17 September 2021
Aberdeenshire to mark Doors Open Days with virtual events
2021 marks the 32nd year of Doors Open Days, a 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.
Inspired by the successes of Doors Open Days’ first ever digital festival in 2020, which welcomed 184,000 virtual visitors from across the world, the 2021 festival will have both online and in-person events and activities.
Aberdeenshire Council has organised a week of Doors Open Days activities, which will remain digital this year and will be available from Saturday, September 18, until the end of the month.
Among the Aberdeenshire highlights are a virtual tour of the Duff House Mausoleum given by the Duke of Fife, a video tour of the Garioch Heritage Centre, activities from St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, and stunning 360-degree digital tours of Peathill Kirk and Pitsligo Castle.
Cllr Peter Argyle, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “Aberdeenshire has a wealth of interesting historical and important buildings – and lots of fascinating stories to accompany them – and this digital approach will help us to showcase our rich heritage to a new audience from far and wide.”
Committee vice-chair Cllr John Cox said: “Aberdeenshire residents and those across the country will be able to enjoy an insight into north-east architecture from the comfort of their own homes, and I hope it will encourage people to visit in person in the future.”
Director of Scottish Civic Trust, Doors Open Days national coordinator, Dr Susan O’Connor, said: “Hundreds of venues across the country have been busy organising events, planning walking tours and creating videos and other virtual activities for visitors.”
Find out more about the rest of the events and activities that will be on in September as part of Doors Open Days and the wider National event by visiting www.doorsopendays.org.uk.
Highlights of activities in Aberdeenshire will be posted daily at www.facebook.com/AberdeenshireArchitectureHeritageDesign