The Loco Works Carriage and Wagon Shed closed its doors in 1969, but now houses the Garioch Heritage Centre. The listed building lay abandoned until its award-winning conversion in 2017. It is still possible to see some of the tracks, cranes and massive tram doors. Inside there is a scale model of the site and exhibitions on how local people lived and worked in the area from 1900s onwards, including “the Colony” houses, built to home the influx of workers from the Tait Paper Mill.

A self-guided tour is available, with staff on hand to answer any questions. Great venue for children with a “beastie hunt”, puzzles and dressing up.

Parking on street - directly in front of main entrance.

Refreshments can be purchased in café.

]]> To accommodate an increasing workforce, Moxon Architects are developing new build premises for their studio in the Scottish Highlands.

The studio comprises two low-lying buildings that sit at either side of an existing topographic barrier covered in mature birch, rowan and aspen. the purpose of splitting the office premises into two components is to reflect the twin roles of an architecture practice: focussed design work and broad collaboration.

The more privately positioned building houses the office premises for the practice - containing the practice, including a small kitchen and staff dining area. A lounge also functions as an additional informal meeting area to welcome guests and clients.

The two buildings are connected by a covered walk that provides all weather circulation and a sheltered space to enjoy the wooded surroundings.

https://moxonarchitects.com/

]]> Ballogie Estate invites you to a walk and talk about the myths and legends surrounding the Potarch area. the first inn was built at Potarch in 1740; after the construction of the Thomas Telford Bridge 1811-1813. The Potarch became a popular stopping point for travellers. Over the years the building has been sympathetically changed while retaining it's original character and charm. The Bridge at Potarch made it into the history books when the son of a local stonemason carries two stones (The Dinnie Stones) equalling 775lbs across the width of the bridge and back again. There are several myths and stories surrounding the Potarch area, come and hear about Kelpies and stormy night river crossings.

The restaurant will be open for service over the weekend. We do advise booking in advance by contacting 013398 84468.

]]> Downie's Cottage was built in the middle of the 19th century by John Downie who tenanted the small croft and supplemented his income as a mountain guide to Victorian gentry. The tiny cottage continued to be occupied by some of his children until the 1930's when t was abandoned. the property lay largely undisturbed apart from inquisitive visitors until it was acquired in 2006 with the benefit of planning permission for it's demolition.

The new owners were concerned that the property was too 'special' to demolish in that the original heather thatch roof (under corrugated iron that had saved the building from deterioration; box beds; timber hingin lum and other features remained. Advice was taken from Historic Scotland and the result was the property being awarded Category A status (building of national importance) and the owners undertook it's restoration with the work being completed in 2017.

The building now benefits from the comforts of modern living; however, all historic features have been restored and modern elements are very discreetly hidden away.

The key features such as the timber hingin lum and box beds remain and the attic retains it's lining of colour prints and newspapers dating from the late 1800's and the start of the 20th century.

the property has been featured in various magazine articles and was a finalist in both the green Energy Awards and the RCIS awards.

www.downiescottage.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/Downies-Cottage-634647963272866/

https//www.instagram.com/downiescottage/?hl=en

]]> Leith Hall was built as a Scottish Tower House. It has been added to by successive generations of the Leith-Hay family with the last additions being completed in 1902. It has been in the care of the National Trust for Scotland since 1945.

The Doors Open Day Tour will complement the normal NTS guided tour, and will focus on Leith Hall architectural history and the changing shape of the house across the different Laird's tenure. Led by an architectural specialist from the NTS, the tour will start by examining the outside of the house with a brief history in the Entrance Hall, then an exclusive visit to the normally closed South Wing to see the Oval Room and gain an insight into some of the 'behind the scenes@ challenges of caring for historic properties, like Leith Hall.

The national Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty was founded as a charity in 1931 to care for special places for the nation. Since our foundation, we have grown to become Scotland's largest conservation charity, with our staff and volunteers managing more than 77,000 hectares of Scotland's most valued landscapes, and more that 100 properties. For more detail: www.nts.org.uk

Exclusive guided tour 11.30 and 1.30 on Saturday and Sunday and booking is advisable.

