Doors Open Days East Dunbartonshire
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
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.
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