It’s September, so it must be time for Doors Open Days.
The annual event, billed as Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating architecture, culture, and heritage, invites visitors to uncover hidden gems and experience familiar places through fresh eyes.
Doors Open Days are held on different days in different places throughout September. Midlothian will see people exploring buildings behind the scenes next weekend, September 12 and 13. Buildings in West Lothian will be opening their doors on September 19 and 20.
And Edinburgh and East Lothian get their turn at the end of the month, September 26 and 27.
Scroll through the 16 buildings in Midlothian which will be welcoming people next weekend and see which ones you want to visit.
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1. Cousland Smiddy
There's an early 18th century blacksmith's workshop and Victorian cottage, as well as organic allotments in the former gardens. It is believed there has been a continuously working Smiddy on the site since at least 1703. The resident farrier will be working at the forge throughout the day, demonstrating the art of horseshoe making. The Smiddy cottage, home to Cousland Local History Project, houses a special exhibition “Cousland Eras” – spotlights on the last 4000 years of this special wee place. Refreshments with home baking and soup lunches will be available and produce for sale. Address: 31 Hadfast Road - off A6124, east of Dalkeith - Cousland, EH22 2NZ. Open: Saturday, September 12, 10am-4pm. | Scottish Civic Trust
2. Crichton Collegiate Church
Built as a Collegiate Church by Sir William Crichton, Lord Chancellor of Scotland in the time of King James II, this building boasts a fine suite of stained glass windows by Ballantine and Gardiner. The pipe organ dates from 1898 and was built by Joseph Brook. The site has been used for Christian worship for nearly 600 years. Open: Saturday 14 September, 10am-4pm. There will be a demonstration of the pipe organ from 2pm. Address: Crichton, Pathhead, EH37 5XA. Open: Saturday, September 12, 10am-4pm | Google
3. Dalkeith Community Fire Station
Opened in November 1970, the fire station responds to fires and other emergencies, as well as educating and advising the general public on community safety matters and enforcing fire safety legislation. Doors Open Days visitors will be able to speak with on-duty personnel, see a guest fire appliance, and there will activities for children. Address: 36 Abbey Road, Dalkeith, EH22 3AD. Open: Saturday, September 12, 11.30am-3pm
4. Dalkeith Museum
Run by a team of volunteers on behalf of Dalkeith History Society, this small independent museum invites people to step back in time and see Dalkeith at War, at School, at Work, at Leisure and see a Sustainable Dalkeith - local shops, local food and local transport. Address: 61 St Andrews Street, Dalkeith, EH22 1BP. Open: Saturday, September 12, 10.30am-3.30pm | Scottish Civic Trust