Edinburgh attraction loved by Outlander star Sam Heughan looking for new 'storytellers'

Edinburgh’s The Real Mary King’s Close, located beneath the Royal Mile, welcomed more than 290,000 guests in 2025.

Continuum Attractions have now launched a campaign to recruit more than 40 new Storytellers for the 2026 season.

In 2024, the attraction was named the UK’s number one visitor attraction by TripAdvisor, with more than two million guests having passed through its doors since opening in 2003.

Paul Nixon, general manager at The Real Mary King’s Close, said: “Following a record-breaking year for the attraction, we’re excited to continue the expansion of our team.

“Our Storytellers are at the heart of what makes the Close such a memorable experience, bringing the history of 17th-century Edinburgh vividly to life for guests from around the world.

“In order to meet the continued demand for our immersive experience beneath one of the nation’s most famous streets, we’re looking for creative individuals who are passionate about delivering unforgettable guest experiences in a truly unique environment.”

Situated under Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, it is a place where people lived and worked between the 1600-1800s.

Sam Heughan has previously picked out the Capital attraction as his favourite place in Scotland, saying that a visit there as a teenager left him “terrified”.

The Edinburgh-raised actor, who plays Highland warrior Jamie Fraser in the hit time-travel series, added: “It's like something out of Harry Potter, it really is. And if you haven't been, please visit Edinburgh.”

Seasonal roles ideal for performers, students, and graduates

The seasonal roles, which combine storytelling and character performance with retail and customer experience, will run from March until October and are based in the heart of Edinburgh.

The roles are ideal for performers, students, graduates and local people with an interest in history or theatre.

No previous acting experience is required, with full training provided to successful applicants.

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Calum Philip started working at the Close in March 2025, having previously studied at Queen Margaret University.

He said: "I’ve never worked in a more supportive environment.

“Not only are all my colleagues such lovely people, but the managers genuinely care about our wellbeing and do everything they can to make our work enjoyable.”

Mehdi Bel Abbes, from Bathgate, has been a Storyteller at the Close for 18 months.

Reflecting on his time at the attraction, he said: "The best thing about working at The Real Mary King's Close is the people.

“I look forward to seeing them every single shift. I have never worked, and never will work, with a more talented, friendly, lovable bunch of people than I do now."

Applications are now open. Find out more about the current vacancies and apply at www.realmarykingsclose.com