Doors Open Days: Unlock Scotland this September
Written by Malcolm Finlayson on 23/08/2023
Angus is set to take part in Scotland’s largest free festival on 9 and 10 September 2023, celebrating places and stories, new and old.
2023 marks the 34th year of Doors Open Days, a free festival that sees organisations and volunteers offer free access to sites and events across Scotland. The festival aims to ensure that Scotland’s built and cultural heritage is made accessible to everyone living in and visiting the country.
Across the country, doors will be opened wide, welcoming visitors to uncover hidden gems and experience familiar places through fresh eyes. Visitors can access a free programme of talks, walks and tours right on their doorstep.
There are over 25 venues taking part in Doors Open Days across Angus. Along with favourites such as Mortuary Chapel in Arbroath, Balmashanner Monument in Forfar and Davidson Cottage near Brechin, there are also a number of new venues on the programme for 2023.
New for 2023 – take a guided tour of the war graves at Montrose Sleepyhillock Cemetery with the Commonwealth War Grave Commission; see behind the scenes of the Friockheim Community Lock-Up and hear about the work the volunteers do in the village; hear the story of coffee from field to cup at Sacred Grounds Coffee Roastery in Arbroath; find out about the impact of the Community First Hub in Forfar on the environment and the community; and see unique Pre-Reformation paintings of national significance at St Marnock’s Church in Fowlis.
Many of the venues included in the Doors Open Days programme are not often open to the public, including the Arbroath Royal Observer Corps Post Museum, Forfar Sheriff & JP Court and the Picture Store at Meffan Museum & Art Gallery in Forfar. Don’t miss the opportunity to see these fascinating venues and learn about the rich heritage of Angus.
Cllr Serena Cowdy, Tourism Spokesperson for Angus Council said: “Doors Open Days is a chance to showcase the places and stories that have shaped our local history. This event is always a highlight of the Angus events calendar, encouraging people from near and far to explore what Angus has to offer.”
Director of Scottish Civic Trust, Doors Open Days national coordinator, Joe Traynor, said: “Doors Open Days offers visitors the opportunity to play ‘tourist’ in their own town for free, as they uncover new experiences and revisit old favourites right on their doorstep. This year, we hope our visitors take this opportunity to make new memories with their friends and families, while they celebrate the stories that have shaped Scotland.”
To find out more about Doors Open Days in Angus, see www.visitangus.com/doorsopen.
Find out more about the events and activities that will be on in September throughout the rest of Scotland during Doors Open Days by visiting www.doorsopendays.org.uk.
