Wanted: guardian for Edinburgh's most famous churchyard

ONE lucky jobseeker could be set to bury the dole-queue blues - by filling a new role as the Capital’s graveyards project manager.

Bosses at World Heritage Edinburgh are looking to recruit the right applicant to help them look after one of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks.

But the successful candidate is likely to face stiff competition - with thousands already viewing the job advert.

Dr Susan Buckham, Graveyards Project Manager at Edinburgh World Heritage said: “We have been overwhelmed with interest in the role of Graveyards Engagement Officer, a key part of the Making Lasting Impressions project.

“Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, this project will work with a diverse range of voices to understand and celebrate the value of Greyfriars Kirkyard.

“Our original tweet about the role has been seen by almost 20,000 people, and the job listing itself is now the most visited page on our website.

“The enthusiasm we have seen from the public illustrates the strength of attachment people feel to this historic graveyard, and its significance to the World Heritage site.”

Heritage chiefs see the role as key in engaging audiences in the most famous of five historic burial sites in the Old and New Towns.

The lottery-funded Making Lasting Impressions project aims to draw together community groups, institutions and other organisations connected with Greyfriars.

Bosses hope the scheme will deepen public understanding of, and engagement with, the kirkyard.

“We are an independent charity with the aim of ensuring the city’s World Heritage status is a dynamic force that benefits everyone,” reads the job ad.

“Our mission is to connect people to their heritage in everything we do – whether through the conservation of historic buildings, delivering improvements to the public realm, or engaging people directly with the rich heritage of their city through events and membership programmes.

The successful candidate will help deliver a programme of creative learning activities for the Greyfriars Kirkyard project.

The role is part-time, working two days per week for a fixed term of 15 months and a salary of £23,000 pro rata

Closing date for applications is Friday, March 20, with interviews held on Tuesday, March 31.

Among those already expressing early interest is Edinburgh-based writer and presenter David C. Weinczok.

He tweeted: “Edinburgh World Heritage's Graveyards Engagement Officer vacancy...I'm going to give it a shot.

“I enjoy Edinburgh's historic graveyards daily, share them with 1000s using live video and tours, am very aware of conservation issues and want to see them flourish. Fingers crossed.”

Anyone interested is asked to complete an application form and send it to [email protected] together with a CV and covering letter in support of their application.

Further details are available at: https://ewh.org.uk/vacancy-graveyards-engagement-officer/