Iconic buildings old and new are planning to throw open their doors as part of this year’s Doors Open Day in East Dunbartonshire.
The event, which takes place on Saturday 5 September and Sunday 6 September, allows free access to 23 different venues of historic, cultural, archaeological and community interest.
There are opportunities to see behind the scenes of buildings usually not accessible to the public, such as Milngavie Community Fire Station or Kirkintilloch Police Station which will both have activities for children.
And if you are looking for even more child friendly events - offering fun and learning for all the family - there are a further eight events with activities for children.
Join us at Kirkintilloch Town Hall on Saturday, September 5 for a special drop-in family activity transferring heritage inspired designs onto your very own badge to take away. The event – for kids aged 5 and above – is free and runs between 10am-12.30pm.
There is a chance to go roaming through the formal gardens and woodland at Bearsden Baptist Church which is situated on an ancient Roman Fort. A family friendly event has been organised from 2pm on Sunday 6 September with an opportunity to explore the Roman heritage of the site, garden, Maxholme Villa, and modern sanctuary. Activities will include Roman art and shield painting, Roman cookery demonstrations, tours of the bathhouse and fort, garden trails, poetry workshop, and tours of the building.
For crafty kids there are drop-in activities available at Bishopbriggs Library and William Patrick Library in Kirkintilloch as well as the first ever Young Artists Art Exhibition featuring works by local artists aged 14-25 at the Auld Kirk Museum.
Don’t miss a chance to visit the newly refurbished Campsie Memorial Hall in Lennoxtown by joining the Campsie Local History Group for a talk to discover the stories behind the gravestones at the High Kirk, Lennoxtown on Saturday 5 September at 2pm.
Why not take the opportunity to visit Gavin's Mill - one of Milngavie’s oldest buildings dating from at least the 16th century. You can view a display about the building’s history, pick up some goodies in the fair-trade shop, or treat yourself to some refreshments in the café with guided tours at 11am, 1pm, and 3pm on Saturday 5 September. For budding young archaeologists there will be a Kids’ Dig at 2pm.
Alan Wright, Chair of East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust (EDLCT), said, "Doors Open Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the stories, heritage and communities that shape East Dunbartonshire.
"If you have ever walked past one of these buildings and wondered what it was like inside, I’d encourage you to go along to one of the many events taking place in our towns and villages.
By throwing open the doors to some of these remarkable buildings it allows people to discover hidden histories and connect with their local heritage during what is one of the highlights of the cultural calendar.
East Dunbartonshire Doors Open day is part of a family of Doors Open Days events taking place across Scotland throughout September. It is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust and EDLCT coordinates the East Dunbartonshire programme. The event could not be possible without the local volunteer support of participating groups, venues and the East Dunbartonshire Heritage and History Forum.
It is Scotland’s largest, free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old and is supported by Historic Environment Scotland.
