Volunteering Opportunities
Alford Heritage Museum has been run exclusively by Volunteers since 1991. There are so many ways to get involved! You need not have experience or specific knowledge of the collections to volunteer, just enthusiasm and interest.
Maybe you enjoy telling stories, like the idea of welcoming and hosting visitors or perhaps you'd enjoy hands-on opportunities working with the collection?
There are so many benefits to volunteering: socialising and sharing, feeling part of the community, and developing new skills. Have a watch of this video to find out more:
Saltire awards are available for young volunteers and reference writing is offered to all volunteers upon request. The museum is committed to valuing the interests and talents of individual volunteers, and with continued support, we are confident that your time spent volunteering will be a positive and fulfilling experience.
Volunteer Roles
Volunteer Roles Information DownloadGet Involved
If you are interested in helping us, please contact us by email info@alfordheritagemuseum.com or pop into the museum when we are open and speak to one of the volunteers manning the museum.
We have a large range of jobs from manning the front desk when we are open, dealing with the collection, maintenance of the museum site, setting up exhibitions etc. You can volunteer every week or just for one or two events a year depending on the time you have available.
Membership
Community Membership
All residents over 16 who live within the Alford Academy School Zone are invited to become Community Members of Alford and Donside Heritage Association (SCIO 050799) – the charity which oversees the running of Alford Heritage Museum.
There is no charge for this membership – you will be demonstrating your support for the museum simply by signing up and agreeing to support our Purposes, which are:
- To promote and maintain the Old Mart Building at Alford and the collections held within it.
- To advance the Arts, Heritage and Culture.
- To advance citizenship or community development, including rural regeneration.
Please help us by becoming a Community Member using the attached form which can be downloaded and then posted through the museum letterbox.
The FAQ sheet will help to answer any questions about this new category of membership:
Friends Annual Membership
Friends annual membership is available to all regardless of location – there are three categories: individuals, couples or families. Friends enjoy free admission to the museum throughout the season and reduced ticket prices for special events such as concerts. They also receive email updates and newsletters.
Membership Prices
- Families: £25
- Joint: £20
- Individual: £12
Gift Aid
UK taxpayers can also Gift Aid their membership fees and any donations which they make by completing a form. This allows the museum to claim 25p from HMRC for every £1 which you give us. It costs you nothing.
You can download a gift aid form here. If you are having difficulties opening the file, paper copies are available in the museum.
Donations
Financial Donations
Financial donations can be placed in our collection boxes, handed to staff on duty who can issue a till receipt, or sent by post – cheques payable to Alford Heritage Museum.
We have recently launched our JustGiving page to fundraise for essential building work.
Gift Aid
UK taxpayers can also Gift Aid their membership fees and any donations which they make by completing a form. This allows the museum to claim 25p from HMRC for every £1 which you give us. It costs you nothing.
You can download a gift aid form here. If you are having difficulties opening the file, paper copies are available in the museum.
Donations of Objects
Due to space considerations, the Museum is not actively seeking donations of objects and can only consider items of relevance to our core collection, with a local provenance or strong local connection.
If you have something you think we might be interested in which you wish to donate please send details, including a digital image if possible, to info@alfordheritagemuseum.com so that we can consider your offer. We are unable to accept items on a loan basis.
Recycle Your Ink Cartridges
Did you know that you can help us raise funds simply by recycling your ink cartridges via our Recycle4Charity programme?
For each ink cartridge recycled via the programme we will receive up to £2 donation.
To send your cartridges or start collecting for us click the below button:
Our Thanks To
- Colin Inglis and Lloyd Dixon for web site design, development and content.
- Ian Cameron, Donside Camera Club, for the implements logo.
Sponsorship
The museum is incredibly grateful for the support of our 2026 sponsors:
Thank you
Become a Sponsor
On 27th March 2026, Alford Heritage Museum opens for its 35th year in operation. In 2021, Historic Environment Scotland awarded the Mart building a Category A Listed building status. Following a successful season in 2022, we were delighted to be upgraded by Visit Scotland to a 3-star attraction. Both awards reflecting the hard work of our team of dedicated volunteers.
This year we are offering local businesses and supporters the opportunity to work with us as sponsors. In return for your support, we are able to offer local marketing and community involvement opportunities.
Our Reach:
- Facebook page with over 2,000 followers and an average monthly post reach of 15-20k individuals
- Website attracts an average of 1,700 visitors per month
- Established press contacts to promote individual events and updated displays
- Strong links within the tourism industry and regional heritage networks