Volunteering with the National Mining Museum Scotland is a varied and rewarding experience. Whether you want to learn new skills, develop your curatorial knowledge or simply meet new people, we like to think that our hands-on opportunities and supportive staff make volunteering with us a great opportunity.

Within our Curatorial Team, our volunteers assist staff in caring for our varied collection of objects, photographs, oral histories, maps, books and many other items. Your contribution will help us to record, store and describe the collection to make it as accessible as possible for visitors and researchers.

We also have volunteers who help our Facilities Team in looking after the buildings and estates. These roles can involve painting, gardening, cleaning and general maintenance to ensure the Museum and its surrounding environments are safe and attractive. The Museum also has Education, Marketing and Events Team, who can sometimes offer volunteer opportunities.

Current Opportunities

Library Volunteer

We are looking for volunteers to support improving our library records. This will involve ensuring records meet library guidelines, with the ultimate aim of online and public access to our catalogue. Because of the nature of the project, volunteers will need to work at our library/offices at Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange.

The opportunity involves working on a database to enhance existing records and enter information on new acquisitions. No previous experience is necessary and full training and support will be provided by our friendly and welcoming team of staff and volunteers.

This opportunity will suit an enthusiastic volunteer who would like to develop their skills with a volunteer-focussed museum.

If you would like to apply for this role, please complete the application form below.

Sinclair & Tim

Volunteering at National Mining Museum Scotland

Volunteers are a key part of our operation and are welcomed into the Museum with a general induction and a development plan, focussed on both the volunteer’s and the museum’s needs. There is no expectation that you will have any knowledge of coal mining history – enthusiasm and commitment are far more important.

If you’d like to join us, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Simply complete our application form below and send it to the Museum Team.

If you’d like to know more, please email us or look at the further information below.

DOC Volunteer Application Form
PDF Volunteer Agreement