Museum Volunteer

• River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum

• VO106127

Join our friendly team at the River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum, located in two small exhibition rooms within Kelso Town Hall in Kelso's historic Market Square.
The River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum is a small, friendly museum located in two rooms within Kelso Town Hall, overlooking the historic Market Square.
We are looking for volunteers who enjoy meeting people and would like to help visitors discover the rich history of Kelso, its surrounding areas and fishing on the River Tweed.
As a volunteer, you will welcome visitors, answer general questions, provide information about the museum and its collections, and help ensure everyone has an enjoyable visit by creating a warm and enjoyable environment while preserving the heritage of salmon fishing on the River Tweed. You do not need to be an expert on local history or fishing —full support and guidance will be provided, and you will learn as you volunteer.
As the museum develops, there will also be opportunities to become involved in exhibitions, community events, talks, visits, fundraising, researching local history, recording oral histories, and helping us create a welcoming community space where local people can meet, share stories etc.
Volunteering is a great opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, contribute to an important local charity, and help preserve the unique heritage of salmon fishing on the River Tweed for future generations.

Experience required

Essential
Friendly, welcoming and approachable.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Reliable and able to work as part of a small team.
Willingness to learn about the museum and its collections.
Preferred (not essential)
An interest in local history, heritage, museums or the River Tweed.
Experience in customer service, retail, hospitality or working with the public.
Knowledge of fishing or the local area.
No formal qualifications or previous museum experience are required. This role is open to beginners, and full training and support will be provided.

Travel details

The museum is easily accessible by public transport, with local bus services stopping nearby, and there are several public car parks within a short walking distance.
No travel is required as part of the volunteer role unless volunteers choose to support occasional events or activities held elsewhere.

Travel expenses

Volunteers are expected to make their own way to the River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum, which is located within Kelso Town Hall in Kelso's Market Square.

• About
• Location
• Notes

Support

Training details

No previous museum experience is required. All new volunteers will receive an induction covering the museum, its collections, visitor welcome procedures, health and safety, and day-to-day operations.
New volunteers will initially work alongside an experienced member of the team until they feel confident in the role. We aim to create a friendly and supportive environment where volunteers can develop new skills, build confidence and become part of a welcoming team.
Ongoing guidance and support will always be available, and we welcome volunteers' ideas to help the museum continue to grow and develop.

Taster

Before committing to the role, you're invited to attend an informal taster session at the River Tweed Salmon Fishing Museum. You'll meet existing volunteers, have a tour of the museum, learn about its history and collections, and see what a typical volunteer shift involves.
You'll have the opportunity to observe how we welcome visitors, ask questions, and chat with the volunteer team over a cup of tea or coffee. There is no obligation to volunteer afterwards—the taster session is simply an opportunity to find out whether the role is right for you.

Restrictions

Minimum age: 18

Volunteers should be able to spend periods of time moving around the museum space to welcome visitors and assist with enquiries. Seating is available.
The museum is located within Kelso Town Hall and is on the ground floor,

Availability

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Frequency & commitment

The museum is open to the public on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11.00 am until 5.00 pm, from February to the end of November, closing during December and January. Volunteers will have a named contact, who spends time at the museum on each of its opening days and is also available by phone or email if needed. New volunteers will work alongside experienced volunteers until they feel confident in the role. Support is informal, friendly and tailored to each individual. Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas and raise any concerns at any time. Regular conversations with the team ensure everyone feels supported, and additional guidance or refresher training can be provided whenever needed. Our aim is to create a welcoming environment where volunteers feel valued, supported and confident while helping the museum continue to grow. Volunteers can fit hours around their availability, and there is no expectation to volunteer each day.

Volunteers (aged 18-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Find out more

This volunteering opportunity is also advertised across Scottish Borders.

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