To book please call (01464) 831216 or email leithhall@nts.org.uk or through the events webpage: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/leith-hall/events

DISABLED ACCESS IS LIMITED.

]]> The Finzean Sawmill site includes two water-powered mills, the Sawmill and the Turning Mill. The mills date from around 1830s and are Grade A listed historic buildings. The Mills and weirs are an integral part of the forest heritage and woodland culture of the Birse area and are particularly important as they have survived as a group in their original native pinewood setting and are still capable of operating.

Please note that for safety reasons the Mills will not be operating on the two days although there will be guides in site to provide an overview of the mills.

Further details can be found on Birse Community Trust's website:
http//www.birsecommunitytrust.org.uk/Watermills/Finzean%20Wood%Mills.html

The buildings are managed by Birse Community Trust which promotes the common good of the inhabitants of Birse parish and delivers wider public benefits. The Trust manages land and buildings and a wide range of other projects on behalf of the local community.

Limited parking.

]]> The school at Bankhead (Finzean) was established in 1732, as an endowed school. The endowment was a legacy of a former resident of the parish, Rev. Gilbert Ramsay, and funded by the sale of enslaved people in Barbados. the building was extended and adapted a number of times, including alterations by the architect of Balmoral Castle (William Smith ll), up to 1964 when a new building was opened on the adjacent school garden. In 2004 the community, through Birse Community Trust (BCT), acquired the Old School site.

in need of conservation and repair to meet the needs of the community, BCT recently completed a Project Viability study on the future of the site. in parallel with the study a community heritage project , called 'Aye, it wis aabody', explored the history of the school and links with chattel slavery in the Caribbean. Visitors will have the opportunity to see inside the buildings, where there will also be displays on the Feasibility Study and 'Aye, it wis aabody' project.

]]> Attractive small Episcopal church in the middle of Royal Deeside; built in 1866, this was probably the last building designed by William Ramage. Nave and chancel under a roof with a single ridge-line, embellished with pretty cresting and a belfry (restored 2006). Fine collection of mainly Victorian stained glass windows and charming wrought-iron railings enhance the interior. Organ, of c1850s, installed in 1998.


Interesting information boards around the church and on-line details of memorials and graves and a well-kept graveyard.

Choir Practice at 10.00am

Church service at 11.00am

Children's Choir Practice at 10.00am

]]> The church is built with pink and white granite from local quarries which belonged to Sir Robert Burnett. It is built in the early English style and is a category C listed building. It's principal feature is a tower 18 feet square rising to a height of 70 feet and then terminating in a slated tower roof making the total height 100 feet. The south end of the church has a gothic triple window and the east and west sides are flanked by buttresses and on the north side behind the pulpit there is a circular window. the original pews on the ground floor were replaced by moveable seating following a major refurbishment in 2013 although the gallery stills has pews to accommodate 200 worshippers. There has been an organ in the sanctuary since 1894. the sanctuary now has superb lighting and the modernised halls, kitchens and toilets provide an excellent facility for use by the local community. There has been a clock in the church tower since 1885 although the current clock was installed in 1969.

]]> As part of Doors Open Days 2019, The Braemar Royal Highland Society have agreed to open the Royal Pavilion situated within the Highland Games Park in Braemar. This pavilion is only usually open during the gathering for exclusive use by the Royal Party, and for Doors Open Days will be fully decorated in all the royal resplendent.

A rare example of a permanent highland game's structure situated in Braemar which has a long and significant association with the sport. Highland games are held all over Scotland but buildings for the event are usually temporary structures. Therefore, the stands at the Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park are unusual in being permanent structures and the Patron's pavilion, the private enclosure

]]> Fyvie parish church was built at the start of the 19th Century and sits on an early Christian site.� To the south of the church is the old graveyard.� The west gable is the principal elevation and overlooks the road into Fyvie, while the east gable houses 4 pictish stones.� Internally the main focus of the chancel at the east end of the church is a magnificent stained glass window�by Tiffany of New York

]]> Tullich Church has a long and fascinating history, and was once a very important site in the local area. The church, two miles north east of Ballater, is now ruined and stands inside a sub-circular graveyard and is built on the site of an earlier Medieval chapel.

