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.
9. Burns Monument, Regent Road
The Burns Monument on Regent Road, on the slopes of Calton Hill, commemorates Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. .Monuments in this style were built in ancient Athens to celebrate the poetic arts, and this one was designed by Thomas Hamilton to house a statue of the bard by sculptor John Flaxman. The Burns Poetry garden around the monument contains flowers mentioned in his poetry. Burns' poetry and song will be performed by members and friends of Edinburgh and District Burns Clubs. Open: Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, 10am-4pm. Photo: Greg Macvean
10. Chapel of St Albert the Great, George Square Lane
The award-winning Chapel of St Albert the Great is located in the two back gardens of Edinburgh’s oldest Georgian Square. Commissioned in 2011 by the Dominican Order who serve as chaplains to Edinburgh’s universities, the chapel serves as the spiritual home of Catholic university students and staff and great many others besides. Open: Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24, 1-5.30pm. There will be a presentation by sculptor Kenny Hunter and Fr Dermot Morrin OP at 3pm. Photo: Scottish Civic Trust
11. Church of the Good Shepherd, Murrayfield
The Church of the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Murrayfield Avenue was one of the first commissions received by renowned Scottish architect Sir Robert Lorimer. And most of his features remain intact, including a choir screen he designed later in the Arts and Crafts style. His original designs will be on display, guides will be available to show people round and there will be music from the church's recently renovated organ. Open: Saturday, September 23, 10am-4.30pm, and Sunday, September 24, 11am-4.30pm (Sunday service 10-11am). Photo: Google Streetview
12. Collective - City Observatory, Calton Hill
The City Observatory on Calton Hill, the birthplace of astronomy and timekeeping in Edinburgh, is now home to Collective, a free contemporary art centre. Visitors are invited to explore the site, including two summer exhibitions and the Observatory with its two antique telescopes - visitors can view the Transit Telescope on the ground level and enjoy a self-guided tour of the Cooke Telescope upstairs, not normally open to the public. Open: Saturday, September 23, 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-5pm. Photo: Tom Nolan