Doors open on Midlothian’s heritage

Are you interested in finding out more about local history or architecture or learning about the industrial and rural heritage of Midlothian? Or are you simply looking for a great family day out? Either way, the 2022 Midlothian Doors Open Day programme is sure to have something for you.

Midlothian Doors Open Day 2022

Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating Scotland’s places, history and culture – old and new. On Saturday 10 September, Midlothian will once again be taking part, with 19 venues opening up to the public, free of charge.

Visit historic attractions in Midlothian

Attractions include grand historic properties such as Arniston House and Mavisbank House. Historic churches also feature, with St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Dalkeith, Crichton Collegiate, St Nicholas Buccleuch, Dalkeith, and Cockpen and Carrington churches all taking part. The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints in Dalkeith will also open, with visitors able to access the church’s large database to start tracing their family tree.

Midlothian’s rural and industrial heritage is celebrated at the National Mining Museum Scotland, and at Cousland Smiddy and Heritage Hub, while Dalkeith Museum gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into the town’s past, from Roman times to the present day. You can also visit the living museum that is the Pen-y-coe Press and Papermaking Heritage Centre in Penicuik, to learn about the town’s papermaking past.

The restored Penicuik Town Hall will also highlight the work of the Penicuik Heritage Regeneration Project, with Penicuik Historical Society also welcoming visitors to the building, built by the papermaking Cowan family as the Cowan Institute in 1894.

There’s a chance too, to see inside one of the oldest masonic lodges in existence at Dalkeith, as well as the Lodge at Loanhead, which has been active since 1876.

Thistle Modelmakers in Mayfield will be displaying their model railway layouts from around the world, or you can call in on Midlothian Camera Club in Lasswade to see their fascinating photography exhibition.

Dalkeith Community Fire Station will also be open, with equipment demonstrations and the chance for the kids to climb on board a real fire engine, while at Vogrie, you can visit the Wildlife Information Centre to learn about their wildlife surveys and how to take part.

A great day out for locals and visitors

“Midlothian Doors Open Day is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to learn more about our area’s proud heritage, its historic buildings and stunning landscape,” said Midlothian Council Leader, Councillor Kelly Parry. “With the help of local organisations, property owners and visitor attractions, we’ve been able to put together a varied programme with something for every age and interest.”

For more on the Doors Open Day programme, visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk or check out their Facebook Page.