Job Description

Volunteer Directors sought as Board members for Braemar's Community Castle

Braemar Castle is a community asset, operated under the control of Braemar Community Limited since 2007. (Scottish Charity--SC038573).

Built as a Hunting Lodge in 1628 by the Earl of Mar, damaged during the first Jacobite Uprising in 1689, it was repaired and rebuilt in 1746 by the Government following the Battle of Culloden as a barracks for Hanoverian troops. For the past 200 years, it has been a family home to the Chiefs of Clan Farquharson, who first opened it to the public as a Visitor Attraction in the 1960s.

Since 2007.the Castle has been successfully operated by the community with visitor numbers steadily building from an initial 3,000 to 14,000 in 2019, with 30,000 visiting the grounds.

By 2024 the Castle completed a major 1.6 million "Raising the Standard" project funded with support from the National Lottery, Historic Environment Scotland and many local, and national, trusts and supporters. Alongside the re harling of the Castle, this project will further the Castle's economic and educational potential as an acclaimed attraction with a bold, creative, far-reaching programme of community engagement, activity and learning.

2024 saw a soft opening after the investment.

2025 is our first year of trading. Much has been done, and there is much to do.

There are a limited number of paid staff, with a full time Castle Manager, supported by volunteers.

Growing visitor numbers in 20205 is a challenge, and other partnerships and revenue streams need to be considered. Progress has been made in this area, but more focussed marketing and strategic alliances are sought.

We have a need for two new directors:

Financial Director to join the Board and work alongside our long-standing Financial Director, who will step down in March 2026.

Chair to replace our Interim Chair.

We are seeking people who have the capacity to volunteer and knowledge, experience and interest in some of the following areas:

Experience of Strategic Planning

Interest in Tourism and Heritage projects

Marketing/PR /Communications

Leadership

Financial management

Operational / Project Management

Board meetings will be 6-8 weekly held, in the evenings, on-line or physically, for two hours approximately. Sub committees will meet in between as required.

For more information, please contact

Andrew Martin drew.1022@hotmail.co.uk /07763 132855

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: 1.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ballater AB35 5XR