bicycle costs •
• Up to £50 towards the cost of your glasses or contact lenses if you need them for work •
• Staff discounts through Reward Gateway, our online employee discount scheme – offering a variety of discounts on a wide range of high street retail brands •
• 10% discount from the rental price (excluding the booking fee and any other ancillary charges) on all self-catering holiday accommodation managed by our partner Sykes Holiday Cottages
• Your employee card gives free entry to you, any of your children under the age of 18 and one other adult to National Trust for Scotland and National Trust properties, as well as a 20% discount on most purchases in National Trust for Scotland retail outlets.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & ATTRIBUTES

Essential

• A warm, friendly and outgoing personality.
• Previous experience in a catering or customer-facing role, delivering impeccable customer care and food safety standards.
• Be responsible and proactive. Ensuring all day-to-day tasks are completed including cleaning, preparation and POS operation.
• To provide consistently excellent customer service when dealing with high volumes of customers
• Cash reconciliation duties including start and end of day tasks, must have experience handling cash accurately and processing sales
• Be able to take responsibility for your own development and learning.
• Have a flexible approach to working hours and days including working weekend and Bank Holidays as appropriate.
• Adhering to the property’s quality standards including but not limited to the wearing of uniform, being well presented with a good standard of personal hygiene.
• Ensuring health and welfare of property staff, volunteers, and visitors by adhering to the Trust’s Health, Safety and Environment policies and guidelines. This includes working within the property’s “Safe System of Work” (the system for managing Health & Safety).
• Ensuring Safe systems of work are implemented effectively within all activities

Desirable

• Recognised First Aid Qualification.
• Experience of a Barista-style Coffee Machine and basic knowledge of Coffee types & styles
• SCPLH Qualification Alcohol.
• Knowledge of HACCP & COSHH systems.
• Basic Food Hygiene Qualification (will be expected to undertake if not held)
• Experience in EPOS style till operation.
• Excellent cash handling skills.

DIMENSIONS AND SCOPE OF JOB

Scale:
⦁ Primarily based in the external mobile catering unit working a variety of shift patterns including weekends and early evenings but may involve working across all departments.
⦁ The catering unit serves barista-made coffees, confectionary, cakes and a small hot food menu which you will be responsible for serving.

Financial Responsibilities:
⦁ To adhere to all financial procedures including till operation and safeguarding of monies: to implement amendments to standard procedure as instructions may dictate.

Health and Safety
• To complete various online learning modules covering all aspects of on-site Health and Safety
• To use personal protective equipment as provided and directed by your line manager.
• Will be a frequent user of catering equipment and cleaning chemicals.
• Expected to work within and ensure compliance with the property’s ‘Safe Systems of Work’ (the system for managing health and safety and to ensure site meets with Health and Safety legislation).
• This role will involve manual handling

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

⦁ Welcoming visitors to the site and interact with them in a friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable manner.
⦁ Welcoming visitors with special needs / impairments and providing a high level of service in accordance with the Disability Discrimination Act.
⦁ Answering visitors’ queries about the sites, education facilities and the local area.
⦁ Promoting National Trust for Scotland brand to include our Membership scheme, events, upselling other properties and any promotional campaigns, being proactive in the selling of Membership and Gift Aid.

The above requirements reflect the scope of the job at the time of issue. The Trust reserves the right to amend these with appropriate consultation and/or request the post-holder to undertake any activities that it believes to be reasonable within the broad scope of the job or his/her general abilities.

