It has been a long while but the doors to the ruins of Eglinton Castle will be open once again on Sunday the 9th of September. Climb to the top and take in the stunning sights of the Country Park from the best possible location. Due to health and safety reasons, only a limited number can be in the Tower at any one time, so please be prepared for a wait. Meet the Rangers at the Tower.

Pre-booking essential. Tel: 01294 551 776 to reserve a place.

Photo credit: Michael Hitchon

]]> Eglinton Country Park covers 400 acres with several miles of beautiful walks, the Englinton Tournament Bridge and the ruins of Eglinton Castle. This weekend take a step back in time with the Rangers as they unlock some of the heritage sites within the Country Park, 9.30 a.m. ? 12.30 p.m. Not suitable for wheelchairs. Pre-booking essential. Tel: 01294 551 776 to reserve a place.

]]> This grey stone kirk, of Gothic style, has a set of four stained glass windows entitled "God's Gifts to the Universe", designed by Leslie MacFie (BA Hons.), which were installed to mark the church's 150^thanniversary. Refurbished in the 1950s, the light-coloured African hardwood pews light up the sanctuary.

]]> A joint project between Grampian Fire Board, Moray and Aberdeenshire Councils and designed by Aberdeenshire Council architects, Elgin Fire Station was opened in 2001 by the then Deputy First Minister, Jim Wallace. A special feature is the state-of-the-art training block. The Service changed to Scottish Fire & Rescue Service in 2013.

The Station provides capability with Fire & Rescue appliances but also has resources to deal with forest fires with an all-terrain vehicle, and water rescue incidents.

]]> Elgin High Church was built in the 1840's as a Free Church. It then joined with the Church of Scotland in 1929. Made of sandstone the North end has three large arched windows.

There are arched windows at the sides. The church interior is largely unchanged since it opened with original pews.

There are halls at the rear of the church.

]]> Explore Scotland’s oldest independent museum. Brief tours behind the scenes to see the stores, you can find out about the building's past and plans for the future and join in with our drop-in family craft activities. Elgin Museum was purpose built in 1842 by architect Thomas Mackenzie.

www.elginmuseum.org.uk

]]> Built in the 1860s, the interior was extensively renovated in 2006 to accommodate the Justice of the Peace Court. Guided tours at 10:30, 12:30 and 2:30 supported by Sheriff Court staff who will provide information about the building and the work that goes on inside. Opportunity to see the cell block. No booking required.

**UPDATE - unfortunately, the Prisoner Escort Vehicle won't be available this year. There is still, however, plenty to see in the Sheriff Court. **

]]> Ellon Castle Gardens are situated in the centre of Ellon and consist of a walled garden and woodland extending to around 6 acres, within the terraced gardens are a collection of ancient yew trees and a Category B listed castle ruin along with various other artefacts. The gardens which have until now always been privately owned and rarely open to the public, are now under the control of a charity formed to oversee the gardens eventually being developed and restored for the benefit of the community. In part of the garden awaiting restoration, you can view an exposed part of the Victorian 'heating' system where hot water was pumped along the retaining walls to provide heat for more 'exotic' fruits of the day!

]]> 19C former shepherd's cottage; award winning restoration by the owners from 1991 modern extension with barrel-vaulted, glass walled kitchen-living area added 1999, the design inspired by railway carriages. Attractive garden created by owners.

]]> Described by architectural historians as possibly the finest sepulchral monument in Aberdeenshire, the Category A listed mausoleum was built for the first female laird of Castle Fraser by James Byres of Tonley in the Roman New-Classical style in 1808. The standard of construction is superb although internally water ingress has damaged the memorials. Now owned by The NESPT and a restoration project is in preparation.

A representative of the Friends of Elyza Fraser group will be on hand to talk about the mausoleum.

]]> A top-secret RADAR chain was constructed around Britain in the late 1930s. Three bomb-proof underground bunkers were built for the RAF in 1941 in the Raigmore Estate. Their purpose was top secret - to process RADAR signals from around the North of England, the Scottish and Irish coasts. This allowed the detection and interception of enemy bombers in the North Sea and the Atlantic. This is the single remaining bunker, the other two having been demolished. During the Cold War it was converted into a nuclear, biological and chemical hardened facility which could have been a Regional seat of Government. Until recently the bunker was used as the Council’s Emergency Centre.

