Unlock Midlothian Doors Open Day 2024
Buildings throughout Midlothian are getting ready to open their doors and welcome visitors on Saturday 14th September as part of Midlothian Doors Open Day 2024.
About Doors Open Days
Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates Scotland’s places, history and culture, new and old. Each September, the festival offers access to hundreds of sites and events across Scotland. The aim of Doors Open Days is to ensure that Scotland’s built and cultural heritage is made accessible to people living in and visiting the country. Doors Open Days is supported by Historic Environment Scotland, and is part of European Heritage Days.
Midlothian Doors Open Day
Across Midlothian doors will be opened wide, welcoming visitors to uncover hidden gems and experience familiar places through fresh eyes.
Mavisbank House, recently ‘saved’ thanks to a £5 million funding award, and Cousland Smiddy, an early 18th century blacksmith’s workshop and Victorian cottage, are among 22 Midlothian venues taking part in this year’s Doors Open Days on Saturday 14 September.
Other buildings taking part include The National Mining Museum Scotland, Arniston House, Dalkeith Museum and Penicuik Papermaking Heritage Museum.
Midlothian Third Sector Interface (TSI) will also be opening the doors to the TSI Salon on Thursday 12th September for people to find out more about Midlothian Doors Open Day. They’ll have free coffees, tea, cakes and information about volunteering in Midlothian as well as a list of all venues taking part. They’ll also have information on transport routes to each venue and support for those with English as their second language.
A highlight for the provost
Midlothian Council Provost Debbi McCall said: “We’re always delighted to support Doors Open Days. It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore Midlothian’s heritage and tour buildings, many of which are not always open to the public.
“There’s lots on offer this year, including guided tours of the landscape, plants and flowers surrounding the National Museum of Scotland’s Lady Victoria site with ecologist Matt Harding from the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland.
“So please, have a look at the programme as many of the events are booked up quickly.”
Busiest day of the year for Cousland Smiddy
Some buildings are so popular with the public they take part every year, including the 18th century working smiddy at Cousland.
Sheena Irving from Cousland Smiddy, which has been taking part since the outset, says: “It’s our busiest day of the year – we get around 150 people through the door, many of them return visitors who love coming to see the farrier working, enjoy a lunch of homemade soup and have a look round the Victorian cottage and other historic buildings.”
What’s on this Midlothian Doors Open Day
With so much to choose from, be sure to discover the full programme of events for Midlothian Doors Open Day 2024.
