Courier Country folk will get the chance to take a peek into some of the region’s hidden treasures next month as Doors Open Days return.
Across the country, more than 1000 buildings will be open and free to enter, many of them not normally available to the public and some opening for the first time.
Castles, churches, mosques, museums, fire stations, offices, theatres and even a distillery are among some of the buildings taking part this year.
On September 8 and 9, Dundee residents will be able to visit Avertical World, an indoor climbing centre based in the former St Mary Magdalene Church.
A selection of archive materials relating to Grove Academy will be also available from the school, including research on former pupils.
Meanwhile, an historical tour of Forfar and a look around Humpty House, winner of the Dundee Institute of Architects’ Supreme Award 2017, will be on offer in Angus.
Bertha Park High School will throw open its doors and offer a look into the progress of its ongoing development on a number of dates throughout September.
Glenalmond College, the Guildry Incorporation of Perth, Dun Aluinn House, Kindrogan House, Strathallan School, and the Old Academy Building will also feature.
A centenary celebration for the RAF will take place at the Methill Heritage Centre and at St Finglassen’s Well, access has been improved to allow a new generation of pilgrims to enjoy the historic site.
Events will also be held at Lochore Meadows Country Park, Auchterderran Church, Kinglassie Parish Church, St. Drostan’s, the Archaeology Room, Murray Library Hostel, the 1940s House, Inverkeithing Friary and a number of other locations.
Doors Open Days is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust and is part of European Heritage Days alongside Scottish Archaeology Month, which is coordinated by Archaeology Scotland.
Susan O’Connor, director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said: “Doors Open Days is a fantastic opportunity for communities up and down the country to show off the best of their buildings.
“We’re thrilled with the range of architectural wonders on display this year and we can’t wait to enjoy as many sites as possible.”
Diarmid McLachlan RIAS, president of the Dundee Institute of Architects (a chapter of the RIAS) said: “The celebration of Scotland’s architecture is the Incorporation’s business and we are very grateful to Scottish Civic Trust for their recognition of the Festival of Architecture.
“We hope this will help people across Scotland to become more confident about engaging with architecture and all aspects of the design of our public spaces. That is what placemaking is all about.”
Further details are available at doorsopendays.org.uk