A project has been developed to repair and consolidate the church and return the collection of carved symbol stones, including one Class I Pictish stone and a large carved stone bowl, back to site, (following removal over 15 years ago for conservation) in to a bespoke shelter.

Booking essential please call Cheryl Roberts (01467) 539462.

]]> St Ternan's church is the oldest in the Diocese of Brechin. The centre section was built in 1828/31 replacing an old chapel located in the grounds of Muchalls castle. Later additions were made, including a gallery, (since removed) and the lengthening of the nave to accommodate larger congregations. The last major change in 1865 came with the building of the chancel. At this time the "Episcopal Chapel at Muchall. St Ternan’s is a lovely church, most of the original pews are still in place from the days it could seat 250 of a congregation. There is a stained-glass window in the East wall above the altar depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd, and a font with a unique history.

Church is used for worship on Sunday 10:30am service. All welcome to join in.

]]> Blairs Museum is located within the former Blairs College site. The museum boasts a stunning collection of fine and decorative art spanning more than 150 years. The unique Memorial Portrait of Mary Queen of Scots and the Royal Stewarts, once on display at the National Museum of Scotland, hangs here alongside Jacobite memorabilia and sacred silver and gold. A new exhibition for 2019 is of Piranesi’s prints ‘Views of Rome’, in the Museum and Cloister. Enjoy the beautiful gothic St Mary’s Chapel with its marble interior dating from 1901, and explore the extensive grounds of the former Blairs College with walled garden and stunning views over the River Dee. Talks from museum guides and refreshments are available. Discover a hidden gem!

]]> For a period of 200 years up until the 1880s, 24 different silversmiths toiled to produce works of the finest quality for the prosperous citizens of Banff. The town had its own assay mark, and Banff Silver manufactured over this period is much sought after.

]]> Aberdeenshire Farming Museum is managed by Aberdeenshire Council and is situated in the heart of Aden Country Park. The museum is housed in a rare, category A listed, semi-circular farmstead building built around 1800 and coach house built in 1832. This now houses the award-winning Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, containing a Recognised Collection of National Significance awarded by the Scottish Museums Council (SMC).

For more details on the museum please click here

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]]> Hareshowe is a fine example of a typical North East farmhouse and steadings, originally built in the Victorian era and home to many generations of families. This farmhouse was taken down stone by stone, timber by timber, from its original setting and rebuilt at Aden in the 1980s as it would have looked in the 1950s.

Parking at Aden Country Park car park.

]]> Discover the wealth of Peterhead's maritime history in one of Aberdeenshire's oldest museums. The collections are housed in a pink granite 'Free Renaissance' style building, built in 1891-3 to a design by D and J. R. McMillan, funded in part by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

It should be noted that whilst the building is accessible for those with wheelchairs the museum itself is not as it is accessed through a staircase with no alternative route, for those who cannot access the museum proper there is an interactive display on the ground level of the building where the museum's exhibits (excluding temporary exhibits) may be seen.

The museum itself does not have toilets but there is a public toilet at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the museum.

]]> Castle Fraser is one of the grandest of the Scottish Baronial tower houses, a building to be savoured with its fine examples of towers, crow-step gables and coats of arms to name but a few delights. A walk round the castle is like viewing a huge piece of sculpture as the architectural details of the building shift, changing their shapes and relationship with each other and the surrounding landscape.

If you wish to find out more about Castle Fraser and/or the work of the National Trust for Scotland please click here

]]> The Seed Box provides horticultural training and outdoor therapy to adults with additional support needs. Gardening activities are carried out within the walled garden, supporting workers to develop employability skills, confidence and independence. Come along and explore the many wonders of Glen Tanar Walled Garden, round every corner lies a world of beauty, nature and mystery.

]]> Staff will be on hand at this hidden delight of a building and extensive grounds to provide information on the campus and the activities that they provide.
Beannachar occupies the former ‘Banchory House’, extended and re-designed in 1837 by celebrated local architect John Smith.
Within the campus there are several other buildings which might be of interest: Rose House, winner of the Kincardineshire and Deeside award for the best new building in 1994; a turf-roofed, wood-framed straw-bale Games Room; a load-bearing straw-bale building currently under construction which will become our new office; the site of an ancient ‘motte and bailey’ castle, and Pictish stones, originally from Dunnicaer. Not forgetting the beautiful grounds comprising woodland, farmland, lawns, sports field and a wonderful walled garden with flowers, vegetables, fruit and herbs.

