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.
13. Comely Bank Cemetery
Comely Bank Cemetery, in Crewe Road South, was originally laid out in 1896. It contains 227 First World War graves and another 76 Second World War graves. Unusually, the granite headstones in the war graves plot lie flat, a decision made by architect Sir Robert Lorimer. Guided tours will be available, introducing the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Open: Saturday, September 23, from 2pm. , 06/07/09: Alf Tubb, who was on the SS North Devon with Reginald Earnshaw, pictured next to Reginald's gravestone with young sea cadets. Photo: Colin Hattersley
14. Craigsbank Parish Church, Corstorphine
Craigsbank Parish Church was designed in the 1960s by Sir William Kininmonth, influenced by Le Corbusier. The sanctuary is said to create an illusion of floating above ground, with its square plan and plain white windowless exterior. A range of arts and music events will be taking place in the sanctuary and halls, along with architectural and historical displays. Between 11am and 2pm on Saturday 23rd September, cellist Joanna Stark will give performances of a composition by Tree Burton, for Craigsbank Church. The piece is informed by the architecture and design of the church and was first presented at Doors Open Day 2017. Open: Saturday, September 23, 10am-3pm, and Sunday, September 24, 1-3pm. Photo: Katie Lee
15. Leith Custom House
Leith's Custom House is an imposing Georgian building at the heart of The Shore area. Completed in 1812, the building retained its original use until 1980 when it became a museum store. When it was to be sold for redevelopment in 2015, the city council stepped in to acquire the Custom House and appointed the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust to lead its regeneration and restoration. After almost 35 years with no public access, the building is now being brought back to life as a thriving hub for the creative industries while a capital project to restore it is developed. There will be talks about the project, traditional skills workshops, tours of the building and exhibitions of old Leith. Open: Saturday, September 23, 10am-3pm. Photo: Sheila Masson
16. 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. The church will be open for guided tours. Open: Saturday, September 23, 10am-4pm, and Sunday, September 24, 1-4pm. Photo: Alamy