Why Volunteer
Over 30,000 people across Scotland volunteer with historical, cultural and nature organisations.
Thinking about how you want to benefit from volunteering is a good start to finding an opportunity that’s right for you. You may volunteer to:
- Care for local places. Make Your Mark connects you with organisations that preserve and celebrate Scotland’s places. You could have the opportunities to volunteer at historic and cultural places like castles, monuments, buildings and parks.
- Discover Scotland’s stories. Make Your Mark also connects you with organisations that research and educate people about Scotland’s history and culture. You could have the opportunity to volunteer at archives, museums, galleries and local history societies.
- Meet new people. Volunteering can be a great opportunity to meet a range of different people and make new friends.
- Be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.
- Gain confidence. Volunteering can help you gain confidence by giving you the chance to try something new in a supportive environment.
- Learn new skills. Volunteering can help you learn new skills, such as public speaking, researching, greeting visitors and more. You can also gain experience in new roles like serving on a board, accessioning collections and leading tours.
- Build your CV. The new skills and experiences that you gain while volunteering are great additions to any CV.
- Network with staff. If you’re interested in working in the heritage or cultural sector, volunteering can be a great way to see what it’s like and talk to staff about their roles.
- Make a difference. By giving your time you’re helping the organisation you volunteer for, and you’re also helping the people, communities, animals or environments they represent. What turns that donation into an investment is that you get back far more than you give.
- Have fun! Most volunteers have a great time, regardless of why they do it.
But don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what a few volunteers have to say about their volunteering experience:
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Make Your Mark is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery Players, Make Your Mark supports everyone in Scotland to access heritage volunteering.