It’s an opportunity to see behind the scenes in buildings you might pass every day but have never ventured inside.
Doors Open Day - which has been going for the past 36 years - takes place on different weekends in different parts of the country. Buildings in Midlothian were opening their doors to the public this weekend, September 12 and 13 and West Lothian will be following suit next weekend, September 19 and 20.
Edinburgh’s turn comes on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. More than 100 sites in the Capital have signed up to take part.
Here’s a first instalment of 29 places you can visit in Edinburgh that weekend - look out for more to come.
17. Cramond Kirk
This is a cruciform Kirk from 1656 with 15th century tower and an interior altered in 1701 and 1811. It has a pitch-pine hammer beam roof and three windows designed by Edward Burne-Jones in memory of William Reid, former owner of Lauriston Castle, and his brother-in-law. For Doors Open Days there will be talks on the architecture of the building. Address: Cramond Glebe Road, EH4 6NS. Open: Saturday, September 26, 12-4pm and Sunday, September 27, 2-5pm. | Scottish Civic Trust
18. Leith Custom House
The grand Georgian Custom House has dominated Leith’s Shore for two centuries. Completed in 1812, the building retained its original use until 1980 when it became a museum store, before being saved for the city when the Council stepped in to buy it in 2015, with the goal that it would become home to a museum for Leith. As work picks up pace for its restoration and transformation in the coming years, it has become a thriving hub for the creative industries in Leith. Guided tours at 11am, 1pm and 2.30pm. Address: 65-67 Commercial Street, EH6 6LH. Open: Saturday, September 26, 10am-4pm. Photo: Sheila Masson
19. Dalmeny Kirk
Dalmeny Kirk, a mile outside South Queensferry, is the most complete example of a Norman parish church in Scotland. Its history stretches back 880 years to the days of the early Celtic saints. Tours and cream teas will be available on Saturday. Address: Main Street, Dalmeny, EH30 9TT. Open: Saturday 27 September, 10am-4pm, and Sunday 28 September, 1-4pm. Photo: Alamy
20. Dar al-Arqam Mosque
Dar al-Arqam Mosque was originally built as Lauriston Church, designed by Archibald Scott in Gothic style and completed in 1859. It was used by the United Presbyterian Church, later became disused and was purchased by the Muslim community in 1980. It was used primarily as a social club and was damaged by fire but opened as a Mosque 2012. It is named Dar al-Arqam, after the first building used by the early community of the Prophet Muhammad in Mecca as a place of teaching. Visitors can observe how the church has been converted into a mosque while maintaining the original beauty of the building. Address: 59 Lauriston Place, EH3 9HY. Open: Saturday, September 26, 12-4pm. | Scottish Civic Trust