In Person

Aberdeenshire

‘Prehistory in the Garioch’ at Monymusk Hall

21 September 2024

Mid-Grampian Mesolithic’s Doors Open event features an exhibition of the family friendly community archaeology group’s exploration of local evidence for early prehistory in the Mid-Don valley. There will be an exhibition about life here approximately 10,000 years ago, along with the evidence found for it. There is a hands-on Mesolithic map game and Playmobil landscape for children to build and explore. There will also be a slideshow of photographs and afternoon teas available.

In Person

Aberdeenshire

1 High Shore, Banff (Merchant's House)

21 September 2024

22 September 2024

1 High Shore is an original Merchant’s house in the centre of Banff, adjacent to the Silversmith’s House and the Market Arms; they are three of the oldest houses in Banff, forming a historic grouping. Opposite lies a medieval churchyard.

In Person

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Libraries Headquarters

21 September 2024

Live Life Aberdeenshire Libraries facility is a purpose-built headquarters with the local public library on site. The building is the central distribution point for the circulation of books and resources to the 32 libraries across Aberdeenshire. This working warehouse is the hub of the service, also providing resources to primary and academy schools, HMP Grampian, Care Homes, and to our Doorstep Delivery customers. Headquarters is also home to Live Life Aberdeenshire’s Local Studies centre which has a wealth of resources available to those with an interest in exploring their local and community heritage, including a collection of local themed books, newspapers, photographs, maps, and many resources to support genealogy research.

In Person

Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire Museums Service Discovery Centre

21 September 2024

Aberdeenshire Museums Service, part of Live Life Aberdeenshire, cares for and manages the historic and artistic collections owned by Aberdeenshire Council. The Service currently operates two museums in Aberdeenshire, Banchory Museum and the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum at Aden Country Park. The collections which are not currently on display at these venues are kept at this state-of-the-art museum storage facility. 

In Person

Aberdeenshire

Alford Heritage Museum

21 September 2024

22 September 2024

The Alford Heritage Museum, a popular attraction in the town, is housed in the A Listed cattle auction market building in the centre of Alford. First opened in 1905, the building has operated as a museum since 1991 following the mart’s closure in 1986. Through exhibits and displays, the Museum aims to preserve local heritage and educate people regarding the traditional and historic way of life in rural Donside. A wealth of social and agricultural history is contained within the collection.

In Person

Aberdeenshire

Alford Valley Community Railway

21 September 2024

22 September 2024

Alford Valley Community Railway (AVCR) is a narrow-gauge railway and a much-loved community attraction that runs from the centre of Alford Village to Haughton Country Park and back. Alford Valley Charitable Community Benefit Society (AVCCBS) was formed to get this attraction back up and running and received significant funding to do so. This is a community railway operated by the community for the community and visitors are most welcome to come hear about how the funding was utilised.

In Person

Aberdeenshire

Ballater Masonic Lodge

21 September 2024

The building, category C listed and located within its own grounds in the Braemar conservation area was purpose-built for a Masonic Lodge in 1896. The building is a fine example of pink and grey granite with distinctive Aberdeen bonding. Visitors will be able to experience the original Masonic rooms essentially unchanged by entering the main hall, view photographs and browse through membership records and minute books all going back over 100 years. An exciting glimpse beyond the doors of this historic society where 200-year-old manuals and Minute books will be on display for Doors Open Days.

In Person

Aberdeenshire

Banff Parish Church

21 September 2024

22 September 2024

Banff Parish Church originates from 1789 and was designed by Andrew Wilson architect and builder. The iconic spire that can be seen in the landscape was added by William Robertson in 1849. The spire stands majestically on top of a tower constructed in tooled and polished ashlar. The chancel was later added and the interior altered in 1929. A small chapel was created at the rear of the church in 1994. The pulpit, font, communion table and stained glass in the chancel were all gifted in 1929. Take a moment out of your busy Doors Open Days adventure to stop and contemplate within the walls of this magnificent category B listed church in the heart of Banff.

In Person

2024 Theme

Aberdeenshire

Beannachar Camphill Community

21 September 2024

Beannachar (formerly Banchory House) is a large mansion house on the South Deeside Road, designed by John Smith, renowned Aberdeen architect, and completed in 1839. It is now home to a thriving Camphill community for young adults with additional support needs, offering both residential and day services. Beannachar is located near the northern foot of the ancient route linking Aberdeen to the south: Causey Mounth. At the time that the mansion was built, the owners were deeply connected to leading figures and major current themes in society: the reforms of the kirk; the growth of scientific research and the interest in anthropology and archaeology. Since 1979 the main link and connection has been with the Camphill communities, both local and worldwide, and through its daily life and work with countless local individuals and organisations.

In Person

Aberdeenshire

Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Museum

21 September 2024

22 September 2024

Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Hub Museum is located in the centre of the historic fishing village of Johnshaven within the Old Lifeboat House which was established in 1891. Run by a dedicated group of volunteers who are passionate about preserving the history and heritage of our local area, the museum offers visitors a fantastic hands-on visitor experience telling the story and history of Benholm and Johnshaven.