]]> The church is rectangular on plan and has a nave, chancel, vestry and tower. It was built in coursed, roughly-shaped red sandstone and has a slate roof. It is aligned north-east/south-west, with a pathway surrounding the building. Recent editions to the west end to house a disabled toilet and storeroom with glass panelled entrance doors.

]]> Turriff Heritage Society will be throwing open their doors at the Museum and Municipal Buildings in Turriff. Turriff Town Museum is situated in the Provost and Town Council Building, now housing a collection of artefacts, recordings and photographs to tell Turriff's rich history and developed over some 40 years.

]]> Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control?the following provisional venue out-with the focus area is now unable to participate in this years event.? Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

]]> Due to circumstances outwith our control Haddo House has unfortunately withdrawn from this years event.

]]> Although out-with the focus area, Christ Church has kindly agreed to participate this year.

Christ Church is a grade B listed building with an attractive simple nave and chancel, tall narrow lancets and octagonal spirelet. There is a wooden Arts and Crafts Altar carved with panels of the Agnus Dei and two angels. �It has fine stained glass windows probably made by Clayton and Bell of London and a one hundred and fifty year old Mirlees Organ recognised by the British Institute of Organ studies as being of national importance. Rededicated in 2016.

During 2015 a substantial restoration and development project was carried out.

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]]> Climb the widest turnpike stair in Scotland boasting 98 steps. Mary Queen of Scots stayed here for 3 days after the battle of Corrichie.

]]> Although out-with the focus area, Forgue Kirk has kindly agreed to participate in this years event. The Category B listed former Parish of Forgue Kirk stands in the old Kirkyard on a hill overlooking the Forgue Burn. The Kirk was built in 1819 on the site of a much older kirk - by legend, founded by St. Margaret of Scotland in 1070. It was designed by Archibald Simpson the renowned Aberdeen and Scotland architect and has a south wall inspired by Albertis Tempio Malatestiano church in Rimini (Italy). The windowless north wall was designed to keep the devil out.�

]]> Durn House is a Georgian mansion house in the Adams style, built in 1770 by the Dunbar's? of Durn.? There has been a Durn House on this site since at least 1529 and probably before.? Bought by Mr and Mrs Scrudis, Durn House underwent a major restoration and refurbishment project, lasting 6 years and now operates as a luxury guest house.

Durn House has an exciting history, with strong attachments to the story of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Battle of Culloden, as well as the folk song McPherson's?Rant.?

You may also enjoy High Tea served in the Georgian Tea Room.

]]> The Back Green was once an open industrial site used for the manufacture of thread for flax. By the early 19th Century, the site contained two groups of buildings ? one to the seaward side operated as a rope making business, while the manufacture of sails took place within the eastern range, adjacent to the house and cottages. The ropeworks fell into decline and were lost to the sea; the former sail making factory, house and cottages survived. After the Sail Making Loft closed, the cottages continued to be lived in and one of them may have been a dairy.

Now fully restored, the buildings include self-catering accommodation for up to 25 visitors, a fully accessible bedroom and bathroom and communal kitchen and lounge areas. The total facility will be open to view.

PLEASE NOTE THAT DISABLED ACCESS IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO THE GROUND FLOOR

http://portsoysailloft.org/

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]]> The Boatshed, built upon the ruins of a former boatshed/store, was fully renovated and opened in 2015.

Work was undertaken by Brown + Brown Architects, who have won awards for their design and work on the building. This project was partly funded by Aberdeenshire Council, CARS (a collaboration between Aberdeenshire Council and Historic Scotland), and the Aberdeenshire European Fisheries Fund.