The bunker has recently changed hands and part of it will be converted into a museum. This is an opportunity to see the building as it was following the conversion to a hardened facility. If you have any artefacts or items of interest relating to the bunker, please bring them along.

Open for tours only

Tours at 1000, 1130, 1300 and 1430

The tour at 1300 will be conducted in Gaelic

All tours must be booked in advance at Eventbrite:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/doors-open-days-highland-wwii-radar-bunker-tickets-65104587574

]]> ?

External Wall Insulation

Would you like to keep warm in winter and lower your fuel bills?

Come and see External Wall Insulation (EWI) being installed in a number of properties and view the various stages that take place before completion. As well as transforming the appearance and comfort of your home, the insulation can save up to ?415 a year on heating bills.?

There will be walk rounds and explanations of each stage throughout both days as well as opportunities for questions.

To arrange an appointment on Saturday and Sunday 8th and 9th September between 10am - 4pm, please contact Anne McGonigle on 01292 525512/521896.

]]> The recently restored Engine Works is steeped in history and played a substantial part in Maryhill's industrial past. The Engine Room houses an electrically powered Royce Ltd crane, designed by automotive pioneer Sir Henry Royce of Rolls-Royce.

After falling into disrepair, this Victorian warehouse has only recently, been lovingly restored and we are delighted to open our doors for the first time, and welcome you to share in the buildings rich history.

Built on the banks of the Forth and Clyde Canal, this tour offers a fascinating insight into how the warehouse developed alongside the city waterway. Now a multipurpose events venue, alongside dynamic and creative commercial spaces, we are excited to see the space flourish once more as a vibrant and collaborative business hub.

The Engine Room houses an electrically powered Royce Ltd crane, designed by automotive pioneer Sir Henry Royce of Rolls-Royce. You will also see the exposed red brick walls, original cast iron columns, old outbuilding and private gardens.

Originally built for William Walls then rented to Clarkson and Becket in 1873. It has historically employed many local people and enhanced and encouraged industry in the local and surrounding communities.

The Engine Works has also been celebrated in a stained glass panel by Stephen Adam - one of Scotland's most prolific stained glass designers. There are 20 panels from 1873 - displayed at Maryhill Burgh Halls - and The Engine Works is the only building depicted that is still standing.

We feel extremely passionate about Maryhill and its regeneration and are delighted to participate in the redevelopment of the area.

]]> Built around 1870 as the West Public Primary School, this building on Castle Street has remained a seat of learning to the present day. In the latter part of the 20^th Century it changed use from a primary school to becoming an annexe for the North Highland College (NHC) (then known as Thurso Technical College), teaching a variety of skills including joinery. With the development of the NHC site at Ormlie road to host these courses the building entered into the latest phase of its history.

It became the Environmental Research Institute (ERI), formally opened by Jamie Stone MP (then MSP) on 9^th May 2000. The ERI has grown from just a handful of staff and students to around 35, with a core of 20 staff and PhD students still based at the Castle Street site. The two large office spaces, a conference room, and three large laboratories - hosting a range of state of the art analytical instruments, allow us to learn more about how we can look after and benefit from the local environment.

Tours on the hour and half hour from 10am to 1.30pm

]]> East Renfrewshire Council Training Centre (previously known as the Waste Recycling Technology Centre) will be opening the doors of its Eco Classroom which utilises sustainable building materials and technologies. The Training Centre has also used the park's walled garden and potting shed buildings for over eight years as a classroom, office, canteen and tool store for many employability clients and vocational learners. There is also a 30m x 10m greenhouse, which was purchased second hand, where East Renfrewshire Council's hanging basket plants are grown and planted.

]]> Hawick is well renowned for its manufacture of knitwear. Hidden behind the facade of the High Street, this family-run business, represents one of the few remaining small manufacturers of knitwear to survive within the town. A demonstration of the machinery in use is to be provided.

]]> 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.

]]> 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.

]]> A uniquely designed 25m deck level pool.

]]> Lamont Farm Project is a vibrant community and animal welfare project located in Erskine, Renfrewshire.

At Lamont Farm, you can meet a wide variety of animals, including ducks, hens, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas, reptiles and small furries. We try our best to rescue and rehome as many animals as we can.

