The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust (RBET) seeks an experienced and dynamic Director of Fundraising to lead fundraising efforts for the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project, an ambitious conservation and adaptation initiative at Ellisland Museum and Farm. The post is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to the players of the National Lottery. This exciting role involves launching and directing a major fundraising campaign to secure backing required for the £7.4m project, which will restore and transform the historic site into a vibrant centre for heritage, learning, and artistic inspiration.
Introduction/Background
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust (RBET) safeguards the 1788 farm designed and built by Robert Burns on the banks of the River Nith near Dumfries. This A-listed site is the best-preserved of all the poet’s homes and the place where he wrote a quarter of his musical output, including Auld Lang Syne.
The farmstead sits on 140 acres of woodland and fields first enclosed by Burns himself. Managed by a volunteer-led SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) since 2020, Ellisland is both a museum and a public space, with seasonal opening hours, events, and group visits. Volunteers maintain the grounds year-round, providing free public access to the riverside paths and walks.
RBET’s mission is:
“Ellisland is the place to fall in love with Burns. We will increase awareness of Ellisland as central to the artistic development of Robert Burns in poetry and romantic song. We will enhance understanding of the site as the best place to see the natural world through the poet’s eyes. We will create a world-class visitor experience and a vibrant centre for creative learning to ensure the unique collection, buildings, and landscape are accessible to a diverse range of modern audiences.”
Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne
In September 2024, we secured a development stage grant of up to £489,206 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne. The development stage of the project is costed at £945,000, with an estimated total project cost of £7.4m.
The project will restore the 1788 cottage, create an immersive visitor experience, adapt the barn into a Centre for Song, and develop a new museum gallery to safeguard and display Burns’s collection. It will also include outdoor enhancements, skills training, volunteering, and a robust programme of events and residencies, ensuring the site’s long-term sustainability and community engagement.
The Director of Fundraising will be integral to achieving the funding goals necessary to bring this vision to life.
The Brief
The Director of Fundraising will lead a global fundraising campaign for the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project. This individual will work closely with the Project Director, Technical Project Manager, Trustees, and external consultants to deliver funding targets for the capital project and associated revenue funding needs. The fund-raising campaign will be monitored by Trustees who will also support engagement work and identification of donors. The is a fundraising sub-committee which will monitor progress. The project includes a budget to support our membership recruitment and retention with a CRM system. It is essential that the individual has experience of working with projects supported by the Heritage Fund.
The position can be fulfilled either through a freelance contract or a staff position.
The position will cover the Development Phase of the project, leading up to a Delivery Stage Application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Trusts reserves the right to continue the contract into the the delivery stage of the project, which is expected to last until 2028. The Trust also reserves the right to end or suspend the contract at the end of the development stage.
Any Freelance contractor will require to have appropriate Professional Indemnity insurance, Employer’s Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance. This should be highlighted in the advert.
A full Project Brief is available for download below.
Please Note: If you are a current employee of the University of Glasgow, please be advised that the University would consider an internal secondment opportunity for this post. University of Glasgow applicants should seek clearance for release for internal secondment from their line manager before making a formal application.
The University of Glasgow has been changing the world for more than 573 years, and today we are one of the world's top 100 universities. We are delighted to have been awarded Scottish University of the Year by the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, demonstrating that we are not only one of the best universities in the United Kingdom, but one of the best universities for the world. Our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, and our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
This is a great opportunity for a Project & Exhibition Manager to join the University’s Museum & Art Gallery.
The Projects & Exhibitions Manager is a key role in delivering The Hunterian’s ambition to be a more meaningful place for more diverse audiences. You will coordinate the development of, and project manage the development and delivery of, The Hunterian’s programme of temporary exhibitions and will support the delivery of the NLHF-funded ‘Unlocking the Potential of The Hunterian’ project.
You will be responsible for effectively managing a portfolio of projects, including a range of exhibitions and elements of the NLHF funded development project. This includes effective planning, stakeholder management, resource management and effective and extensive communication throughout the Hunterian team.
We have a new and innovative post which will work on our Initial Ministerial Education (IME) programme with the opportunity to shape courses, conferences and policy. You will be responsible for ensuring that our academic courses for our trainee ministers and deacons are meeting the Church of Scotland needs and reflective of the demands of modern ministry. As you will be working closely with our Lead Academic Partner you will bring your own experience of theological study alongside a track record of delivering a training and/or education training programme.