It is now home to a group of enthusiastic boatbuilding volunteers who use the purposely designed workshop space for community boatbuilding projects and school boatbuilding sessions, ensuring the skills of traditional boatbuilding remain active ? come along and see them at work!

http://portsoyboatshed.org/

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]]> The Salmon Bothy was a working Salmon Bothy until the 1990s. It was renovated and opened in 2009 as a small museum and a community space called ‘Upstairs at the Bothy’. Now in its 10th year, the museum has been refreshed. Each of the three ice chambers of the Bothy contain new exhibitions. Chamber 1 is devoted to the salmon fishing industry telling its story and exhibiting the artefacts. It has our new children’s area and an area for viewing pictures of a bygone era. Chamber 2 tells the story of Portsoy with its famous 17th century harbour and the associated industries which developed because of the trading nature of town. Chamber 3 has been totally refurbished.

Visit the Salmon Bothy webpage

]]> Dating c.1676 this old merchant's house was once where multiple families shared lodgings.

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]]> Building which is a hub for the�ancient fellowship of the Freemasons.

]]> One of the oldest clubs of its type in Scotland and dating from 1772, this impressive u-plan Town House of quality benefits from a wide stone cantilevered staircase rising up to the first floor landing.

A large Venetian window spills light over an impressive drawing room.

]]> Allegedly built on, or near, the site of a Carmelite burial ground this �Gothic� structure, also known as the Fife Mausoleum, houses the remains of the first five Earls of Fife (starting 1705) and other Duff family members. Situated in an extremely peaceful and picturesque location, so much so it has been used for weddings, it also contains several excellent examples of quite early Coade stone (an artificial stone), still here after more than 200 years in what is perhaps the most northerly example.

]]> This imposing structure was constructed to John Fowlie?s design by two experienced, and indeed elderly,?masons, Alexander Brown and Magnus Johnstone, between April 1921 and October 1922. The octagonal tower of rusticated and rock faced ashlar, all of Kemnay granite, it is 21 meters (63 feet) high.

On plaques around it are the names of Macduff?s war dead in two world wars and later. Visitors on Doors Open Day can climb the stairs to the top where there is a breath-taking view of sea and mountains, and of the two towns, Banff and Macduff, below it. The War Memorial is itself a landmark to mariners from the sea.

]]> On a hill overlooking the harbour, the building was opened in 1805.? With its Italianate square tower, domed roof and cupola added in 1865, it is a landmark for boats approaching the town.? A display of the life and work of the church and the community will be shown inside and guides will be able to show visitors around the building and speak about the life of the congregation.

Please note that normal Sunday services will take place at 11am and 6p, all visitors are very welcome however tours and viewing will not be available while the service is on going.

http://www.macduffparishchurch.org.uk/

https://en-gb.facebook.com/Macduff-Parish-Church-153947271443453/

]]> Dated to 1890, designed by renowned local architect A. Marshall Mackenzie (one of the architects of Marischal College), this large spikey Gothic Kirk accommodates over 500 worshippers and is built in crisp grey granite with strikingly darker pinnings. The jewel in the crown internally is the Laird�s Loft, a magnificently carved addition dedicated to the Forbes Family.

]]> This is a fine example of an early 19th Century meal mill and kiln. Sandhaven meal mill is unique in that all the machinery survives, including the electric motor, which provided power in the last years of its working life; other fittings include a built-in hinged top desk used by the miller. The mill was restored in the 1990s.

]]> Located on the site of the original church built in 1572, not long after the Reformation, the current church was constructed in 1803.? The interiors were remodelled by the celebrated architect A. Marshall Mackenzie in 1898 and a superb stained glass window adorning the chancel is indeed a work of great art and beauty.

Members of the church will be on hand to provide guided tours in addition to quizzes and displays throughout the day.

11am - 12noon songs of Praise Morning, all welcome.

]]> Dalrymple Hall and Arts Centre is a baronial property which boasts a 5 storey tower.? Constructed by the Dalrymple brothers it was formally used as a hotel then subsequently converted into a music and theatre venue.

Its most famous performance to date was when the Beatles performed here on 23rd may 1960.

The property is now the home of Fraserburgh Junior Arts Society who will have a display of what they make and paint.? In addition the dance group will be performing a 'bite size' show.

]]> The grouping?consists of the church building and the adjacent Macaulay Hall. The original church building built in 1803 was destroyed by a fire in 2000. The current church building built in 2003 is of a modern design, a combination of traditional ecclesiastical and modern architectural design. The interior of the church also combines traditional and modern aspects. There is an impressive stained glass window depicting Christ and the fishermen casting their nets out to sea.

