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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5. Lodge St Leonard, Loanhead and Lasswade
The lodge has been active in Loanhead since February 1876 when a Charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of Scotland to allow it to be formed. The foundation stone was laid on 29 April 1899. It will be set up as a working Lodge with Masonic furniture and regalia on display. Guided tours will be available throughout the day. Address; 47 Clerk Street, Loanhead, EH20 9RE. Open: Saturday, September 12, 10am-4pm. | Google
6. Mavisbank House
Construction of Mavisbank House began in 1723, by Sir John Clerk of Penicuik and the architect William Adam. Just over 50 years ago, a major fire left the building in ruins but finally efforts to restore the house are now underway. Address: Mavisbank House and Grounds, between Loanhead, Lasswade and Polton - EH18 1HY (nearest postcode available) Open: Saturday September 12, 10am-12.30am. Two talks at 10am and 11.30am are fully booked, | TSPL Photo: Lisa Ferguson
7. Midlothian Camera Club
This small but active and friendly camera and photography club caters for all levels of photographic ability and interest. Anyone interested in photography and/or finding out about the club is invited to go to the club, chat to members over some light refreshment, see the dark room, studio space and equipment and view a slideshow and prints of members’ work. Address: 7 Polton Road, Lasswade, EH18 1AB. Open: Saturday September 12, 11am-3pm | Midlothian Camera Club
8. Bonnyrigg Mosque
The former Carnegie Library in Bonnyrigg is now Midlothian Muslim Community Centre and Bonnyrigg Mosque. It is opening its doors to the public and inviting them to explore the building, learn more about Islam, enjoy exhibitions and presentations, meet the local Muslim community, try some refreshments and ask questions. Address: 12 Lothian Street, Bonnyrigg EH19 3AD. Open: Saturday September 12, 11am-4pm. | Google