Hundreds of places all over Scotland which are not normally exposed to the public gaze will be letting people see what goes on behind the scenes as part of Doors Open Days 2023.
Visitors are being invited to uncover hidden gems and experience familiar places through fresh eyes. Doors Open Days began in 1990, with 44 events in Glasgow and Ayr. But in the past 33 years the event has expanded to reach all 32 council regions of Scotland with visitors enjoying access to nearly 1,000 events, coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust.
The Doors Open Days events take place on different days in different parts of the country – Midlothian and West Lothian have theirs this weekend, September 9-10; Edinburgh and East Lothian are on September 23-24. All Doors Open Days events and activities are free.
Here is a first look at some of the Edinburgh buildings which will be opening their doors to the public.
The Doors Open Days events take place on different days in different parts of the country – Midlothian and West Lothian have theirs this weekend, September 9-10; Edinburgh and East Lothian are on September 23-24. All Doors Open Days events and activities are free.
5. Arthur Conan Doyle Centre, Palmerston Place
The Arthur Conan Doyle Centre at 25 Palmerston Place is the home of the Edinburgh Association of Spiritualists. The Victorian town house, built in 1881, was he home of philanthropist and Liberal MP William McEwan, founder of the Fountain Brewery, who financed the building of Edinburgh University's McEwan Hall. It is notable for its beautiful stair hall and engraved glass dome ceiling. Activities on offer include a recorded audio tour, a historical display and artists' open studios. Open: Saturday, September 23, 10am-4pm. Photo: Greg Macvean
6. Astoria Centre, Corstorphine
At the end of 2017, The Corstorphine Trust took a long-term lease of the Kirk Loan Hall from Corstorphine Old Parish Church. Now it has been renamed the Corstorphine Astoria Centre and is the new home of the 2/4 Ingram organ that was used in the Astoria cinema - now the site of Iceland - until its demolition in the mid-1970s. The trust has restored the organ - the smallest theatre organ in the UK and the last remaining one of its kind in the world - to its former glory. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. Open: Sunday, September 24, noon-4pm. Photo: Scottish Civic Trust
7. Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge
Augustine United Church is a diverse, progressive Christian congregation of the United Reformed Church. Its striking four-storey building on George IV Bridge rises from Merchant Street, next to the Cowgate, towards an elaborate tower that earned the church the nickname of “the bridecake” when it was opened in 1861. The sanctuary will be available for viewing, together with the church's heritage exhibition and audio-visual resources. And there will also be Lego-based activities, light refershments and volunteer guides to answer questions. Open: Saturday, September 23, 10am-4pm and Sunday, September 24, 2-4pm. Photo: Danny Lawson
8. Bridgend Farmhouse, Old Dalkeith Road
Bridgend Farmhouse, at 41 Old Dalkeith Road, is a traditional 19th century farm steading on the edge of Craigmillar Castle Park. It has been restored over the past eight years and is now a community centre, owned and run by the community itself. It has a café, workshops, a garden, allotments and a unique eco-bothy officially opened last October. The farmhouse, gardens and café will be open. Visitors are free to wander around or have a guide. Videos of the centre's activities will be shown in the exhibition room. Open: Sunday, September 24, 1-4pm. Photo: Contributed