It’s a chance to venture into those places you pass all the time but never go inside.
Edinburgh’s Doors Open Days are next weekend - Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27. More than 100 buildings in the Capital are taking part, offering visitors a glimpse behind the scenes.
Doors Open is Scotland’s largest free festival of culture, architecture and heritage. It happens on different dates in different places. Midlothian and West Lothian have already had theirs. East Lothian’s falls this weekend, the same as Edinburgh’s.
This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine, invites participating venues and visitors to explore how Edinburgh’s built heritage is being protected, adapted for new uses, and reimagined for the future.
We’ve already featured some of the buildings in the Capital which will be opening their doors to the public:
Scroll through the 21 buildings featured here and decide which ones you want to visit.
And look out for more to come.
9. Newington Cemetery
One of Edinburgh’s oldest cemeteries, opened 1846, there are many notable burials here, including 156 individual war graves and a memorial. There will be a tour of the war graves, with advanced booking required. Meet at the cemetery gates. Address: 222B Dalkeith Road, EH16 5DT. Tour: Saturday, September 26, 11am. | Scottish Civic Trust
10. North and South Leith Parish Church
Founded in 1483, this has been the historic parish church in Leith for over 500 years. Until recently known as South Leith Parish Church, a merger with North Leith resulted in the new name. The building, redesigned by Thomas Hamilton in 1847, has a unique hammer beam roof and magnificent stained-glass windows. There will be organ recitals on Sunday afternoon. Address: 1 Kirkgate, Leith, EH6 6BJ. Open: Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27, 10am-4pm. | Scottish Civic Trust
11. Northern Lighthouse Board
The Northern Lighthouse Board is the lighthouse authority for Scotland and the Isle of Man and has provided a vital safety service to mariners since 1786. It is responsible for the management of all lights, buoys and beacons within Scottish and Isle of Man waters. Its Edinburgh base - its headquarters since 1832 - is marked by a miniature working lighthouse outside the entrance. Displays, talks and short film. Address: 84 George Street, EH2 3DA. Open: Saturday, September 26, 10.30am-3pm. | Google Maps
12. Norton Park
Norton Park is a non-profit organisation, home to 29 charities and social enterprises. Its business hub is a converted school building, which provides affordable, serviced office space for third sector organisations. Next door, the conference centre, housed in two repurposed churches, has meeting and event space for hire, open to any business, charity or group. Guided tours, talks and a short film. Address: 57 Albion Road, EH7 5QY. Open: Saturday, September 26, 10am-4pm. | Google