If we cannot find a suitable forever home for our furry friends they will continue to live with us therefore there's always new furrys for you to meet. This means we have an ever growing family of new and different animals.

We actively promote animal welfare and advise and educate people, where we can, in animal care and husbandry. Our work is dependent on the generous support of our visitors, to enable us to care for our animals and continue our vital work.

We are a registered Scottish Charity No. SCO13875.

]]> 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.

]]> All buildings are in a Tudor Gothic style with steep gabled roofs and built in grey sandstone with gold sandstone cressings. The stables were impeccably restored and imaginatively adapted in 2001 by Mike & Sue Thornley. The building serves as a training centre for Erskine.

]]> The former St Andrews Erskine Church is a B listed building that is registered as being "At Risk". It is noted in the Dunfermline Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme and the Dunfermline Conservation Area Appraisal. It was purchased, by means of a MacDonald family legacy, by the the Yes-U-Are Partnership in 2012. The building has direct links to one of the participants in the First Secession, Revd. Ralph Erskine, whose earlier church was built on the same elevated ridge, his statue stands on the location of his original pulpit.

]]> Designed by William Black of Messrs A. & W. Black, architects, Falkirk, the Erskine Church was built in 1905. It is in the Gothic style of architecture of the Perpendicular period, with a square tower at the south-west corner some 90 ft tall. The south gable presents a five light tracery window and twin doors to the street, approached by an imposing broad flight of steps.

The church is cruciform in plan, with nave, aisles, chancel and two shallow transepts. There are galleries over the end of the nave and each of the transepts. A creamy sandstone from Eastfield Quarry was used.

Internally the bases of the pillars are of freestone but the walls and ceiling have been finished with lathe and plaster. Behind the church and communicating with it is a hall to accommodate 200 people, a smaller hall, vestry, session room, ladies room, waiting room, kitchen and offices. The total cost of the building was put at £9248.

The building ceased functioning as a church in 2014 and is used as community halls. It now provides a great venue for functions.

Courtesy of The Erskine Community Halls.

]]> 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 Trust as its latest camping Böd.

]]> Let the Trail tell its stories of our prehistoric ancestors, who left behind them up to 4000 years ago on the valleys and hills of Eskdale, roundhouses, hill forts, stone circles and King Schaw�s Grave.

]]> This A listed former spinning and weaving mill was once regarded as the 'largest and finest' mill in the Scottish Borders and has been a landmark building in Selkirk since 1835.

Renovated by Scottish Enterprise in 2002 this beautiful building has been sensitively refurbished to meet the needs of modern businesses.

]]> Members of the Flood Schemes project team will lead tours of the new flood defences. These will take in the riverside defences, the new Bridge Street footbridge and the Long Philip Burn river restoration works.

This walk is generally flat and on footways/paths and is suitable for all ages. Sturdy footwear is advisable.

The tour is FREE but places are limited so advance booking is recommended. Please email selkirkfps@scotborders.gov.uk to book a place on the tour.

Meet at Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme site compound.

�

]]> As part of Doors Open Day, journey through Selkirk's fascinating milling heritage with Scottish Borders Council's ranger Erica Niven.�

]]> For Doors Open Day, join us for a Poetic Odyssey with leading Borders poet Julian Colton.�

]]> A court case presided over by Sir Walter Scott involving a robbery and a secret liaison. It appears to be an open and shut case but as the facts emerge, we see the finger of guilt begin to point elsewhere.

For Doors Open Day, the case is performed by a group of enthusiastic and talented actors under the direction of John Nichol.

]]> To coincide with the Selkirk Vintage Car Rally at Sunderland Hall on Sunday 18th September 2016 a selection of classic cars were displayed in the town centre to compliment the Doors Open Day activities. There was also a classic car procession passing through the town in the afternoon.

For more details on the Selkirk Vintage Car Rally please see www.selkirkvintagecarrally.org

]]> See the Billiard Room at Mackintosh at the Willow transformed by an installation of cardboard, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Experience the exciting student-designed project built live, enhancing and responding to the Mackintosh-designed space.

]]>

Pollokshaws Burgh Hall� � � 2025 Pollokshaws Road - off Christian Street, G43 1NE

�

Join us for a �T� dance with live accompaniment from the mighty wurlitzer.
Entry-free.