Holiday Let & Housekeeping Supervisor

JOB PURPOSE
To provide a high standard of housekeeping and guest welcome at Brodie Castle including all holiday lets, office spaces, campsite and public facilities.
To maintain oversight of cleaning standards in relation to the above places by you and your team.
The Holiday Let and Housekeeping Supervisor is responsible for ensuring all health and safety compliance requirements and documentation are fulfilled across all Brodie holiday lets.
To manage, lead and support a small team of housekeeping assistants.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
Holiday Lets
• Monitoring of overall standards of cleaning and housekeeping carried out by you and your team with the ability to give feedback and motive team to deliver high standards.
• Monitor and report any maintenance issues with the maintenance team and ensure appropriate action is taken.
• Establish a cleaning schedule for all holidays lets as required.
• Ensuring linen etc. is bagged ready for delivery to the laundry and carrying out regular laundry duties on the premises.
• Welcoming guests in accordance with the standards required by The National Trust For Scotland.
• Take responsibility for troubleshooting issues that may arise during a guests stay during office hours and out of hours on a shared rota basis.
• Carry out regular inventory checks.
• Work with Property Administrator on managing bookings accordingly and associated liaison with other Trust staff and departments.
• Work closely with the central NTS Holidays Team to maintain brand standard.
• Monitoring and maintaining stocks of all consumables including cleaning products.

Office Spaces
• Establish a cleaning schedule and processes.
• Responsible for maintaining good levels of cleanliness in all communal spaces such as staff kitchen and toilet areas, hoovering all office spaces and mopping floors.
• Be the Green Champion for Brodie Castle.

Campsite and Public Facilities
• Establish a cleaning schedule and lead high standards throughout.
• Monitoring of overall standards of cleaning and housekeeping carried out by you and your team with the ability to give feedback and motive team to deliver high standards.
• Monitoring and maintaining stocks of all consumables including cleaning products.
• Monitor and report any maintenance issues with the maintenance team and ensure appropriate action is taken.
Soft Play
• Establish a cleaning schedule and lead high standards throughout.
• Monitoring of overall standards of cleaning and housekeeping carried out by you and your team with the ability to give feedback and motive team to deliver high standards.

General

• Sharing the common responsibility of working in a manner mindful of the Trust’s obligations to minimise impact on the environment, through e.g. efficient use of water/heat/light, recycling and the disposal of waste.
• Carry out regular Duty Management of Brodie Castle on a shared rota basis to ensure daily operating runs smoothly and any emergency procedures are followed.
• Work together with the wider Brodie team to support departments as required and inspire a great team dynamic.
People Management
• Supervision and monitoring of the work of the Housekeeping Assistants. Ability to give feedback and motive team to deliver high standards.
• Regular liaison with other property staff, regional central support teams and curatorial and collection team
• Friendly and considerate contact with guests and members of the public.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Essential
• Personal commitment to high standards of cleaning with an eye for detail and finish.
• Ability to manage time efficiently and effectively in an environment of changing priorities.
• Ability to provide supervision and mentoring of others through positive encouragement and feedback.
• This is a physical job, which will normally include lifting and carrying cleaning equipment.
• Practical knowledge of Health and Safety processes and procedures and the ability to work effectively within these processes.
• Experience in a customer facing, service environment.
• Previous housekeeping experience including cleaning and presentation of areas open to the public or let for holiday rentals and/or cleaning of domestic and staff areas.
• Living the values of the National Trust for Scotland and encourage colleagues to do the same.
o The ability and willingness to understand others’ perspectives and to consider the impact of your actions on them and to adapt your actions as necessary.
o The ability and willingness to learn and try new things, to be flexible and step outside of your comfort zone.
o An open and honest way of communicating, ready to ask others for their ideas and to be open to hear and consider different points of view.
o A pro-active approach to taking initiative and to driving forward ideas and projects designed to improve daily operations and deliver an exceptional visitor experience.

• Hold a current First Aid Qualification or be willing to uptake training.

Desirable
 Full UK Driving License

Visitor Services Assistant – Food & Beverage

JOB PURPOSE

Do you have a passion for food and are dedicated to high levels of customer service?

Visiting our Café is an essential part of the visitor experience for those coming to Newhailes House and Gardens the role of the Visitor Service Assistant – Food & Beverage is to make it a positive and memorable part of a visitor’s day with us. Our café is a busy operation, and the ideal candidate should be experienced in a high volume, fast-paced environment. Barista experience would be beneficial for this role however training will be given.

