Volunteering at The Black Watch

Are you interesting in getting involved in your local community?

Volunteering with The Black Watch Castle and Museum is a chance to be part of something bigger. Our charitable mission is:

“To support Black Watch veterans and their families through welfare, comradeship and the preservation and promotion of the Regiment’s history and ethos.”

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us achieve this mission by welcoming visitors, supporting our staff, and bringing our heritage to life.

Our objectives are at the heart of everything we do:

Providing Welfare: to former Black Watch soldiers and their dependants who are in need.
Promoting Comradeship: via Black Watch Association Branches and a range of volunteering opportunities at The Black Watch Castle and Museum.
Preserving Heritage: by sharing The Black Watch story and preserving the artefacts and archive for future generations via the work of The Black Watch Castle and Museum.

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us achieve these aims. By donating your time, you will support our work with veterans, help share Scotland’s military history, and provide an outstanding welcome to all who visit. Whether you are looking to gain new skills, meet people, or give back to your community, there is a place for you here.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are currently looking for volunteers across a wide range of roles. Training and support are provided for every position, so no prior experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved.

Retail Support

Our shop is a key part of the visitor experience. Retail volunteers will be the first point of contact for visitors, help customers choose from our range of items, process purchases at the till, restock shelves, and ensure the shop is well-presented. This role is ideal for friendly, approachable people who enjoy customer service.

Bistro Support

Our award-winning Bistro is a lively and welcoming space for visitors and locals. Volunteers assist with welcoming guests, taking orders, serving food and drinks, and helping set up and clear tables. It is a great role for people who enjoy hospitality, teamwork, and engaging with a wide range of customers.

Tour Guide

Tour Guides bring the story of The Black Watch to life. This role involves leading groups around the Museum, sharing stories about the Regiment, answering questions, and adapting tours. This role suits confident communicators with an interest in history. Training and resources are provided to support you.

Events Support

We host a wide range of events, from family activities to seasonal celebrations. Volunteers help set up and assist in running the events, support craft activities or workshops, and ensure everything runs smoothly. This role is varied and hands-on, perfect for people who enjoy working in a team and helping others.

Education Support

This role supports our Learning and Audience Officer with school visits, workshops, and community activities. Volunteers may help prepare resources, welcome school groups, and assist with activities. It is a rewarding role for people who enjoy working with children and young people and supporting education.

Marketing Support

This role supports the Marketing and Communications Manager. Volunteers may support by distributing posters, assisting with social media content, writing blogs or helping with campaigns to promote the museum. This role is ideal for creative people who want to gain insight into marketing in a heritage setting.

*In line with our Safeguarding Policy, Disclosure Scotland checks may be required for certain roles. These requirements will be assessed on an individual basis. Specifically, volunteers supporting education and school groups will be subject to these checks.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Volunteering with The Black Watch Castle and Museum offers many benefits, including:

Becoming part of a friendly and supportive community.
Donating your time to help veterans, their families, and the preservation of Scotland’s Oldest Highland Regiment.
Gaining valuable experience and developing new skills in heritage, education, retail, hospitality, and events.
Learning about the interesting history of The Black Watch Regiment.
Access to training, resources, and support from staff.
20% off in the Bistro and Shop (excluding Alcohol, food and books).

What Our Volunteers Say

Hear is what some of our Volunteers have to say about their time here. Their stories highlight the friendships they’ve built, the skills they’ve gained, and the pride they feel in supporting veterans, preserving history, and welcoming visitors!

“I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the Museum for over 15 years. Given my background of serving in the military, IT and Libraries, etc. I volunteer in the research department where I support the museum team in finding information related to members of The Black Watch and their experiences.

The very friendly atmosphere makes coming to the Museum so very enjoyable and coming from a family with connections to the Black Watch dating back to Waterloo, I really felt the need to give something back to them and was so pleased to be given the opportunity.”

“I have been volunteering at the Black Watch Museum for the past 6 years. I spend my time in the shop and front of house. This entails greeting people as they come through the door, regardless of whether they are going to the Museum, shop or Bistro. In the shop, I serve customers and help them, if needed, with whatever they wish to buy.

I also chat with visitors, especially if they are from overseas but also with every customer who comes to the front desk. I find customers appreciate the time we give to make each and every one of them feel welcome to the Black Watch and indeed, Scotland.

I started to volunteer after spending over 30 years as a teacher. I missed having people around me and this has certainly filled that void. I only volunteer once a week but it is a very happy and rewarding day each week. I hope to continue for many years to come.”

“I became a volunteer tour guide at The Black Watch Museum following a placement with the Battlefields Uncovered veteran's charity programme which allowed me to assist with archival searches and material preparation for a special exhibition in 2024 about the prisoner of war experience of Black Watch soldiers during the Second World War.

There are amazing personal stories in the museum that I enjoy telling people during the tour and working as a guide puts me in contact with all sorts of people, each with their own story, be they veterans, locals or tourists; from the US Army veteran who served as a helicopter crewman in Vietnam in the same unit as an Australian friend, to the man whose uncle was a piper in the Black Watch and played at JFK's funeral, and the lady who was interested in learning more about her grandfather who was serving in the Black Watch when he was lost during the First World War. Everyone has a story to share!”

Contact Us

Please fill out the either the application form or the enquiry form below to indicate areas of interest and learn about our availability.

Email the application form to madeline@theblackwatch.co.uk or send it to The Learning and Audience Officer at Balhousie Castle, Hay Street, Perth, PH1 5HR.

There is a place for everyone at The Black Watch Castle and Museum, and we would love to welcome you to our volunteer team.

Support Us