]]> Join The Friends of the Britannia Panopticon Music Hall for a recreation of a WW1 variety show featuring demonstrations by re-enactors, recruitment songs, comedy sketches, silent films and newsreels shown in the Britannia Panopticon during 1918. There will be rolling music hall performances all day.

One hundred years down the line, we are recreating historic music hall shows, featuring demonstrations by re-enactors, recruitment songs, comedy sketches, silent films and newsreels shown in the Britannia Panopticon during 1918.

]]>

Pollokshaws Burgh Hall,�2025 Pollokshaws Road - off Christian Street, G43 1NE

Step back into the past and join us for Traditional Games including peever beds; bagatelle; shove ha�penny; nine pin skittles with wooden ball; jenga; stilts; skipping ropes; yoyos; quoits; drafts; snakes and ladders (mansize); marbles; splat-the-rat.

]]> Join RSPB Scotland�s Glasgow Wild Fest at the Hidden Gardens where we will be joining Enterprise Music Scotland for an afternoon of wildlife themed activities�in the garden.
www.glasgowwildfest.org

]]>

Join RSPB Scotland�s Glasgow Wild Fest at the Kelvingrove Bandstand where we will be joining Enterprise Music Scotland for an afternoon of wildlife themed activities and music in the bandstand and park

]]> Examine, touch and marvel in this handling session of artefacts and objects from the Burrell Collection.

]]>

Strathcona Studio, 18 Strathcona Drive, G13 1JG

A unique opportunity to visit the workshop of Mackintosh furniture maker Bruce Hamilton. Find out how he creates stunning pieces for clients such as the Willow Tearooms, from initial idea to final product. Please note this is a working space not suitable for under 15s.

Booking Essential

]]> Join the Shetland ForWirds for an afternoon workshop at the Unst Heritage Centre! The Shetland ForWirds are an organisation that promote and celebrate the unique Shetland dialect.

]]>

The Village Storytelling Centre Langton Halls, 134 Langton Road, G53 4DD

Come visit The Village Storytelling Centre in its new home! Hear stories, get involved in art activities and much more. See our exciting exhibition �Pollok Then and Now� featuring photography from our young people!

]]> Known in the 18th century as Water Ballet, come along
for a contemporary display of routines from Clydebank
Synchronised Swimming Team.

]]> Put on your dancing shoes and glide onto the sprung floor of the the ballroom for an afternoon T Dance with live accompaniment from the Wurlitzer organ. Follow in the footsteps of Susan Calman who trained in the hall during her time on Strictly Come Dancing!

]]>

Join Tea Green as they return to St Andrews in the Square for a unique art, design & contemporary craft market showcasing the very best from Scotland�s diverse creative talent.

Our eclectic selection of exhibitors range from jewellers, glass artists and painters to makers creating beautiful home wares, stunning textiles and breathtaking illustrations to name just a few. St Andrews in the Square is a truly spectacular venue and the perfect back drop for the high quality work from our exhibitors. This will once again be an unmissable event, its the perfect opportunity to meet the talented people creating work in Scotland and treat yourself to something really special.

We will also be giving away our trademark goody bags, packed full of wonderful treats from Tea Green and our exhibitors. Established in 2014, Tea Green has now worked with hundreds of independent artists & designers based in Scotland and we are passionate about championing the wealth of creative talent based in the country.

]]> Join us on a 50 minute tour to learn more about the history of The Lighthouse, Charles Rennie Mackintosh's first public commission and the former head offices of The Glasgow Herald newspaper.

Booking essential

]]> A chance to explore a former tobacco factory that was transformed into artists' studios in 2001. Visitors will have access to a number of studios where they can learn about the creativity taking place in the building.

The artists and makers will be available to talk about their practice, techniques and inspiration for their work.

Children's

An artist trail will be available for children to complete on their journey around the building.

]]> With increasing numbers of people moving to urban-centers worldwide, new solutions for growth are needed. HAUS_work will combine an exhibition of our vision of Glasgows' future with a "Design Charrette" engaging the local community, informing the debate on our City's evolution.

]]>

Opening times in line with Royal Concert Hall Glasgow

Glasgow architecture is represented in this selection of kaleidoscopic, 3D effect collages. Glasgow artist, Marion Gardyne invites you to look closely at the reconstructed architectural detail of the buildings depicted.