Core hours will be the minimum hours available, with the opportunity to work additional hours to suit the needs of the business. Must have full weekend availability, hours will be issued on a rota basis.
We pride ourselves on creating a team work ethic here at Newhailes House so you may be required for additional support with other areas of the property such as Admissions, Retail, and Events activities to meet the business needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

 To always provide a consistently high standard of visitor care.
 Welcoming all visitors to the site and processing their catering purchases in a friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable manner; supporting visitors with special needs / impairments and providing a high level of service in accordance with the Equality Act.
 Answering visitors’ queries about the catering offer, deals, seating, and allergens.
 Checking on how visitors are enjoying their experience of catering and enquiring whether all their needs are met.
 Opening and closing procedures
 To always maintain excellent standards of site and personal presentation.
 The general ongoing operational cleaning of all areas as necessary.
 Wearing correct uniform, name badges, or PPE as required.

Customer Service

 Regular interaction with members of the public of all ages and abilities.

Teamwork

 Regular interaction with employee and volunteer colleagues to share daily tasks and support a smooth visitor operation.

Sales, stock and financial processes

 Help achieve sales targets and membership recruitment targets
 Operate tills and share end-of-day cash reconciliation duties, as appointed by Visitor Services Supervisor
 Regularly assist in ordering all necessary food and dry goods

Tools/equipment and cleaning chemicals

 Occasional user of cleaning chemicals.
 EPOS tills and chip and pin machines.
 Fully equipped commercial catering kitchens.
 Expected to become familiar with and comply with the property’s Health and Safety policies or Safe Systems of Work’.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE

Essential

 Barista experience required
 Ability to work within a team or independently, with minimal supervision, to a high and safe standard.
 Demonstrate experience in F&B service environment
 Ability to be flexible and adapt working patterns and tasks to meet day-to-day variations in property needs. This will include evenings to support events.
 Ability to adjust pace to match customer flow without compromising quality of service.
 Excellent front of house persona – warm, welcoming, patient and understanding.
 Excellent selling skills.
 Genuine belief in the value of good customer service.
 Ability to be proactive and to take the initiative.
 Demonstrable experience in sales with experience of EPOS systems and cash handling/reconciliation.

Desirable:

 Basic Food Hygiene Qualification.

The current duties of this job do not require a criminal records (Disclosure Scotland) check to be carried out.

Kitchen Assistant

JOB PURPOSE
Do you have a passion for food and dedicated to high levels of customer service?
Visiting our Café is an essential part of the visitor experience for those coming to Newhailes House and Gardens the role of the Visitor Service Assistant – Kitchen Assistant is to make it a positive and memorable part of a visitor’s day with us. Our café is a busy operation, and the ideal candidate should be experienced in a high volume, fast paced environment.
You will assist the Head Chef in the day to day management of the kitchen to ensure that all targets are met and that all visitors receive the highest level of visitor experience standards.
You must have full weekend availability, hours will be issued on a rota basis.
We pride ourselves on creating a team work ethic here at Newhailes House so you may be required for additional support with other areas such as serving in the cafe.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
 Contribute to food production as per the menu cycle/specification.
 Keeping up to date HACCP, COSHH checklists and temperature sheets.
 Ensure high standards of kitchen hygiene, cleanliness, tidiness and related schedules.
 Use fresh produce and ingredients whenever and where-ever is possible and minimise wastage.
 Maintain a high standard of food presentation to the customer.
 Share in the common responsibility of implementing the Trust’s “Health & Safety Policy”, being mindful at all times of the health and safety of self, staff, volunteers, and visitors.
 Share in the common responsibility of working in a manner mindful of the Trust’s obligations to minimise impact on the environment, through e.g. efficient use of water/heat/light, recycling and the disposal of waste, considered use of transport.
 Help to reduce occurrences where Health or Safety of yourself and other employees may be put in jeopardy.
 Adherence to the COSHH Training provided and control of substances covered by COSHH.
 Involvement in the upkeep and maintenance of both the kitchen and café areas.
 Assist with daily cleaning and pot wash duties.

