Retail Assistant

Starting salary: £27,740

Contract type: Fixed Term (until 31st October 2026\)

Grade: 1

Location: Edinburgh Castle

Working Hours: 5 out of 7, 28 hours per week with weekend working.

Interviews: To be held in person at Edinburgh Castle on week commencing 6th July 2026

Are you looking for a flexible seasonal job that is both fun and unique? You'll get an insight into Scotland's rich history and gain valuable experience in the tourism industry and help bring Scotland's dramatic history to life for our visitors from across the world. Explore the fascinating stories from Scotland's past and share your passion with international and local visitors who come to Edinburgh Castle during the season.

You will be responsible for delivering the highest standard of visitor experience across all areas of Edinburgh Castle, working in one of the three retail gift shops. By engaging with visitors you will proactively sell a wide range of retail products focussing on a strong message of ‘Made in Scotland’.

Having dominated the Edinburgh skyline for over 3,000 years, Edinburgh Castle is steeped in history having served as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress. Each year thousands of visitors from across the globe are welcomed into the castle and we pride ourselves on ensuring each visitor receives a 5 star service. No two days are alike which keeps this role very engaging and brings a great deal of job satisfaction.

Benefits of joining us at Historic Environment Scotland

• Enrolment onto a Civil Service Pension scheme – 28% employer contribution


• 25 days annual leave, pro\-rata (increasing to 30 days after 3 years) \+ 11\.5 public holidays


• Reimbursement for relevant professional subscriptions


• Support for further education and personal development


• Study leave for work related courses


• Flexible working hours (where appropriate)


• Free entry to all of our properties (with up to three guests)

Free entry to English Heritage, Manx and Cadw properties

• Key Responsibilities of this role


• Engage with customers helping them with their buying decisions and answering any questions to improve their enjoyment of the Castle.


• Carry out the daily operational duties of the shop as requested by the Retail Supervisor or Manager.


• Processing and promotion of retail transactions through the till system.


• Responsibility for the retail areas including ordering of stock, pricing, rotation and attractive display of stock.


• Ensure a high standard of presentation throughout the site, including following appropriate cleaning processes in both public and staff areas.


• Processing sales, while ensuring that all financial procedures are adhered to and carried out accurately and efficiently.


• Support the team in achievement of quality assurance Key Performance Indicators as well as working together to achieve overall commercial performance targets.


• Assist with pop\-up retail event both within the castle grounds and the local community.


• Actively support HES seminars, events, functions and promotions.


• aximise commercial opportunities and capitalise on income generating opportunities through selling and upselling appropriate merchandise and promoting other sites and products.


• Assist Retail Supervisor to ensure accurate stock management and assist with stock ordering and deliveries as required.


• Ensure the security of the site, buildings and contents, including acting as key holder (where required).


• Ensure that the health and safety of staff, visitors and contractors is paramount at all times and follow correct procedures to ensure safe operation of any equipment


• Proactively communicate with colleagues across the site to ensure high performance, standards and consistency.


• Work as part of a team to ensure that the Customer Service Industry Standards and Quality Services Awards are maintained and participate in local action plan delivery


• Strive to provide the warmest welcome to our visitors and engage proactively with customer service.

Key requirements of the role:

In order for you to be successful in this post, we will be looking for you to complete a cover letter which addresses:

1\. Why you are interested in the post with Historic Environment Scotland

2\. How you can meet each of the essential and desirable criteria (in up to 800 words), using examples of where you have used these skills in the past.

Please ensure that you provide real life examples for each of the criteria to be considered for this post. You can use examples of how you have met this criteria from your work life, home life, education or volunteer experience.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience delivering high standards of customer service.


• Excellent team working skills.


• A genuine interest in working within the heritage tourism industry.


• Retail or admissions sales experience


• Knowledge of Electronic Point of Sale till systems.


• Experience dealing with cash, credit transactions and end of day procedures.

We are dedicated to building a workforce which is reflective of diversity within Scotland. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or gender identity, religious beliefs, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or neurodiversity. In support of our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from Gaelic speakers.

We want every candidate to have the best chance to succeed during the recruitment process. If you require your application in an alternative format, please reach out to us via email at recruit@hes.scot or call our Head Office at 0131 668 8600 and speak to a member of our People Team.

Please note that, at this time, we are unfortunately unable to provide sponsorship as part of the recruitment process, therefore you must have current right to work in the UK to be considered for a post.

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