A feature of the exhibition will be collage work displayed to celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of the renowned Glasgow architect, Alexander 'Greek' Thomson. Influenced by Greek classical architecture you will see close-up, the details of several of his buildings found in the Strathbungo area, Glasgow's west end and Holmwood House in Cathcart. There are also collages created from the artist's photographs taken at the Acropolis in Athens earlier this year. These collages show the Ancient Greek design and pattern carved in the marble over 2000 years ago on the Parthenon and other smaller temples. You will be able to compare the features of Thomson's architecture with the Ancient Greek design that so inspired him.

]]>
To celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the Alliance
Fran�aise Glasgow, discover this exhibition which
features an assembled collection of unique photographs.

]]>

The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane,G1 3NU

Lines of Thought is an exhibition devoted to the work
of Alexander Thomson, celebrating the bicentenary of his birth through a selection of original drawings by the architect and those of others who have later recorded or interpreted his work in a range of media.

]]> Many different people find themselves creating maps of Glasgow, or parts of Glasgow. Finely plotted or loosely hand-drawn, every map reveals the intentions of the map maker, and another way to view and edit the city. This exhibition presents a variety of maps, each with their own motive, style and story.

During the Cold War, the USSR undertook the greatest cartography operation ever known, covertly producing thousands of detailed plans of countries, towns and cities around the world. Some of these previously-restricted maps have recently become available on the open market. Informed by the work of John Davies and others, New Glasgow Society's Lex Lamb will present the fascinating story - and highlight some peculiar features of - the secret Soviet map of Glasgow. The talk will also present the first ever translation of the map's detailed text description of Glasgow's infrastructure, industry and government in the 1970s.

]]> Do you ever wonder what your city looks like to those encountering it for the first time? New Glasgow Society brings together 20 photographers from diverse backgrounds, whose perspectives are unbiased by familiarity

For more information please visit:?http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com

�

]]> For Doors Open Days 2005, there was an exhibition of photographs of Norwegian Buildings at the offices of Pentarq, Custom House, 33 Albert Street, KIRKWALL, Orkney, KW15 1HL.
PENTARQ Chartered Architects & Chartered Surveyors were 'Building UK' Construction Consultants of the Year 2004 .

]]> The Happenstance: take a chance, make a stance, and see what happens. Explore 'freespace' at the Caledonia Road Church, activated by WAVEparticle as a space for use by the local community and artists.

To engage with the Biennale Architettura 2018 in Venice, and celebrate Scotland's Year of Young People, The Happenstance, (www.ads.org.uk/scotlandvenice2018), curated by WAVEparticle, is an exploration of the Biennale theme of Freespace. We are exploring how public space, non-space, stalled space and civic space all have the potential to change and grow, depending on how we choose to occupy them. We cite various ideas that are home-grown and developed in Scotland, a country interested in grassroots, community-led processes that inform emerging places. We are demonstrating what can be built through mapping connections, bringing together needs, resources and ideas of Freespace in both Scotland and Venice.

The Happenstance brings together a team of Artists and Architects who are experts in play, in exploring the spaces in-between. We encourage everyone into a vital relationship with the built environment, using play as an active agent within the process of rethinking and reclaiming their Freespace. There is a particular focus on young people, their capacities, their needs and their imagination, harnessed to empower this energy in all of us.

In Venice this was presented as a Living Library Of Ideas
focusing on the event nature of live situations exploring how we can all intervene in our own lives and the circumstances that shape us.

For Glasgow Doors Open 2018, the core structure in Venice will be presented and activated with a series of screenings and documentation in the iconic Caledonia Road Church.

]]> New Interpretations: Contemporary Art in
Heritage is a new strand of the festival which
seeks to offer alternative interpretations of
our buildings and their histories, through
contemporary art. The selected emerging
artists will be exhibiting new work, made in
response to Pollok House and Holmwood
House, in the buildings during festival week.

�

]]> B-Listed building.

This is one of the earliest surviving purpose built Masonic Lodges in Scotland with records dating back to its foundation in 1757. It is a late 18th century building which has been refaced; the lodge entrance is in Mason�s Wynd set under a pediment with the inscription �St Ebbe No 70�.

A commemorative plaque records that �in this building, Burns was made Royal Arch Mason 13 May 1787�.