SCOPE OF ROLE
Location
The post holder will be based at Newhailes but may also be expected to work in other Edinburgh cluster properties and at special events/functions when required.
People Management
The post holder does not direct line manage any team.
Financial Management
Not a budget holder but responsible for the day- to -day management of stock
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & KNOWLEDGE
Essential
 Experience working in a similar, quick service, environment and delivering the best visitor service.
 Practical experience of food preparation and service.
 Previous experience working in a team.
 Ability to follow instruction and work independently off own initiative.
 Skill in establishing priorities and managing workload.
 Keen interest in food.
Desirable
 Awareness of what the National Trust for Scotland sets out to achieve.
 High standard of presentation and service (experience an advantage).
 Intermediate Food Hygiene Certificate.

Visitor Services Supervisor – Food & Beverage

JOB PURPOSE

To provide operational delivery of the visitor experience and supervision in the Food & Beverage department at the Stables Café, Dairy and on-site Events in line with the Trust’s policies. Delivering Performance standards and targets to ensure enjoyment of the property by visitors and members is maximised and key commercial, financial and development objectives are achieved to make the property fully sustainable.
The Visitor Services Supervisor at a Trust property plays a pivotal role ensuring that the management objectives are achieved through excellent customer service and with delegated responsibility for catering duty management is very often the face of the Trust to visitors. As such directly influences public perceptions of the Trust and is significant to developing and maintaining the property’s reputation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Supervising/undertaking the day-to-day operation of the property and environs to ensure an excellent customer/visitor experience. This includes supervision of:
Catering Operation
 Lead with menu development and the preparation and presentation of a high-quality food and drink offer.
 Ensure compliance with health and safety, food hygiene, food allergen, licensing and environmental health standards, completing all related record-keeping.
 Assist with food led events throughout the year to support over all business goals.
Visitor Experience
 Offer excellent customer service and ensure all members of the team do the same.
 Support property-wide targets for completion of visitor surveys to understand more about our visitors.
 Act as one of our duty manager team, responsible for ensuring a safe and smooth visitor operation, opening/closing the visitor, addressing issues and emergency procedure and providing relief cover, as required.
Line Management of Visitor Services Assistants
 Duty management responsibility including open and close of all on site facilities.
 Ensure the property social media is managed to generate interest and help drive visitor engagement.
 Support the informal learning and community engagement / outreach activity.
 Security of the Property.
 Ensuring the completion of cash/till reconciliation.
 Week-end reports and reconciliation.
 Completion of banking and cash handling processes.
 Health & Safety procedures, emergency procedures, and environmental procedures.
 Deputising for the Visitor Services Manager / Operations Manager on-site and off-site as required.
 Recruitment; induction; development; and management of all visitor services employees. Ensuring that they understand role responsibilities and are equipped to fulfill the role to the standards required.
 Ensure the team feel valued, respected, motivated and supported.
 Supervising the activities of a team of permanent and seasonal Visitor Service Assistants (VSAs), achieving excellent staff performance and motivation through induction, training, task-setting and coaching on front and back if house.

Working closely with other managers across the Property to deliver a programme of visitor events, which increase visitor numbers, drive secondary spend and support overall Property targets;

Instil a Health & Safety culture across the property, ensuring the team work within the property’s ‘Safe System of Work’ to reduce risk of incidents and accidents to volunteers, employees and visitors.

Breakfast Cook

Hours: 7am – 10am
Seasonal Contract: Immediate start – 31st October 2026
Rate of pay: Dependent on Experience

With the launch of an exciting new menu at Blair Castle where everything is made in house we have a vacancy available for a Breakfast Cook.

MAIN DUTIES:
Duties to include the cooking of breakfast rolls and serving hot drinks in the satellite catering unit in the Caravan Park at Blair Castle.

BENEFITS:

– Competitive hourly wage and company pension scheme.
– Training and development opportunities.
– Supportive and friendly work environment.
– Discount at the restaurant, gift shop and The Larder.
– Free entry to Blair Castle for you plus four guests.

If you are passionate about food service and enjoy working in a dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you! Apply today to become part of our catering team.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter to Alec: alecc@atholl-estates.co.uk

Catering Assistants & Kitchen Porter

Hours: Part-time and full-time available
Seasonal Contract: Immediate start – 31st October 2026
Rate of pay: £13.45 per hour (in line with National Living Wage)

Accommodation available

With the launch of an exciting new menu at Blair Castle where everything is made in house we have vacancies available for Front of House Catering Assistants and Kitchen Porter Roles.