Bringing strong interpersonal skills including influence and negotiation combined with your knowledge of the workings of the Church of Scotland and its training and formation will allow you to lead and advise on our new IME programme.
The postholder is required to be a committed Christian with a live Church connection which is a Genuine Occupational Requirement in terms of the Equality Act 2010.
Could you be part of something different? We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to use their gifts, skills and experience to make a difference to the lives of the people in our parishes and communities.
We are looking for someone to lead the kirk sessions and congregations of an existing linkage into a closer worshipping and missional relationship. To establish strong values and ways of working as the first step towards an eventual team ministry with Lomond Parish Church.
We are looking for an experienced manager with a strong understanding of the third sector and a genuine passion for social justice to help lead our organisation through challenging economic times.
The role requires someone who can think creatively, adapt to change, and handle challenges with a solution-focused mindset. Experience in budgeting, financial planning, fundraising, and running impactful organisations on limited resources is essential.
The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a non-judgmental approach, and the ability to connect with and manage a diverse team.
This office-based role is a vital position, ensuring the organisation thrives in a difficult climate, working closely with the CEO to oversee operations and drive the organisation’s growth and development.
If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you!
Job Purpose:
Roles and Responsibilities:
Skills, Knowledge and Experience Required:
Further Details:
Equal opportunities:
ScrapAntics is committed to being an equal opportunities organisation and welcomes all applications for consideration.
We know there are candidates who may not fit every criteria we’ve outlined here, or who have key skills we haven’t listed. If this is you, please do apply if you feel your particular experience or skill set could enhance this role.
This post is full time and fixed term to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns.
Please Note: If you are a current employee of the University of Glasgow, please be advised that the University would consider an internal secondment opportunity for this post. University of Glasgow applicants should seek clearance for release for internal secondment from their line manager before making a formal application.
The University of Glasgow has been changing the world for more than 573 years, and today we are one of the world's top 100 universities. We are delighted to have been awarded Scottish University of the Year by the Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, demonstrating that we are not only one of the best universities in the United Kingdom, but one of the best universities for the world. Our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, and our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
The Hunterian are currently looking for a creative and dynamic Audience Engagement Manager to join our team.
You will be key in planning, organizing, and running a variety of events and activities to welcome new visitors. Working alongside the Audience Development Manager, you'll help create and manage an exciting programme that engages a diverse range of audiences.
You will also oversee audience research, volunteering, social media, marketing, and visitor engagement, making sure the initiatives are engaging, inclusive, and community focused.
The successful candidate will work closely with both internal teams and external partners to ensure The Hunterian becomes a more inviting and meaningful space for all audiences.
The Boys’ Brigade is an international Christian youth organisation, providing opportunities for children and young people to learn, grow and discover in a safe, fun and caring environment.
Our vision is that children and young people experience ‘life to the full’.
We are seeking an enthusiastic communicator with experience of working with volunteers, to support existing BB groups and establish new groups in Scotland.
To find out more about this role, please visit boys-brigade.org.uk/vacancies
Role Summary
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust (RBET) seeks a highly skilled Project Manager to lead the Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne project, delivering significant conservation and adaptation works at Ellisland Museum and Farm. The post is supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to players of the National Lottery and South of Scotland Enterprise.
Introduction
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust (RBET) safeguards the 1788 farm designed and built by the poet Robert Burns on the banks of the Nith near Dumfries. The A listed steading is the best preserved of all the poet’s homes, the only one he built, and the place where he wrote a quarter of his musical output, including the international anthem to friendship, Auld Lang Syne. The farmstead sits in 140 acres comprising woodland and fields which were first enclosed by Burns himself. RBET is a membership Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation with a volunteer board of Trustees formed in 2020, although the site itself has been held in trust since 1928. It is located six miles north of Dumfries off the A76. It is an accredited museum, with seasonal opening, holding events and group visits off-season, depending on capacity. A small team of volunteers maintain the grounds and riverside walks for free public enjoyment all year.
