Project Collections Assistant at The Royal Scots Regimental Museum

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term – 18 months
Salary: £27,000
Location: The Royal Scots Regimental Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
Closing date: 12 noon 07/09/2026

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Complete a desk-based survey of the identified collections and develop in collaboration with the Museum Curator a roadmap for the planned project.
• Collate existing digital resources in object records on MODES.
• Create, or improve where necessary, object records on MODES in line with SPECTRUM standards.
• Create high-quality digital imagery, through photography and scanning, of the museum collection.
• Label objects where appropriate.
• Identify and record objects where storage and conservation are not conducted in accordance with Accreditation and other sector standards for further study.
• Conduct research to improve understanding of the objects and stories in the collection.
• Contribute to the development of collections policies and procedures in line with sector standards, namely collections reconciliation workflows.
• Provide written reports and other updates to the Museum and Heritage Committee in advance of and during regularly held meetings.
• Provide a summary report on the storage of the collection and the requirements for a newly fitted store.

General

• Improve accessibility to the collection for researchers and members of the public.
• Monitor and report on environmental conditions, pest control and security in storage and exhibition areas.
• Support in the opening and closing of the museum building.
• Assist with further lines of development as directed by the Museum Curator. Engagement
• Develop good working relationships with other museums and organisations, including members of the Association of Scottish Military Museums.
• Provide project-related updates for various audiences, including Museums Galleries Scotland and the regimental journal, The Thistle.
• Support fundraising efforts by contributing to applications to trusts, foundations and other grant-giving bodies.

Museum Redevelopment Project

• Support the Museum Curator in preparation and management of the collection in anticipation of a museum redevelopment.

Person Specification

Essential

• Demonstratable professional experience working with museum collections, including object handling and documentation.
• Competence in using collections management systems (preferably MODES).
• Strong organisational skills and initiative to manage your own workload.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Experience in creating written reports and resources for a range of audiences.
• A proactive and flexible approach to work in a small team.

Desirable

• A degree in museum studies or a related subject, or equivalent experience.
• A working knowledge of The Royal Scots Regiment, and wider Scottish military history and heritage.
• A working knowledge of Accreditation and other sector standards.
• Experience of digitisation practices.

Additional Information

• Some occasional evening, weekend or out-of-hours work may be required.
• This role is based at Edinburgh Castle. The museum is located up a cobblestone hill with the store on the ground floor of the building, and the office is accessed via a staircase. We welcome conversations about any reasonable adjustments you may need.
• Project-specific training will be available

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please send an up-to-date CV with short personal statement by email to Sophie Lenihan (Museum Curator) at museum@theroyalscots.co.uk.

The personal statement should be no longer than two sides of A4 and should outline how you feel you meet the criteria listed in the person specification.

If this application process makes it difficult to appropriately demonstrate your skills, we would be happy to discuss other means of submission, by video or audio.

The closing date for applications is Monday 7th September 2026 at 12 noon.

Interviews will be held in person at Edinburgh Castle the week commencing 12th October 2026.

If you have any queries about the role or wish to request any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application process, please get in touch.

Apply

CV & short personal statement by email to Sophie Lenihan (Museum Curator) at museum@theroyalscots.co.uk.