Come and see the church beautifully decorated for harvest. Please note that morning worship from 11:00-12:00 all are welcome.

]]> The Wine Tower was the original wine cellars for the residents in the nearby castle both dating from c.16th century.

The wine tower boasts a remarkable series of finely carved pendants.

The castle is much altered following its lease to the Northern Lighthouse Company c.1787 however, reminisces of the first occupation, (as a castle) still exist.

]]> Formerly a barrel store, later a foundry for the CPT during WW2, for the last 20 years this building has housed displays telling the stories of Fraserburgh and its environs. With over 20 hands-on activities bringing the stories to life which illustrate the historic, social and economic development of the area, the Heritage Centre is well worth a visit.

]]> Very much an authentic ancient fisher family dwelling or But'n'Ben comprising of rock and clay built walls, tiled roof and earthen floors.? The internal accommodation comprising of the living room (Ben) with box bed, open fire and furniture of the time.? The bedroom (But) with a similar box bed and appropriate furniture completes the scene.? Providing an insight into the living conditions and habits of the fishing communities centuries ago.

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]]> The history of a 210-year-old manse is presented in the form of traditional storytelling talk, with images and illustrations covering the origin of the church and manse and the lives of some of the ministers concentrating particularly on the first minister, James Robertson and his children, who later in life achieved tremendous success!

*The storytelling is by the current owner, in one of the rooms of the house, which can cater for a maximum of 6 people at a time. The talk is approximately 1 hour long and should be booked in advance by either phoning 01771624412 or 07855537824 or by email: ablo.home@gmail.com

A Doors Open Day must which proves a book should not be judged by its cover, as cited by previous visitors: “It was the best hour we have spent in a long while”. “A fabulous insight into some fascinating local history, brought to life brilliantly”

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St Cyrus reserve is one of the most picturesque sections of coastline in north-east Scotland. It boasts the magnificent sandy sweep of Montrose Bay, towering volcanic cliffs, yellow dunes, and a spectacular wildflower meadow that supports a number of rare plants and insects.

Come along and meet Ranger Therese and explore the reserve.

]]> Teaming up with NEOS, Johnshaven will become an artist's Doors OpenDay village.? The Heritage museum is acting as an arts hub with works from the Costal Colourists Art Group.? The Life Boat Station will also be open with displays from local artists to view and purchas and there will be a variety of other artists' houses open in the village on the day.? Please check the local website for details.

https://m.facebook.com/Johnshavenheritagehubmuseum/

http://www.northeastopenstudios.co.uk/neos-2017/

]]> Benholm Kirk stands on a site which dates to at least 1242AD. The first church was replaced in the 13th Century by a Gothic church. As the 19th Century approached a new church was needed and, on the 16th September 1832, 768 people heard the Rev James Glen dedicate Benholm Kirk as we know it today.

The Kirk houses items salvaged from the previous building. Amongst these items is a Sacrament House dating from the 15th Century, now built into the east wall. Another important item salvaged and displayed prominently to the left of the pulpit, is the Keith Monument, a Memorial to Lady Mary Keith. The daughter of George Keith, 5th Earl Marischall and his Countess, Lady Margaret Ogilvie, Mary died in 1620, aged only 4.

Another Monument to Robert Scott of Benholme, to the right of the pulpit dates from 1690.

Carved in white marble, this is a highly sophisticated memorial of its period in Scotland making it rare and unusual.

In 2006, with the help of the community, the Kirk was purchased and taken into care by the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust. The Kirk will be preserved and protected, enabling it to be used for occasional services continuing the centuries-old tradition of worship on the site.?

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One of the Friends of Benholm Kirk is available to offer a talk on the church, subject to numbers.? Please direct all enquiries to; email: Geoff_lawrence@btinternet.com? Tel:01561 361631

http://www.buildingsatrisk.org.uk/details/916359

]]> The Mill of Benholm is a category A listed rural mill complex. The site comprises the Mill which dates from 1817 with water wheel and full interior workings, a mill pond, lade and sluices. Also the former miller's house, former byre, old grain store and community garden. Benholm Mill is located within the heart of the idyllic Benholm Conservation Area.

]]> Arbuthnott Hall is a traditional sandstone parish Hall. Built in 1908 by public subscription on land gifted to the community by the Arbuthnott Estate to give the people of the community a place to meet for recreation and education and social events. It continues to be used for that purpose. It has a stained-glass window gifted to the community by the daughter of the Scottish writer Lewis Grassic Gibbon to mark the centenary of his birth in 2001.? Although the hall has been totally refurbished over the years it still maintains its original character.

The Grassic Gibbon Centre was built by the community as an addition to the Hall to commemorate Lewis Grassic Gibbon and his life and work. Building the Centre also helped upgrade the kitchen and toilet facilities of the Hall. It was funded in part by the Scottish Tourist Board, the local authority and the community. It contains an exhibition on LGG, a caf?, gift shop and post office.? The interior of the Centre is in pine as is the ceiling of Arbuthnott Hall.

The Centre is run as a self-financing social enterprise and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. There is a play park out-side which families use when visiting the Centre.

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http://www.grassicgibbon.com/

]]> The lighthouse is now decommissioned and in use as a private residence. Designed by David A. Stevenson, visitors will have access to the top of the tower and outside gallery - stand on the glass floor in the former lamp room if you dare! Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Visits must be booked in advance and places are limited due to the size of the property and limited parking. Available time slots are: 10:15am, 11:15am, 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm, 3:15pm. Please call 01467-535152 to book.

]]> Due to operational requirements the station will no longer be able to open on Saturday 14th Sept. However will now be open Sunday 15th from 10am-4pm apologies for any inconvenience.

Access will be given to the cabin which houses the station crew shed. You will also get to view the kit, crew room and the lifeboat crew will be on hand to tell you all about what they do. There will be the opportunity to visit the boat shed and see where the lifeboats are kept, in a building that is as old as the harbour itself.
*Please note that the crew will be on call that day and so may need to attend emergencies.

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Learn about the role of a firefighter, see the fire engines and equipment and meet and talk to the crew. You will also be able to arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit and they will demonstrate just what it takes to become a modern-day firefighter.

*Please note – the crew will be on call that day and so may need to attend to emergencies.

]]> The costs of the original 1790 build were met by the town’s Common Good Fund and the sole purpose of the building was to contain the Town Clock. In 1894 the tower was heightened, and the clock raised to its present position at the top of the square sandstone tower. Above the doorway is a large barometer, dated 1852, which was of immense benefit to the local fishing industry. The Clock Tower was also the site of one of the town’s public water supplies in the 19th century. The Tower was refurbished in 2015, (which gained the annual Conservation Award from the Aberdeen Society of Architects) and has now been re-opened as a tourist attraction.
*Please note that the Clock Tower will not be staffed on Doors Open Days

Public disabled toilet available within 300 yards

Public toilet available within 300 yards

Free public parking within 300 yeards

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World Horse Welfare is an international charity which works to improve the lives of horses across the globe through education, campaigning and hands on care. Across the 4 UK centres around 300 horses are rescued every year. Belwade farm can house 60 horses at any one time which have been rescued by the charity and are undergoing rehabilitation ready for their forever home. Come meet the staff and some of our friendly four legged guests.

For further information please visit the Belwade website.

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]]> Marine Scotland Science will be hosting an exhibit within the courtyard of the Tolbooth Museum to highlight some of the scientific work conducted in the waters off Stonehaven’s coastline, including Marine Mammal research and the work of the Scottish Coastal Observatory which monitors changes in the marine environment. Highly recommended for all ages, the exhibit will provide an opportunity to meet scientists undertaking work in a variety of marine topics such as fisheries, renewable energy, marine litter and aquaculture.

]]> Drum is one of Royal Deeside?s top historic attractions, just 10 miles from Aberdeen. It is one of Scotland?s oldest tower houses and is set beside an ancient oak woodland and a walled garden that contains a fine collection of historic roses which perfume the air.