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust’s charitable purpose is as follows:
To hold the lands and farm of Ellisland, and such other funds and assets as may from time to time be comprised in the Trust Property, in trust for the following purposes:
(a) the advancement of education
(b) the advancement of the arts, heritage and culture
(c) the promotion of the life and works of Robert Burns
(d) to maintain a museum and collections for the benefit of the public
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust Mission Statement is as follows:
“Ellisland is the place to fall in love with Burns. We will increase awareness of Ellisland as central to the artistic development of Robert Burns in poetry and romantic song. We will enhance understanding of the site as the best place to see the natural world through the poet’s eyes. We will create a world class visitor experience and a vibrant centre for creative learning to ensure the unique collection, buildings and landscape are accessible to a diverse range of modern audiences.”
Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne
In September 2024, our trust secured the offer of a development stage grant of up to £489,206 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne. In November 2024 we were awarded up to £313,000 from South of Scotland Enterprise towards the project. We expect to receive Permission to Start by January 2025. The development stage of the project is costed at £945,000 while the full cost after delivery and re-opening is £7.4m, which includes start up activity costs.
Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne intends to bring the spirit of Burns – love, kindness and equality – into the 21st century and widen access to Ellisland with a vibrant programme of events, activities and artist residencies. We will restore the 1788 cottage, creating an immersive visitor experience, and develop a gallery/museum to display the collection, which is at risk in the deteriorating buildings. Our barn will be sensitively adapted as a Centre for Song, so future generations are inspired by Burns’s “sweet poetic ground.” We will increase visitor numbers and develop new income streams to protect the built heritage, collection and outdoor spaces, including woods, paths and fields created by Burns. This will increase economic prosperity in South Scotland and enhance wellbeing with skills training, jobs and volunteering opportunities.
A full brief can be downloaded below.
Join our team as the Trusts and Foundations Coordinator, where you'll play a key role in helping to deliver National Galleries of Scotland’s ambition to grow funds raised from grant sources. This is a wonderful opportunity to build on your fundraising skills, while working in a highly supportive Development Team passionate about art.
You will have excellent research and organisational skills, strong written and verbal communication, and be proficient in analysing financial information for persuasive grant submissions.
You’ll be responsible for maintaining the list of prospects, monitoring opportunities and recording approaches and outcomes. You’ll also write proposals and steward relationships with Trusts and Foundations through regular communication, report writing, arranging visits and generally ensuring we meet the conditions of any funding received.
This post is part of a pilot strategy to grow NGS income. This post is initially on a 22-month fixed term contract, with the possibility of extension depending on the income levels achieved during the pilot. This offers an excellent opportunity for a results-driven individual to demonstrate their impact and contribute to shaping the success of this initiative.
Join Our Board: Chair and Trustee Opportunities with Live Borders
At Live Borders, the leisure and culture body serving the Scottish Borders, we are delighted to be seeking a new Chair and Trustees to help shape the future of our dynamic organisation.
We keep ourselves busy: Live Borders manages more than 60 venues, in addition to providing a range of programmes, to deliver our goals of encouraging cultural engagement, sports participation, and physical activity. We are proud to reach over 1 million sports- and 300,000 culture- participants annually. And as a registered charity, we reinvest every penny into creating healthier, happier, and stronger communities. This is an opportunity to become part of a forward-thinking organisation that improves lives every day across the Scottish Borders.
As a member of our Board of Trustees, you will play a vital role in our governance and strategic direction, helping to guide Live Borders through an exciting period of recovery and growth. The role offers a chance to give back to the region, influence its future, and work collaboratively with others who share your passion for community impact.
Whether you are an experienced board member or considering your first non-executive role, we welcome your unique perspective and expertise.
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in the following areas:
However, more than technical skills, we value enthusiasm, commitment to our mission, and the ability to work well as part of a team. We are seeking one individual to take on the role of Chair, leading our Board of Trustees – for this role, prior Chair or Vice-Chair experience would be highly useful, as would exposure to public sector non-executive boards and committees.
Trustee involvement will include attending board and committee meetings up to two days per quarter, as well as contributing outside of these meetings to support the organisation’s goals. The time commitment demanded of the Chair is expected to be similar although may at times exceed. These roles are undertaken on a voluntary basis, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
By joining Live Borders, you will have the chance to help govern a charity that is the largest provider of culture, sports, and leisure services in the Scottish Borders. You will work with a committed team, helping to shape the organisation’s future and ensuring it continues to deliver exceptional services for local communities. The Board continues to serve as an excellent platform for professional and personal growth for its members.