An imposing former laird's house, with castellated farm- buildings and 19C. extension to rear, the red roof-tiles were ballast from visiting Spanish fish merchants. Interesting interiors and detailing.
Catch the ferry at West Burrafirth on foot at 8.45 (sailing at 9.00) The day will begin on Papa Stour in the island's waiting room by the pier with a welcome and a hot drink.Next there will be a walk to the stofa and Kirk to view the only surviving…
The first of a new generation of vehicle ferries, the MV linga carries up to 95 passenger and 16 cars between Whalsay and the mainland of Shetland. At a length of 36 metres and weighting 658 gross tonnes, she is the third largest vessel in Shetland…
Shetland Islands Council operate a fleet of 12 ferries betweeen mainland Shetland and the islands. Every year they make over 70,000 crossings carrying some 700,000 passengers and 300,000 vehicles. The MV Daggri (together with her sister ship the MV…
A fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes of the UK’s most northerly music, cinema and creative industries centre, designed by Gareth Hoskins Architects Ltd. Book this year for a guided tour of Mareel including the cinema screens, cafe…
Stunning hill-top laird's house, built for Robert Hunter of Lunna, Chamberlain of the Lordship of Zetland. It has fine period interiors and detailing, with striking views. An armorial panel commemorates the 1707 marriage of Thomas Hunter and…
The lodberries were used by merchants for trading (both legal and often illegal goods!). Though most are gone, this A-listed lodberrie, dated from c. 1772, is a stunning example of the buildings that once lined the waterfront. Shetland’s most…
Completed in 2003, and the first of the 'next generation' of retained fire stations in the Highlands and Islands. Incorporating the Shetland District Office, it is finished to the highest standards and provides the very best facilities for community…
A large gabled villa, a showpiece in its heyday, with walled garden, exotic plants and private electricity supply. Extensive glazed outbuildings and a hall that was used by the community. This was the home of Sir William Watson Cheyne, assistant to…
Restored early 19th century listed storehouse and dock, a rare survivor on Lerwick's waterfront. Formerly the premises of Hay & Co., at the height of the herring boom Hay's Dock was one of the busiest spots in Lerwick. The storehouse is…
In 1901, the 7th Volunteer Battalion ‘The Gordon Highlanders’ was formed in Shetland. HQ and facilities were subsequently required. On 22 July 1903 Captain Commandant Moffat of the Battalion laid the memorial stone of the new building, with the…
Gairdwill Lodge is the only example of a restored fishing lodge in Shetland. During the 19th century huts like this provided the far haaf fishermen with accommodation close to their fishing grounds. This lodge was destroyed by the sea in the great…
Listed lighthouse built by David A and Charles Stevenson. Flat-roofed single-storey keepers' houses and short, square tower. Prominently sited within dramatic coastal scenery, the lighthouse buildings have recently been acquired by Shetland Amenity…
Shetland's award-winning glass recycling plant. See how Enviroglass transforms your waste glass into a range of environmentally-friendly products that are in demand for building projects across the UK.
Star of the BBC's Restoration programe, the listed Easthouse Croft is a now rare example of a crofting settlement with its various outbuildings and thatched roofs surviving. Recently restored as premises for the Burra History Group.
CGOC Shetland is one of 10 operations centres plus the National Maritime Operations Centre which make up HM Coastguards National Search and Rescue network responding to emergencies on the shoreline and at sea within the UK Search and Rescue Region.…
Traditional croft-house renovated in modern-rustic style by the architect Richard Gibson who uses it as a "beach-house retreat", reachable only by boat or by track over the moor, no dogs allowed.
Established in 2001, Böd Ayre produces natural and organically certified gardening and animal feed supplement products from Shetland’s own seaweed. During your visit you will learn about the processes involved from harvesting to mincing and drying in…
Originally a 16th century lairds house, Busta House is a former lairds house dating from 1714 with additions in the late 18th century, 1980 and 1983. Situated on the shores of Busta Voe on the outskirts of the village of Brae, now serving as a three…
Late 17C. Laird's House, extended 19-20C. Category B Listed. Fine period interiors and prominent coastal position. Combine with visit to Saxa Vord radar Station (No.1).
Fascinating category A listed house circa 1820, gothic in style with classical and Moorish detailing. Crenallated ‘observatory’ tower. Works to safeguard the buildings are to start soon. You may also like to visit Fetlar Interpretative Centre where…
Designed by David & Thomas Stevenson, built in 1858, this has since guided shipping through the "Sooth Mooth" into Lerwick Harbour. Carefully maintained and in a stunning position, magnificent lenses in the tower.
Classical Georgian mansion with all the design features expected of the finest houses of its period. The symmetrical frontage, quadrant walls, twin pavilions and formally laid out gardens, are all unique in the Northern Isles. Internally much of the…
Historically Lerwick’s most important 19th Century building, a gift of Arthur Anderson to the community and opened in 1862. The former Anderson Institute now serves the School’s English Department and library.
An early 19C pair of industrial buildings which are one of the last remaining examples of how the Lerwick docks were built up. Now carefully refurbished by the Amenity Trust as their offices, many interesting details and features.
