11 September 2018

Throwing our Doors Open for the weekend

Properties across Aberdeenshire will open their doors for two days this weekend (15 and 16 September) for Doors Open Days 2018. From Portsoy to Benholm, Stonehaven to Braemar there are a wide variety of establishments taking part.
 
Tod Head Lighthouse near Catterline was a popular venue last year and has come back for a second time. Blair's Museum on South Deeside Road near Aberdeen is a first time entrant to the 2018 programme along with the Bennachar Camphill Campus. Glen Tanar Estate will open multiple properties to the public and Braemar Castle, Auchtevan and St Margaret's near Braemar should not be missed.

The National Trust for Scotland is also taking part for a second year, this time at Castle Fraser, which is an exciting and welcome addition.
 
Fyvie Guide Hut and Parish Church are on the list along with Tarves Heritage Centre and Udny Mort House. In Banff, an old merchant’s house with its own private lookout tower dating back to 1676 will be open again along with the new Silver Smithy Centre. In the Fraserburgh area,  Maggies Hoosie, Sandhaven Meal Mill and the Fraserburgh Heritage Centre will be participating, along with the Salmon Bothy in Portsoy.
 
Many venues will be offering activities and refreshments. As part of the Year of Young People, Doors Open Days will also be targeting schools to encourage a younger generation to get involved in our rich history, architecture and culture here in Aberdeenshire.
 
Councillor Peter Argyle, Chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, explained: “Doors Open Days provide a great opportunity to celebrate our local heritage, explore some of the many assets we have here on our doorstep and do something different for a day. Please have a look on the website to see what might interest you.”

The full programme of events and venues is available online http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/ Not all properties are open both days so please check ahead when planning your visit. For more information, please email doorsopen@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or find out more on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AberdeenshireArchitectureHeritageDesign/