Doors Open Days East Dunbartonshire

Sorry you are too late, this event has been and gone!

Scotland's annual Doors Open Days festival gives you free access to lots of fascinating buildings across East Dunbartonshire! This year's event will be held on September 6th & 7th!

About Doors Open Days East Dunbartonshire

Listed Under Days Out Events / Design Events / Exhibitions Events / Family and Kids Events / History Events / Learning Events / Nature Events / Outdoor Events / Photography Events / Talks and Lectures Events / Tour Events

Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates heritage and the built environment, new and old. Every September, you can explore hundreds of fascinating buildings across Scotland for free. Some open up once a year, some just once in a lifetime.

Doors Open Days is a national event run by the Scottish Civic Trust. Information about the national programme, including event listings, can be found at www.doorsopendays.org.uk. Doors Open Days, along with Scottish Archaeology Month take place throughout Scotland and are part of European Heritage Days – an initiative which promotes a sense of community and a “common heritage” throughout the continent.

Programme Highlights:

Auld Kirk Museum
The Auld Kirk and its graveyard, 380 years old this year, form one of the finest and oldest sites in Kirkintilloch. The building features an 18th century pulpit and a 1663 Gerhard Koster bell, which is now part of the museum collection. In the churchyard, tombstones have been laid flat or propped against the boundary walls. The museum within the building showcases objects primarily related to the social and industrial history of East Dunbartonshire, along with hosting temporary exhibitions.

Baldernock Parish Church
Baldernock Parish Church is celebrating is 230th anniversary this year, the current building having been erected in 1795 although there has been a church or place of worship on the site since about 1236AD.

Bearsden Baptist Church
Discover our unique building, featuring the historic Maxholme Villa and the modern church sanctuary, set within beautiful grounds that once housed a Roman fort. Both the building and gardens will be open to the public, highlighting our Roman heritage.

Cadder Church
There has been a church on this site for over 900 years. The present building, built in the mid-nineteenth century, contains wonderful stained glass by artists including Alf Webster and Sadie McLellan. You will find a mort safe and watch hut to discourage graverobbers in the graveyard!

Caldwell Halls
Caldwell Halls, once the village school for Torrance, has a rich history that begins with its two-storey section, built in 1813. The upper floor served as the residence for the schoolmaster and was accessible via a staircase at the rear of the building. Classes were conducted on the ground floor, which is now the foyer.

Campsie Cemetery in Lennoxtown
Explore the history of Lennoxtown at Campsie High Kirk, a prominent landmark since 1828. The surrounding cemetery features a variety of interesting gravestones that reflect the lives of those buried there. Join us for a guided walkthrough Campsie Cemetery, where you’ll hear captivating stories researched by the Campsie Local History Group and connect with the area’s rich heritage.

Clober Farm
Clober Farm was originally an 18th century farmhouse which was split into 3 dwellings. One of which was bequeathed to Spinal Injuries Scotland. Extensive renovations carried out in 2012 created a beautiful, tranquil holiday apartment adapted to allow easy access and living for those with a spinal injury or mobility issues. Specialised features and equipment throughout make this property a wonderful example of adapted living at its best enabling guests to enjoy a stress-free break.

Fort Theatre
This building was built in the 1700s as the barn for Brackenbrae Farm. In 1969 the Antonine Theatre Group acquired the building and converted it into the theatre known as “The Fort” today. Since then, they have organised hundreds of performances, community events, and private functions and hosted a variety of visiting groups from across Scotland.

Gavin's Mill
Gavin’s Mill is one of the oldest buildings in Milngavie, dating from at least the 16th century. Powered by the Allander Water, it operated as a grain mill and latterly a sawmill until about 1960 when a fire gutted the interior. It was bought and reconstructed by architect Bert Morris and functioned as an office and restaurant until 2014. In 2017 the Gavin’s Mill community project took it over and opened as a fair-trade shop and café.

Historic Mains Estate Walk - Milngavie Heritage Centre Group
Join us for a guided walk around the historic Mains Estate, where we’ll explore the natural and physical remnants of this former landed estate on the outskirts of Milngavie. Utilising a collection of historical maps, you’ll gain insight into the estate’s rich history as we navigate its perimeter.

Lennoxtown Library - Display by Campsie Local History Group
Join us at the Lennoxtown Library for a captivating event on Doors Open Day, where we will showcase a unique display that delves into the rich history of our local community. This exhibit will highlight the intriguing stories of many residents laid to rest in the local Campsie cemetery, bringing their legacies to life.

Lillie Art Gallery: Guided Tour of the Gallery Store
The Lillie Art Gallery is a purpose-built gallery opened in 1962. It owes its existence to local banker and artist Robert Lillie (1867-1949), who left a substantial number of his own artworks as well as funds to build the gallery.

Milngavie Library: Display by Milngavie Heritage Centre Group
Held within the Milngavie Library, The Milngavie Heritage Centre group’s next heritage exhibition explores the fascinating history of Mains Estate and its connection to the Douglas Family.

New Kilpatrick Parish Church
New Kilpatrick Parish Church was built in 1808 on the site of an earlier church of 1649. The original larger parish dates from the 13th century. Enjoy the very fine collection of stained-glass windows, including work by Stephen Adams and Alfred and Gordon Webster.

Old Aisle Cemetery: Walk by the Kirkintilloch and District Society of Antiquaries
Join us for a guided walk through the Old Aisle Cemetery, where you will explore the graves and memorials featured in the Kirkintilloch and District Society of Antiquaries exhibition.

St Mary's Parish Church
The striking pink sandstone neo-gothic church was built in 1914 to replace the old church which is now the Auld Kirk Museum. The building features excellent stained-glass windows and wood carvings designed by local artist Willie Rodger.