Recently refurbished as Shetland Amenity Trust's latest camping Böd. Aithbank is the former home of Jeemsie Laurenson, Fetlar's best-known storyteller. The beach below the kailyard was a fish-curing station, operated by Hay & Co. in the mid-19C.
5 Aerogenerators on Burra Dale hill, which harness wind-power and provide renewable energy to the electricity grid, with the capacity to provide 10% of Shetland's power needs. Please book.
Paisley: The Secret Collection is the first publicly accessible museum store on a UK High Street, containing thousands of objects reflecting Renfrewshire's amazing heritage and culture. The centre is a space where everyone can explore, learn,…
Stanely House was built by industrialist Thomas Coats and the entirety of the wooden interiors (including the central staircase) was made using oak imported from America.
Growing plots, raised gardens, polytunnels, fruit trees and a wide range of fruit, vegetables and flowers being grown this community garden shows nature's harvest at its best.
Step back in time and learn about the lives of the men and women in the Christie family who lived and worked in the cottage from 1810 to 1953. See the old loom in action and have a go on our modern loom. After your tour, enjoy a picnic in the garden.
The community centre was built in the 1970s and, under the banner 'Constantly seeking to meet the needs of the community', it hosts a number of community groups and charities.
The Paisley Florist Society Gardening Club is the oldest gardening club in Scotland, founded in 1782 by the Paisley Weavers.It has had a continual history since then and all the old records and artefacts are stored in the Paisley Reference Library…
Following a 5 million pound restoration in 2017, this category A-Listed building is one of Paisley's architectural highlights. Originally a child welfare clinic - commissioned by Miss Agnes Russell in 1927 in memory of her two brothers - it's now…
The Gardner Building was designed by famous Paisley architect TG Abercrombie and opened in 1900 as Paisley Technical School making it the original UWS building. Now home to the University's School of Business & Enterprise.
Contains the University Hub - a new social and learning space for our students on the ground floor of our Library building. The University's Gardner Building housed the original college and school of art, founded in 1897, that later became the…
The first Linwood Parish Church was built in 1860 as a chapel of ease, but, due to the ever expanding population of the town, became too small and the present church was built in 1965. A spacious red brick building with furniture and communion silver…
Starting out as a bus garage in the 1950's, 7 Shuttle Street has now reopened its doors as The Lane after many years as Suburbia. It offers Fizzy's prosecco bar, a brilliant beer garden, bars and two restaurants, including The Ginger Slug, a…
The Pride of Paisley Wild in Art project is Paisley's first free public art trail and runs until Sunday 25th September. Find out more at www.prideofpaisley.co.uk
Created around 1800 as a walled fruit and vegetable garden for Barshaw House, this was dedicated as a Peace Garden in 1986 and the flowers are now cared for by the Friends of Barshaw Park.
This community garden has its own orchard and bio-diversity wildlife garden. Visit on Doors Open Day for facepainting and your chance to buy plants and flowers, plus jams, chutneys and home baking made with allotment grown produce.
Kilbarchan Parish Church can be found just off Steeple Square, in the centre of the village of Kilbarchan. The foundation stone of the church was laid in 1787, with the congregation worshipping in the unfurnished church a year later.
The Diane Mitchell Music School opened in Brick Lane Studios in 2015, and has been growing ever since. The school provides an excellent way for children and adults of all ages to enjoy learning about music.
For the first time on Doors Open Days the Scottish Ambulance Service invites you to Paisley Ambulance Station to see a variety of ambulance vehicles and specialised equipment. There will also be advice from the SAS Academy.
Come and see Provost Hall and other like-minded daredevils take on a charity zip slide flying across East End Park from over 100ft in the air. All money raised will go to the Provost's four chosen charities - Renfrewshire Carers Centre, RAMH, ACCORD…
This church building was built in the early Gothic style and completed in 1878, with a gallery added in 1896 and a chancel in 1910. There are a number of beautiful stained glass windows.
This classical building was gifted to Paisley by the Clarks, one of the town's wealthy mill owning families. It houses a suite of grand halls and function rooms and the views of the Abbey from the first floor Loggia and balcony are stunning.
Designed by the renowned architect David Hamilton, the congregation are celebrating 200 years of worship in this building. The present building was built in 1815 to replace an earlier building that had fallen into a state of serious disrepair. The…
Opened in 2012 after a multi-million pound refurbishment, the new school building includes a central 'street area' flooded with natural sunlight to create a more encouraging and peaceful school space.
Opened in May 2015, the brand new Johnstone Town Hall has transformed the look of the town. The new venue is home to a range of modern community facilities, including Johnstone Library.
St Mary's began its life in 1907 in Ranfurly Castle Hotel, where a small group of Episcopalians joined together for a monthly service. Then towards the end of 1908, a site was given to the church - which quickly became known as "the little white…
A former church-turned-drama studio, this space is now used for PACE drama classes and prop building, including sets for the annual Christmas pantomime.
