Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates heritage and the built environment, new and old. Every September, you can explore hundreds of fascinating buildings across Scotland for free. Some open up once a year, some just once in a lifetime.
Doors Open Days is a national event run by the Scottish Civic Trust. Information about the national programme, including event listings, can be found at www.doorsopendays.org.uk.
Programme Highlights:
Greenock Burns Club, Custom House
Custom House is an architectural jewel in the crown of Greenock. This classically-proportioned building was home to the vigilant excise men who policed Scotland’s burgeoning trade with the world.
The Club’s historic collection of books, photographs and other memorabilia, has been collected by members and friends over the past 200+ years. Contains videos and some interactive media.
Members of Greenock Burns Club will be present to provide detailed information about the archive, including insights into items not currently on display.
The archive contains information on Scottish diaspora especially from Greenock and their destinations. Friends, family and followers of Robert Burns established an influential and powerful global network which continues to grow. It is dedicated to the promotion, education and enjoyment of his work. Connections have been established that make Robert Burns, through his poems and songs, arguably one of the most unifying and well known literary figures in history. Greenock Burns Club welcomes new members from all over the world who are now also digitally connected through events and content.
Guided tours available throughout the opening times on both days - parties of 6 and over recommended to pre-book.
Inverkip Church
For Doors Open Days a history of Inverkip Church will be displayed on the screens within the sanctuary with some artifacts on display and telling the story of over 800 years of Christian worship in Inverkip Village. There will also be an opportunity to view displays by some of the organisations who use the church hall and a cup of tea or coffee in the hall lounge. There will be a competition for children.
Lodge Doric Kilwinning No.68
Lodge Doric Kilwinning No.68 is a Masonic Lodge located in Port Glasgow. The current building dates to 1901, with freemasonry in Scotland dating back to 1757.
Not usually open to the public, for Doors Open Days members will be on hand to show visitors around and answer any questions.
Old West Kirk
Inverclyde Heritage Network exists to share information about Inverclyde’s rich and varied history with individuals and groups and to preserve it for future generations.
The Old West Kirk was built in 1591 on a site 0.7 miles to the east of its present site and moved to the Esplanade in the 1920s. This privately owned church is a must see with its history and stained class window collection.
One of the galleries in the church is the Sailors’ Gallery showing the importance of the River Clyde to Inverclyde’s development and wealth as a trading area with countries across the globe.
Members of Inverclyde Heritage Network will be in the church to meet visitors. Throughout the day the volunteers will tell the story of the history of the church, the stained-glass windows, and answer any questions.
The Old West Kirk Artists' Studios will also be open.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum and Heritage Centre
Located in an old fire station, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Museum and Heritage Centre holds a wide array of historic fire fighting equipment and displays relating to the history of the fire service.
For Doors Open Days staff will be on hand to give guided tours and fascinating facts about the objects in the collection.
Skelmorlie Secret Bunker
For Doors Open Days there will be guided tours of the fully restored underground bunker!
These tours will last an hour and will start on the hour. Tours must be prebooked due to limited space within the bunker.
The above-ground museum and replica monitoring post are suitable for all ranges, the tour is not suitable for children younger than 10.
Wellpark Mid Kirk
Our building will be open for visitors to see our sanctuary and its beautiful features. There will be members on hand to talk about it. There will be opportunities to hear our magnificent organ being played and there will also be an interactive quiz and craft sessions for children.
For more information on the participating buildings, events & tours, visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Renfrewshire, click here to find out more!
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