What is your job title?
Heritage Engagement Coordinator

On a day-to-day basis, what do you actually do at work?
My role was created as part of the King’s Theatre’s redevelopment to engage our local communities, groups and schools with the theatre’s heritage and ensure they are a part of its legacy moving forward.

My day-to-day work can be super varied, but generally I work with our partner schools to develop and coordinate bespoke workshops run by arts professionals and inspired by our archive, The People’s Archive. As well as my work with schools, I lead the King’s Theatre Youth Panel, develop youth projects, coordinate and support our daytime offering, such as Heritage coffee mornings, Heritage Talks, Preservation workshops, our volunteer programme, and support the ongoing upkeep of our archive in person and digitally.

Where did your career in tourism begin?
I have been with Capital Theatres since early 2024, having had a varied career leading up to this, generally working with communities and young people across Edinburgh.

I studied drama and performance at Queen Margaret University, working in a range of public-facing, tourism roles throughout, including retail, hotel receptions, and even as a tour guide on the Royal Mile, alongside teaching youth theatre.

I then trained and worked as a primary teacher until 2021, at which point I began working as a freelance engagement artist with a range of Edinburgh arts organisations. I was lucky enough to find online training opportunities within the arts during lockdown alongside teaching roles, which ultimately led me to become an artist in residence with the Lyceum Theatre.

Following this, I began my current role with Capital Theatres. I am a big advocate for a portfolio career (or ‘wiggly career’ as I prefer to call it) and my wide range of previous roles have really helped me to get to where I am today, as well as providing me with a huge network across Edinburgh, and a lot of insight into Edinburgh’s heritage, both historical and social. I’m delighted to working alongside the King’s Theatre redevelopment, after a life-long love of the arts was sparked by my first visit to the King’s pantomime at age 5.

What do you love about your job?  
The stories! Almost weekly, we have new donations to the People’s Archive, which come with anecdotes and stories from the people who have donated them. The items themselves might hold value, but truly not as much as the memories people associate with their visits to the King’s. I love hearing these stories and finding creative ways to translate the emotions associated into activities and experiences for our next generation of theatre-goers. I also wholeheartedly love working alongside the loveliest people (staff and stakeholders) on a daily basis. Everyone who connects with our venues does it out of love, and that is really magical. 

In one sentence how would you sell Edinburgh to a potential visitor? 
Edinburgh beauty isn’t just on the surface, its heart also lies beneath the cobbled streets and stunning landscapes, charming, beguiling, and leaving you curious for more tales (just remember to bring a good pair of trainers!) 

What’s your favourite place in Edinburgh and why?
The Royal Botanic Gardens are a firm favourite of mine. Amidst the bustle of the town, there is nothing better than grabbing a coffee from DiGiorgio’s and seeking some quiet solace in the greenery, making friends with the squirrels, and discovering a new part of the gardens you haven’t been to before. The Botanics have the added bonus of hosting my favourite Christmas activity in Edinburgh with their light trail, which always makes me feel festive. 

What advice would you give someone considering a career in tourism?
Find an area you’re passionate about and research different paths in. I’d also encourage them to capitalise on opportunities to network with people in roles they’d eventually like to end up in, and not to discount the power of asking someone to meet you for a coffee and a chat. Edinburgh in particular is a village, and it never hurts to know someone who might be able to offer you advice when you most need it. 

We’re celebrating the past 25 years of tourism in Edinburgh, but looking forward what would you like to see happen in next 25 years for Edinburgh as tourist destination?
For me, the best things Edinburgh has to offer for tourists and residents alike are our green spaces, our heritage, and our vibrant arts landscape, and I’d love to see all three protected and thriving in the next 25 years. Edinburgh’s rich history lives not only in the physical streets and buildings, but also in the voices and stories of its residents and communities. I hope the stories and communities continue for years to come.