Whether you are looking to meet new people, learn new skills or give something back to your community, we have loads of opportunities at different times and days, and with varying levels of time commitment. Our Volunteer Development Officer, Rob Locke, will find a role to suit you and support you in settling in and making sure you have all the training you need to be part of our team.
Full training will be given for each role and may include: Competent Crew Member training; RYA Helmsman; First Aid Certificate; Food Safety Certificate; Walk Leader training; Equality and Diversity training; any other training needs identified by staff or volunteers themselves.
Some of our volunteers have shared their stories of volunteering with our organisation – you can see the videos here!
Crew Member
Assisting the Skipper of the Lochrin Belle in providing safe and enjoyable outings on the boat for a range of cruises from private parties to community trips and special projects. Tasks such as: preparing the boat the trip; welcoming the group onboard; assisting with manoeuvring the boat; knowing what to do in the event of an emergency; and making sure everything is ship shape at the end of the trip.
Should you wish to take your crewing to a new level, we also offer RYA Helmsman training (min 6 months) and even Boatmaster Skipper training (takes up to 1 year).
Events Host
Looking after our customers and participants in a variety of themed events and special cruises.
Tasks such as: welcoming people onto the Lochrin Belle and ensuring they feel comfortable about the trip; serving refreshments; supporting session leaders in delivering inclusive activities; and generally being smily and chatty to help create the warm and relaxed atmosphere we are known for!
Walk Leader or Supporting Leader
Assisting or taking the lead with our weekly Canalside Walking Group.
Tasks such as: supporting or leading local walks; chatting to walk participants; knowing what to do in an emergency; being involved in admin and risk assessments of running the project.
Canal Festival Volunteer
Be involved in our key annual event, the Edinburgh Canal Festival! There’s a lot to do from helping with pre-event organisation, social media and marketing to on the day stewarding.
Canalside Maintenance
Taking part in litterpicks and vegetation management – from both towpath and on water locations!
Canalside Greenspace Group
Explore and improve our local greenspaces e.g Fountainbridge Green and Harrison Park, for the benefit of people and nature. You are invited to join a the Canalside Greenspace Group to connect with others in these greenspaces and learn and share practical skills. All equipment and training provided.
Board Member
Our Board of Directors have strategic oversight and possess a range of skills, knowledge and experience that they contribute to help the successful running of the organisation. We are also looking for people who live locally and want to get more involved in their local community and in making the area a great place to live. We would love to hear from anyone who thinks they have something to offer!
For more details about any of our opportunities, contact Rob on 07394927456 or rob@fcct.scot
We advertise most of our opportunities on the Volunteer Edinburgh website, which is also a great resource for all things volunteering in our city.
