Explore some of Scotland’s most interesting buildings

Doors Open Days – Weekend 1
(5th & 6th September 2015)

Every weekend in September, Doors Open Days allows the people of Scotland free access to hundreds of fascinating buildings across the country. Some of these wonderful buildings are only open to the public once a year, or even as a one-off. It’s a great opportunity to see more of your local area or explore somewhere else.

This weekend, 5^th & 6^th September 2015 sees; Angus, Ayrshire, East Fife (Sunday only), Highlands (in and around Inverness) and Renfrewshire welcome visitors to historical properties in their areas.

Here’s where we’ll be exploring this weekend.

Angus: The House of Dun

Just 3 miles from Montrose and around 45 minutes drive from Aberdeen, The House of Dun stands majestically above the Montrose Basin. The Georgian house was built for the Erskine family in the 18^th century and has many stories to tell. An excellent opportunity to view one of The National Trust for Scotland’s magnificent properties in a spectacular setting.

Ayrshire: Auchinleck House

Built around 1760 by Lord Auchinleck, and inherited by his son James Boswell, biographer of Dr Samuel Johnson. It was uninhabited from the early 1960s, as rot set in and the building deteriorated rapidly. It was acquired in 1986 by the The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT), then the Landmark Trust in 1999. The building is a good example of an 18th century villa and has its own grounds, river, ice-house and grotto.  Walk around the extensive grounds and explore this weekend.

East Fife (Sunday only): The Auld Washie / Thatched Studio

Found in the beautiful conservation hamlet of Collessie, The Auld Washie was originally an 18th century agricultural barn, used as the village wash house into the 20th century. Sensitively restored by architect Tom Morton into an art studio in 1995, see many quirky features and a beautiful display of fine Pictish-inspired art.

Highlands (In and around Inverness): Bona Lighthouse

Bona Lighthouse was built around 1815 to designs by Thomas Telford. Inland lighthouses are uncommon in Scotland and the stunning oriel bay window, which once held the light that guided ships from Loch Ness onto the Caledonian Canal in its heyday, remains the focal point of the cottage. The octagonal shape of the building closely follows the types of design Telford used elsewhere for tollhouses. Scottish Canals has recently refurbished the building which can now be booked as a holiday let.

Renfrewshire: Sma’ Shot Cottages

Sma’ Shot Cottages comprise an 18th Century Weaver’s Cottage and Loom shop showing the living and working conditions of a Weaver’s family in the 1750s and a small row of Mill workers cottages from the 19th Century.  The cottages contain many fascinating artefacts and are linked by a 19th Century heritage garden.

The full programme of events and more information about what is happening in your area can be found at the Doors Open Day website. We’ll have another round up next weekend too.