]]> Purpose built single storey lifeboat station, providing crew accommodation and support facilities.

There has been a lifeboat stationed at Eyemouth for nearly 130 years. The all weather Trent class lifeboat, Barclaycard Crusader, is permanently berthed at a dedicated pontoon in the harbour for a rapid launch.

]]> ]]> Originally a 14C 4-storey keep enlarged into an 'L' plan mansion in 16C. Formerly ruinous, destroyed during the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, it was comprehensively restored in the 1980s. No disabled access due to steep curving stairs.

]]> The latest addition to the remarkable collection of modern architecture at the Garthdee campus. In line with the original masterplan for the campus, the general form of the building follows that of the adjacent Faculty of Management, designed by Norman Foster. It is interesting to compare the detailed design of the two buildings, however, as they are very different. Both buildings contain some fairly dramatic internal spaces.

]]> Learn about the Clyde�s great shipbuilding history in the Category A-listed former headquarters of Fairfield shipyard. It contains a grand boardroom where the Queen would have been received, and the building� has a� prestigious maritime heritage.

These magnificent Grade A Listed offices reflect the prestige of the once world renowned Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. Ltd. The former managers� offices and the Boardroom now form Fairfield Heritage whose excellent displays tell the enduring story of shipbuilding on the Clyde. Normally only open 1-4pm on weekdays, Fairfield Heritage will be open 10am - 5pm from Monday to Sunday during Doors Open week with tours available on request. At the week-end you will be also able to see the former Shipbuilding Office where draughtsmen created the plans for proposed ships. This space beautifully lit with natural daylight now provides desk space for young start-up companies with modern technical skills who design software, websites and apps, known as Rookie Oven.

�

]]> Built as a Chapel of Ease in 1834, and extended in 1883 by J J Stephenson. Superb windows by Alfred and Gordon Webster, J H Dearle, Morris, Powell and Moira Malcolm of Prestwick. Pulpit by Bennett exhibited in 1888 Empire Exhibition. Weather vane is a model of Fife's yacht design Latifa. Fairlie Stone, early mediaeval sculptured stone. 1578 'Breeches' Bible, HMS Kingfisher memorial lost off Fairlie 1944. Time Line Book of 177 years of History.

]]> Community garden growing a wide variety of fruit and vegitables in raised beds and three polytunnels.

This is a sustainable garden with a peripheral woodland walk, picnic areas on the coast and an indoor seated area.

]]> A category B listed Italian Renaissance style museum built to commemorate Hugh Falconer, fossil collector, botanist and contemporary of Charles Darwin.

Around the exterior of the building are a number of carved heads depicting eminent scientists including Sir Issac Newton, James Watt and Hugh Millar. Inside is a purpose built Victorian museum including a Curator's flat, now incorporated into the museum's exhibition areas.

]]> This building hides a fascinating interior where much of the hard work to collect and conserve objects for the nearby Falconer Museum is undertaken. Come and see the full range of objects collected, from the forgotten to the weird and wonderful. Guided 60 minute store tours are available at 10am, midday and 2pm. Please book tours via the Eventbrite website.

https://moraydod2019falconerstore.eventbrite.co.uk

]]> Described variously as “Rogue” or “Punchy” Scottish Baronial, this building is certainly distinctive. It was completed in 1879 according to designs by the Falkirk architect Alexander Black. The oriel bay resting on a squat flowering column looks like a pulpit – just right for the Provost of Falkirk. Perhaps the ironwork crown on the truncated pyramid roof is also symbolic. That this was the administrative building for the burgh of Falkirk is shown by the large coat-of-arms set high in the gable. A description of Falkirk published in 1879 aptly stated that “pains have been taken to produce a bold and effective exterior without any lavish expenditure.” The total cost was a little over £3,000.

As well as housing the Town Clerk’s office it contained the Fiscal’s office, the Collector’s rooms, the court room, witnesses’ room, committee room and council chamber. On the upper floor was a flat for the caretaker. Today the building is home to the Registrar, where births, marriages and deaths are recorded. The parts open to the public are the main hall and marriage rooms.

Open courtesy of the Chief Executive, Falkirk Council.

Wheelchair access to ground floor and lift to first floor. Parking in town centre.

]]> The panelled library in Callendar House, designed by David Hamilton, is now home to the Council Archives, and holds a vast range of material relating to the local area; including electoral roles, family and personal papers, maps and thousands of photographs.