Turret Theatre
Founded in 1923, the Kirkintilloch Players is a celebrated amateur theatre group based in the intimate Turret Theatre. Our talented adult and youth sections have brought countless award-winning productions to life, ranging from hilarious comedies to gripping thrillers. Each year, our beloved annual pantomime steals the spotlight and warms the hearts of all who attend.

William Patrick Library: Architectural Archives Display
Join us for a fascinating display of architectural plans from the EDLC archives, featuring: Scotland’s first garden suburb, Monuments, Churches, Villas, Schools, Housing developments, Civic buildings, Cast iron structures. Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into East Dunbartonshire’s rich architectural history!

William Patrick Library: Display by Kirkintilloch and District Society of Antiquaries
The William Patrick Library opened at its current location in 1994 to replace the town library at Camphill House, Peel Park. It was refurbished in 2012. The stained-glass panels from Middlecroft House, the former home of Rita Cowan Taketsuru, the mother of Japanese Whisky, are housed inside. Visit Archives and Local Studies on the first floor of the library during its opening hours to discover more about your local history.

Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.

All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.

GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Glasgow, click here to find out more!

Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Glasgow? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!

Other Events at Various Venues or Doors Open Days

Days Out

Doors Open Days - Fife West

14th September 2025 - 21st September 2025

Various Locations Fife

Scotland's annual Doors Open Days festival gives you free access to lots of fascinating buildings across Fife. Check out this year's events in Fife West!

Tour

Doors Open Day: Behind The Scenes Centenary Tours

18th September 2025

Kelvin Hall, Glasgow West End

Celebrate the National Library of Scotland's centenary with a free 'behind the scenes' tour of Scotland’s moving image and sound archive at Kelvin Hall!

Tour

Doors Open Days: Mitchell Library

18th September 2025 - 20th September 2025

The Mitchell Library and Theatre, Glasgow City Centre

As part of Doors Open Days, come along to hear about the Mitchell Library's fascinating history, explore its beautiful spaces, and discover some of the unique collections that make it so special.

History

Doors Open Days: Couper Institute

18th September 2025 - 20th September 2025

Couper Institute, Glasgow South Side

See behind the scenes of the historic Couper Institute in partnership with Glasgow Life as part of Doors Open Day 2025!

Days Out

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival

18th September 2025 - 21st September 2025

Various Locations Glasgow

Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival is an annual event celebrating the city's architecture, culture, and heritage through a free programme of open buildings and events taking place in September!

Food and Drink

Doors Open Days: Jackton Distillery Maltings Tours

18th September 2025 - 21st September 2025

Jackton Distillery, Jackton

Exclusively for Glasgow Doors Open Days 2025, Jackton Distillery will be showing off their state-of-the-art maltings - for the first time ever!

Tour

Doors Open Days: Glasgow Street Aid

19th September 2025 - 21st September 2025

Glasgow Street Aid, Glasgow City Centre

Join Glasgow Street Aid for an exclusive look behind the scenes at their extraordinary, purpose fitted Medical and Welfare Centre as part of Doors Open Days!

Family and Kids

Doors Open Days: A Sense of the Sacred

20th September 2025

St Brides Episcopal Church, Glasgow West End

Have fun at St Brides and see if you can ring the church bell on this special event as part of Doors Open Days 2025!

Tour

Doors Open Days: Maryhill Women’s History Walk

20th September 2025

Maryhill Burgh Halls, Glasgow West End

As part of their celebration for Doors Open Days, Maryhill Burgh Halls are back with their popular Women's History Walk.

Film

Doors Open Days: Film Screening - From Scotland with Love

20th September 2025

Couper Institute, Glasgow South Side

As part of the Cathcart, Merrylee & Muirend Summer Festival, Doors Open Day, and in partnership with Glasgow Life, join us for a FREE film screening in the atmospheric Couper Institute!

Tour

Doors Open Days: King’s Theatre Glasgow Heritage Tour

20th September 2025

Kings Theatre Glasgow, Glasgow City Centre

Get a sneak peek behind the scenes and get to know the iconic King's Theatre like you've never before on this guided tour as part of Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival!

Family and Kids

Doors Open Days: Shoebox City

20th September 2025

Kelvin Hall, Glasgow West End

Join National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall for an all-ages creative session as part of Glasgow's Doors Open Days Festival and get hands on with imagining and building the city of the future!

Tour

Doors Open Days: Finding Glasgow - Kelvin Hall (re)collects

20th September 2025

Kelvin Hall, Glasgow West End

Join us at Kelvin Hall to discover Glasgow 850 through a series of talks, tours, films and conversations for Doors Open Day!

Workshops

Doors Open Days: The Art of Assemblage

20th September 2025

St Brides Episcopal Church, Glasgow West End

In this fun workshop led by author, artist and illustrator Ben Morse, you can learn the art of collage and create your very own artwork from a range of printed materials.

Workshops

Doors Open Days: Beyond The Music Of Hildegard

20th September 2025

St Brides Episcopal Church, Glasgow West End

In this workshop, Father Peter Bradley will lead us through the secret language that Hildegard devised, her work on herbs and healing, her journalling, and her musical morality play.

Tour

Door Open Days: Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

20th September 2025

Royal College Of Physicians and Surgeons Of Glasgow, Glasgow City Centre

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow will be opening their doors to visitors to explore their beautiful rooms and learn about the history of medicine and surgery in Glasgow.

History

Glasgow Firsts at the Mitchell Library: Doors Open Day Handling Session

20th September 2025

The Mitchell Library and Theatre, Glasgow City Centre

Feast your eyes on some 'Glasgow Firsts' at the Mitchell Library's Doors Open Day handling session on Saturday 20th September!

Days Out