William de Irwyn was gifted the Royal Forest of Drum and the Tower of Drum by King Robert the Bruce in 1323. The tower has benefitted from various improvements over the centuries, including a Jacobean mansion house extension in 1619 and Victorian adaptations, such as the impressive library converted from the lower hall

]]> Believed to have been built at the same time as Kinnaird Head Castle (c.1570), the purpose of the building cannot be agreed upon: some believe it was a chapel, others that it was a wine cellar while some say it was a general apartment. The Tower used to have 4 stories, of which 3 remain. On the day, access will be allowed to the top chamber only where visitors can view the unique collection of carved plaster bosses which hang from the ceiling.

A guide will also be on hand to tell tales of forbidden love that ended in tragedy down among the rocks beneath the tower…can you hear the haunting pipe music? Come along to find out more!

]]> A traditional farm steading, adapted for use as a working brewery and distillery. No actual brewing will be taking place for safety reasons, but visitors wil see the whole brewing and distilling process, as well as try a small sample of beer fresh from the tanks.

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http://www.deesidebrewery.co.uk/

]]> Simple Gothic style church on corner site with broached stone spire and two-staged buttressed tower. Grey and pink granite, ashlar to front gable tower and chapel, coursed rubble elsewhere. Cast iron cluster columns rising through gallery to support queen post roof with gallery on three sides and a central pulpit on the rear wall. Rushworth and Dreaper Organ (1935) designed around rose window on rear wall.

]]> Open for the first time for Doors Open Day this year is one of the best houses of its date in Aberdeenshire.

Whilst the house has lost some of its former glory as an elegant town house, some original features still remain and its historic associations are fascinating.?

Warld's End is thought to have got its name from its positioning at the most southerly boundary of the town as it was in the 17th century.

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]]> A more macabre Doors Open Days favourite, Udny Mort House was used to store coffins prior to burial and is situated in the graveyard. Cylindrical in form and built from local granite ashlar with a conical slate roof, the Mort House still has the original stout oak door, protective metal shutter and keyhole, to keep the bodies safe from grave robbers. Inside the original oak revolving table upon which the coffins were placed still survives. Members of the Udny historical group will be on hand to show you inside the Mort House and also to give a short tour of the Udny Churchyard (weather permitting).
It still has the original stout oak door and protective metal shutter and keyhole.

]]> Severe Tudor Gothic rectangle. Centre gable fine ashlar with small bellcot. Art Nouveau mural decoration by Ralph Hay, 1912, who was also responsible for decoration at His Majesty?s Theatre, Aberdeen.

]]> A category B Listed Building.

A dignified small building by Matthew and Laurie with segmental arches over ground floor windows and round arched and keyblocked windows at first floor with panelled aprons. Pilastered double leaf doorpiece flanked by lamps, quoin ends and belts. Panelled parapet with squat urns and central panel with date.

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The following site is worth a visit as you travel along Deeside, it is a Scheduled Ancient Monuments.  The site is managed by Historic Scotland, access is free but the site is unmanned.  

 

Stone circles are common throughout the British Isles, but the type of circle represented at Tomnaverie is found only in north-east Scotland. There are around 100 of them.  Their characteristic feature is a large stone set on its side (recumbent), flanked by two upright stones, usually on the south or south-west arc of the circle. The tallest stones of the circle are also usually on the same arc. Such circles were built around 4,000 years ago.  

 

 

An inspirational but simple studio, designed to make full use of natural daylight and to create a bright working weaving environment. At 64 square metres, built of wood, glass and modern materials, the external appearance and colour scheme make a bold statement. Situated in the garden, the space invokes a sense of stillness and connection with nature.

The Colourbothy has been?officially?recognised?as a 'piece of architecture' bringing the two disciplines of art and architecture together.? In 2013 it was recognised at the Annual Design Awards Ceremony by?RIAS Chapter,?Aberdeen Society of Architects, with the award for the 'Best Commercial/Industrial Building'. It was also given a special award by 'The Wood for Good' organisation for the Best use of Timber in a Building.? In 2014 at the Aberdeenshire Council Design Awards the building was highly commended in the business category. Hand-woven textiles will be on display and there will be a demonstration of the craft.

Please note that a visit to The Colourbothy is on the guided tour only, which must be booked in advance. ?To book please call 01330 844257 or email opendoor@belindarose.co.uk.

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