Renfrewshire Council has been given money from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop a new Townscape Heritage (TH) project for Paisley Town Centre which will focus on improving the listed buildings on Paisley High Street.
Only rediscovered in the 1990s, the Abbey Drain is one of Paisley's hidden gems and a site of continued archaeological interest. Inside, witches marks are inscribed on the stonework and artefacts found in the drain suggest what people are and wore.…
Lapwing Lodge started life as a Sanatorium for Coats Mill workers in 1910 until 1955. In 1960, Paisley Scouts began to use the site for camping before purchasing the site in 1988 and making improvements to the deteriorated building. Lapwing Lodge not…
St. John's Kirk was built in 1729, with a new clock purchased in 1731. Most of the church was demolished, when the present Parish Church was opened in 1808, leaving only the gable end. Inside, you can see the clock, the oldest public clock in…
Learn about the case of the 'Slug in a Bottle' - a legal case that changed the world, that all began in 1928 when Mrs May Donoghue walked into Minghella's Cafe on Well meadow Street and ordered a ginger beer...
The Wynd Centre opened its doors on 30 Sept. 1984 and is the outreach arm of Oakshaw Trinity Church. When the former St John's Church became available the centre expanded and the Architect Archie Richmond of Richmond Architects, Dumbarton, Glasgow…
Built around 1930 this is a world class example of Art Deco architecture in the style of the world famous Thomas Tait. In the last few years it has been refurbished into a community sports centre incorporating a dance studio, state of the art gym and…
First opened in 1908, this is the last intact example of a Central Methodist Hall in Scotland. This imposing building is located opposite Paisley Abbey and was designed by architects Watson and Salmond in the Free Renaissance style.Paisley…
The original building dates to around 1830 but the site has been modernised over the years to provide a modern tanning operation to convert raw cattle hides into tanned leather suitable for upholstery and shoe leather manufacturers world wide. The…
For Doors Open Days, take the opportunity to tour around this stunning estate. Tours will meet in the car park prior to the times shown. Due to the nature of this estate and possible weather, please wear stout footwear.
Built in 1987 and restored in 1938, the Houston and Killellan Church is a result of a merger between the parishes of Houston and Killellan in 1771. View the special stained glass windows and display of pulpit falls.
This attractive building of architectural note includes a four court sports hall, a fitness gym, small studio space and a function suite which overlooks the Clyde.
White Cart Studio is a well lit, fully equipped art studio situated in the Sir James Clark Building, Paisley. A programme of Drawing/Painting classes run throughout the year.
First established in 1877 and although they moved to a new purpose built stadium, the history of the club is proudly displayed within the club for all to see. For Doors Open Day you will also have the opportunity to go behind the scenes, why not walk…
During Doors Open Days, Johnston Street celebrates their opening by hosting a street party, there will also be an opportunity to delve into Paisley's mill history on their interpretation trail, and they will have information on traditional building…
Paisley's oldest park is home not only to a grand central fountain adorned with sculptures of dolphins, walruses and herons, but also one of the finest statues of Robert Burns in existence.
During Doors Open Day, visitors could get a behind the scenes look at operations at Glasgow Airport. There was a presentation on the history of Glasgow Airport and a tour of the Terminal Building with a talk on how the Airport works.
Designed and built by Paisley Architect, T.G. Abercrombie, the Grade B listed Victory Baths in all their detail and splendour are a particularly fine example of an Edwardian 25 yard swimming pool. The 1920's layout is largely intact with changing…
For Doors Open Days 2018, make your way The STAR Project for some walrus-themed fun! Watch 'We are the Walrus' - a short film celebrating the restoration Fountain Gardens - then make your own walrus mask, before taking a short walk to see the…
This building, which looks like a church from the outside, was originally designed for use as a meatmarket and school. It has a Bronze copy of the wooden statue of legendary piper Habbie Simpson on the Tower.
This beautiful weatland is home to wigeons, whooper swans and more species of duck than you can imagine! Follow the woodland trails and be sure to take your binoculars with you for the viewing holes.
Of course the walks and trails are always open to explore, this this is your special chance to climb to the lookout tower and enjoy the wildlife and stunning views over the loch and beyond.
Former Martyrs Parish Church purchasd by 7th Paisley Scout Group in 1981. It now has three large activity halls and is used by the wider community. The church was built by a large range of local churches within Paisley which is obvious from the…
Order, order! Court is now in session. Step into the box and give an account of your whereabouts during a tour of Court 1 and 8. If you're found guilty, you'll be headed to the cells next...
Originally built by Methodists in 1810 to cater for the people building the Paisley Canal, the New Jerusalem Church bought the building in 1860 and spared no expense in its refurbishment - dye for the stained glass windows (designed by Sir Noel…
This excellent sports facility opened its doors to the public in June 2004 and has become hugely popular with the people of Renfrew thanks to its range of sports and leisure facilities which include a 4 court multipurpose sports hall, 2 level…
For 30 years, the Ballast Trust has processed technical records such as shipbuilding plans, engineering and railway drawings for archive organisations like the University of Glasgow, Glasgow City Archives and National Records of Scotland.
The Trust's…