]]> Falkirk Stadium is home to the Scottish Championship club, Falkirk FC, and has a capacity of 7,937.

Work began on building the stadium in 2003 after Brockville Park, the club's town centre home since 1885, was sold and demolished. The new stadium was opened in 2004 with the main stand completed. It was designed by Falkirk Council architects and constructed by Mowlem. The main façade faces west towards the town and is dominated by four apsidal metal sheeted stairwells and horizontal bands of powder blue-tinted windows. The north and south stands were built and opened in 2005 and 2009 respectively.

The project of building the stadium started as a partnership between Falkirk Football Club and Falkirk Council who set up the Falkirk Community Stadium Ltd. Falkirk's first ever game at the stadium was a friendly in July 2004 against Dundee resulting in a 2–1 defeat (but we don’t mention that).

The second stand to the north of the pitch has a capacity of 2,000 and its completion brought the stadium's capacity to over the Scottish Premier League's 6,000 seating criteria, meaning Falkirk was allowed automatic promotion from the First Division. The stand received its safety certificate in late March 2005, shortly before the SPL's deadline.

An artificial playing surface was installed at the stadium in June 2013. In 2016 Lowland Football League side Stirling University FC started playing their home matches at the ground, having moved from Stirling Albion's Forthbank Stadium. Likewise, in April 2018 it was announced that East Stirlingshire would begin playing their home matches at the Falkirk Stadium from the start of the 2018–19 season. The club had previously played in the town at Firs Park until 2008, before spending a decade ground-sharing with Stenhousemuir at Ochilview Park.

Courtesy of Falkirk Football Club.

]]> A neat, contemporary building in a newly built area is a tribute to the re-establishment of a Free Church congregation in the Falkirk area.

]]> In 1903 Lint Riggs was reconstructed using design parameters laid down by burgh engineer David Ronald and it is consequently the most architecturally consistent street in the area with a Continental feel. The dominant building is the Masonic Temple with its classical Corinthian style under a balustrade. It is the only Masonic Temple in the district and was completed in 1906 for Lodge Callendar No.588, the second lodge of freemasons to be established in the town. The internal decoration and furnishing is very interesting, especially the five outstanding painted windows with their floral patterns; each represents a Principal Office Bearer namely - The Right Worshipful Master in the centre flanked on either side by the Worshipful Senior and Junior Wardens. The two Wardens are flanked on their other side by windows representing the Senior and Junior Deacons.

All in all this is an exceptional masonic lodge building.

]]>

Completed in 1814 according to designs by David Hamilton of Glasgow the Steeple is the iconic landmark of the town. 140ft tall, it has four stages – the bottom being severe Florentine; the second Greek Doric; the third or clock chamber Italianate; and the belfry Ionic. It was constructed to house the town’s bell and clock, as well as containing temporary lockups. The design was a reflection of civic pride. The original Steeple on the site was erected in 1697 and was the first building to be owned by the Stentmasters – the precursor of the town council. An exhibition on the history of the Steeple has just been installed by the Falkirk Local History Society, which is the host for this occasion.

During this weekend there will be an opportunity to inspect the two prison cells (lockups). These retain their original reinforced doors and traces of the iron cladding of both the ceilings and the floors. People had escaped from the previous tolbooth, but this was not going to happen here!

Please note that access is to the first and second floors of the building only, by a small spiral staircase. You will need to be able to ascend and descend the stairs. We reserve the right to refuse access in reasonable circumstances.

]]> The Falkirk Townscape Initiative is a grant-giving scheme funded by Falkirk Council, HLF, Historic Environment Scotland and others, that has seen £5.5 million invested in Falkirk Town Centre between 2013 and 2018. The aim is to help regenerate the area through investing in its unique and rich heritage.

]]> As part of the Falkirk Townscape Heritage Initiative there will be a temporary exhibition and a guided walk to illustrate and explore the living architecture of the shops in the town centre. The THI is funded by Falkirk Council, HLF, Historic Environment Scotland and others, that will see £5.5 million invested in Falkirk Town Centre between 2013 and 2018 with the aim of helping to regenerate the area through investing in its unique and rich heritage.

