It’s the final weekend of Doors Open Day 2015. Over the last 4 weeks we’ve seen an exciting programme of events throughout Scotland, and this weekend is no different.
The areas to be on 26th and 27th September are Argyll (Kintyre & Inverary); Clackmannanshire; Edinburgh; Highlands (Lochaber, Badenoch & Strathspey) and Perth & Kinross.
Take a look through some of our final recommendations.
Argyll: Springbank Distillery
Springbank was established in 1828 and is the oldest independently owned distillery in Scotland – currently in the hands of the great, great grandson of the original owner. It is unique among Scotland’s distilleries as it is the only one to undertake 100% of the distilling process on the one site, with human involvement at every stage of the process.
Tours are every hour from 12.30pm until 3.30pm, finishing with a dram of Springbank 10 year old. Cheers!
Image: www.flickr.com/audrey_sel
Clackmannanshire: Dollar Museum
This excellent independent museum occupies part of a former early 19th century woollen mill and has permanent displays about the history of Dollar. It includes Granny’s Kitchen, Castle Campbell, Dollar Academy and the Devon Valley Railway. This weekend has an exhibition of photos and information about famous local people. Explore how the town looked and lived in the past.
Edinburgh: Edinburgh Printmakers
Edinburgh Printmakers was originally a washhouse for the local community. All the public washhouses in Edinburgh closed in 1971 but many of the original features, including the impressive red brick chimney, remain.
With guided tours and studio demos throughout the day, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the Union Street washhouse whilst seeing behind the scenes at Edinburgh’s busiest print studio.
Image: www.flickr.com/digitailwag
Perth & Kinross: Cultybraggan Camp Guard Block and Jail
Cultybraggan Camp (Camp 21) was built in 1941 as a prisoner of war camp and held up to 4000 German Prisoners of War. After the war, the camp was used as an army training facility until 2004.
This weekend you can see inside several of the 100 Nissen huts and hear about the history of the camp. Highlights include ‘Living the Life of a German POW’ exhibition and a display of WW2 memorabilia including a reproduction Enigma machine and military vehicles.
Edinburgh: HM General Register House and New Register House
General Register House and New Register House make up one of the oldest purpose-built archive buildings in the world. Popular with genealogists, it holds birth, death and marriage certificates. It’s definitely worth a visit this weekend – if only to see the circular chamber of the Dome. It’s 90ft high and has five tiers of ironwork and shelving. Separate tours of both buildings will be available throughout the day. Tour booking in advance is necessary because places are limited and don’t forget to take along proof of ID.
Image: www.flickr.com/stusmith
Highlands (Lochaber, Badenoch and Strathspey): Nevis Radio
Nevis Radio is the community radio station for Lochaber and has been broadcasting since 1994.
Opening its doors this weekend to let the public see what they do – you might even get a chance to try-out on the radio yourself. No need to book in advance.
Tell us what have been your highlights of Doors Open Days from any weekend in September. We would love to hear your stories and see your photos.
For the full programme of events, visit Doors Open Days