Director's Blog: National Doors Open Days Festival
Every year, as summer draws to a close and autumn begins to hint at its arrival, Scotland celebrates an event that invites locals and visitors alike to step into its rich heritage, vibrant culture, and hidden architectural gems. This event is none other than Doors Open Days.
For many, the thought of Scotland conjures images of mist-covered highlands, historic castles, and bustling cities filled with history. Behind the stone facades and beyond the tourist trails lies a Scotland that is often out of reach to the everyday traveller. Doors Open Days offer a unique chance to explore this side of Scotland, opening doors—quite literally—that are usually closed to the public.
What is Doors Open Days?
Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates architecture, culture, and heritage. Each September, hundreds of buildings, historic sites, and unique spaces across Scotland open their doors to the public for free. From grand castles and stately homes to working factories, modern eco-buildings, and places of worship, the variety of venues is vast and eclectic.
Coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust, this event is part of European Heritage Days, a pan-European initiative that celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of Europe. While other countries also participate, Scotland’s Doors Open Days has a distinct charm that reflects the country’s deep historical roots and its forward-thinking innovation.
A Journey Through Time and Space
What makes Doors Open Days so special is the diversity of locations and experiences on offer. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone curious about the places you pass by daily, there’s something for everyone.
1. Historical Buildings and Monuments:
Scotland is renowned for its historical buildings, and Doors Open Days provides a unique opportunity to explore them for free. Some of the sites that open their doors include castles like Braemar Castle in Aberdeenshire, where, for its first year taking part in Doors Open Days, you can walk through centuries of history, or lesser-known gems like the quaint Menstrie Castle in Clackmannanshire. These locations often offer guided tours, providing rich narratives that bring the past to life.
2. Hidden Gems:
One of the most exciting aspects of Doors Open Days is discovering places you might never have known existed. For example, you might stumble upon a tiny chapel tucked away in the countryside, a Victorian bathhouse hidden in a modern city, or a historic shipyard that tells the story of Scotland’s industrial past. These hidden gems often become the highlight of the event for many participants, offering a sense of discovery and surprise.
3. Modern Marvels:
Doors Open Days is not just about the past; it also celebrates contemporary architecture and design. Many modern buildings, including eco-friendly homes and cutting-edge office spaces, open their doors to showcase Scotland’s innovative spirit. These buildings often offer insight into sustainable practices and modern design philosophies, providing a glimpse into the future of architecture.
4. Industrial and Functional Spaces:
Factories, breweries, and even power plants participate in Doors Open Days, offering visitors a rare behind-the-scenes look at how things work. These tours often appeal to the curious minded who are eager to understand the processes that keep the modern world ticking. For example, you might get the chance to tour a whisky distillery, learn about renewable energy at a wind farm, or visit the world’s only operational oil lit light tower.
Where will your Doors Open Days journey take you?
Doors Open Days is more than just an event—it’s an invitation to step into the stories, spaces, and heritage that shape this remarkable country. Whether you’re a resident here in Scotland or a visitor eager to delve deeper into the nation’s history, Doors Open Days offers a unique chance to connect with Scotland in a way that’s both educational and inspiring. So, as September rolls around, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity, open a few doors, and see where the journey takes you.
Joe Traynor, Director of the Scottish Civic Trust