]]> The Kings loved hunting and falconry, and this was created as a sort of holiday house for them to pursue these hobbies.
There are many fairytale-esque buildings to explore, including the Chapel Royal and Britain's oldest real tennis court.
The surrounding gardens are home to an orchard and wildflower meadow as well as a Renaissance style herbal garden.
This tour consists of a set of multiple 360º photographs from both inside and out of the palace allowing the viewer to experience much of what is on offer.
Accessibility note: This is unsuitable for wheelchairs as there are a lot of stairs. There is a hearing loop and large print guides.]]> The Kings loved hunting and falconry, and this was created as a sort of holiday house for them to pursue these hobbies.
There are many fairytale-esque buildings to explore, including the Chapel Royal and Britain's oldest real tennis court.
The surrounding gardens are home to an orchard and wildflower meadow as well as a Renaissance style herbal garden.
This tour consists of a set of multiple 360º photographs from both inside and out of the palace allowing the viewer to experience much of what is on offer.
Accessibility note: This is unsuitable for wheelchairs as there are a lot of stairs. There is a hearing loop and large print guides.]]> The majestic Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve sits at the gateway to the Clyde Valley Woodlands. It boasts an inspirational landscape of three dramatic waterfalls, beautiful ancient woodlands and abundant wildlife, all within easy walking distance.

]]> Join Scriever Rab Wilson for a gallus event about Rabbie Burns and the Scots language. This is a family friendly event for kids aged 5-11 along with the parents and other carers.

]]> Whether you are local or a visitor to the region, members of the Family History Society will be on hand to help you find out about your roots and the history of Dumfries and Galloway, so take this chance to tap into their local knowledge and take time to admire the wonderful window displays.

]]> Majestic castellated mansion in muted brown sandstone built for Sir Alexander Ramsay of Balmain.

Much has been written on Fasque over the years but none of it fully captures the significance and stature of the properties and landscape. Unfortunately Fasque has not been fully occupied for many years, and while it is still complete in many ways which have been lost with other comparable properties, it now requires a program of major repair to restore and preserve its original stature and stop this being lost for future generations..

]]> In 1829, the house was bought by Sir John Gladstone, the father of later Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone.
The house is surrounded by beech avenues originally planted in the 1750s.
Fasque House was possibly the first house in Scotland to have electric lighting and had an electric buzzer system installed in 1890.
The House can today be rented out for weddings and events.
The tour is a 360º view of the front and gardens of the House.
Accessibility note: The House has a few areas that are not suitable for disabled access, but the House has a lift to the main function and bedroom floor and some bedrooms allow disabled access and walk-in shower.]]> In 1829, the house was bought by Sir John Gladstone, the father of later Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone.
The house is surrounded by beech avenues originally planted in the 1750s.
Fasque House was possibly the first house in Scotland to have electric lighting and had an electric buzzer system installed in 1890.
The House can today be rented out for weddings and events.
The tour is a 360º view of the front and gardens of the House.
Accessibility note: The House has a few areas that are not suitable for disabled access, but the House has a lift to the main function and bedroom floor and some bedrooms allow disabled access and walk-in shower.]]>

Known as "The Lamp of the North", Fearn Abbey was at one time an expensive monastery set in ythe fertile lands of the Tarbat Peninsula. It is one of the most northerly monastic foundation in Scotland and the oldest Premonstratension foundation to exist in Scotland, and possibly the UK that is still in use for worship today.

It is a miracle that Fearn Abbey still survives. So often it has fallen into disrepair, been rebuilt, patched up and restored, yet the magnificent structure is still evident from these early times nearly 800 years ago.

Exhibition on the life of Peter Fraser, wartime Prime Minister of New Zealand, born and educated at Hill of Fearn. Quiz for children

Tours at 11am and 2pm

]]> A village kirk within a farming community. celebrating our 375th anniversary of the Greek cross-shaped Kirk. On display: The Covenanter's flag raised at the Battle of Drumclog, Captain Paton's Bible, an embroidered hanging plus a large number of Covenanting memorials. Site of the signing of the world's first known Co-operative charter. Conventicle in churchyard after Sunday Service.

]]> Ferniehirst Castle dates back to 1460 with the bulk of the building dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. It is the ancestral home of the Kerr Family.

The castle was used for a number of years as a youth hostel but was extensively restored by the Lothian family about 25 years ago.

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