Castle issues statement on TikTok job video

A TIKTOK featuring Caerlaverock Castle has gone viral for all the wrong reasons.

The video, which has raked in 12 million views, and 1.3 million likes, claims a science and history lover is needed to move into the castle on a salary of £75,000 a year.

The only catch is you have to look after two swans that live in the castle’s moat.

User @nunchakusdragon said: “Is anyone willing to move to into this castle permanently in Scotland? They pay you £75,000 to live there but it comes with some major strings attached and it’s that you have to take care of these two swans that live in the moat around the castle.”

He added that a former owner was looking for someone to take it over. The video creator continued: “He passed away without having any kids and when they opened the will he left the castle and all the possessions to the swans.”

However, no such job exists as the triangular castle is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland, and the Caerlaverock Estate and still privately owned, with Lady Clare Kerr as the current owner.

The estate this week revealed they have been inundated with enquiries about the fictional job.

In a statement released on Monday a spokesperson said: “We’ve had a few hopeful messages about an opening for ‘Swan Caretaker at Caerlaverock Castle’ — and while it sounds like a dream job straight out of a fairy tale, we’re afraid it doesn’t actually exist. The swans seem to be doing just fine managing themselves!”

A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland added:

“The site have had a few enquiries, but mainly people have been very understanding when they’ve explained it’s a bit of a joke.

“While Caerlaverock Castle may not offer such a position, the site will be showcasing the many diverse careers on offer within the heritage sector at our Hands On Heritage event taking place Wed 22 Oct. Visitors can watch skilled craftspeople in action with live demonstrations of traditional skills, from stone masonry to blacksmithing and archaeology- though no live-in swan caretakers!”