MAIN DUTIES:

Kitchen Porter:
Duties will include pot washing, putting deliveries away restocking the satellite catering units at the Caravan Park and in the Castle Grounds and maintaining a clean workspace.

Front of House Catering Assistants:
Duties to include assisting and serving customers, barista coffee making and special event catering.

BENEFITS:

– Competitive hourly wage and company pension scheme.
– Training and development opportunities.
– Supportive and friendly work environment.
– Accommodation available.
– Discount at the restaurant, gift shop and The Larder.
– Free entry to Blair Castle for you plus four guests.

If you are passionate about food service and enjoy working in a dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you! Apply today to become part of our catering team.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter to Alec: alecc@atholl-estates.co.uk

Cook/Baker

Hours: Part-time or full-time available
Seasonal Contract: Immediate start – 31st October 2026
Rate of pay: Dependent on Experience

Accommodation available

With the launch of an exciting new menu at Blair Castle where everything is made in house we have a vacancy available for a Cook/Baker.
MAIN DUTIES:

We are looking for someone who enjoys baking and home style cooking to work in the Castle Kitchen alongside 2 other chefs.

BENEFITS:

– Competitive wage and company pension scheme.
– Training and development opportunities.
– Supportive and friendly work environment.
– Accommodation available.
– Discount at the restaurant, gift shop and The Larder.
– Free entry to Blair Castle for you plus four guests.

If you are passionate about food service and enjoy working in a dynamic environment, we would love to hear from you! Apply today to become part of our catering team.

To apply, please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter to Alec: alecc@atholl-estates.co.uk

Sous Chef

Be part of something special at the Calanais Visitor Centre as we prepare for an exciting new chapter. We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to support the development of our catering offer within a unique, world-class visitor attraction. Working with fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality food that enhances the overall visitor experience.
In this role, you’ll support menu planning and development, assist with the day-to-day running of the kitchen, and help maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene. You will also contribute to developing a varied catering offer, from café service to functions and special events, while supporting and mentoring junior team members.
This is a full-time role, averaging 37.5 hours per week across the year, with flexibility required including evenings, early mornings and weekends. Salary is £30,000–£35,000 per annum, depending on experience.
For full job description and to apply visit: https://careers.calanais.org/roles
Closing date: 4th May

Commis Chef

Be part of the team behind the future of the Calanais Visitor Centre. We’re looking for a passionate and creative Commis Chef who is eager to develop their skills and grow their talent in a fast-paced, supportive kitchen environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from experienced chefs while contributing to a high-quality food offering in a unique setting.
You’ll assist with food preparation for a varied café menu, support daily kitchen operations, and help deliver freshly prepared dishes using local and seasonal ingredients. The role offers hands-on experience across all aspects of kitchen work, including baking, stock handling, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and food safety, while building your confidence and technical skills.
This is a part-time seasonal role, with a minimum of 15 hours per week and flexible working required, including weekends and occasional early mornings or evenings. The hourly rate is £13.45.
For full job description and to apply visit: https://careers.calanais.org/roles
Closing date: 4th May

Kitchen Porter

Play a key role in supporting the kitchen team at the Calanais Visitor Centre. We’re looking for a hardworking and reliable Kitchen Porter who takes pride in maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene, helping ensure the kitchen operates smoothly and efficiently during busy service periods.
You’ll be responsible for keeping all kitchen areas clean and organised, operating dishwashing equipment, and ensuring that all utensils, crockery, and kitchen equipment are cleaned and stored correctly. You will also support the wider team with deliveries, waste management, and general kitchen duties, contributing to a safe and well-run working environment.
This is a part-time seasonal role, working 22.5 hours per week, with flexibility required including weekends and occasional early mornings or evenings. The hourly rate is £13.45.
For full job description and to apply visit: https://careers.calanais.org/roles
Closing date: 4th May

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