A number of historic sites and cultural venues in North Ayrshire are participating in Doors Open Days, Scotland’s largest free festival that offers free access to over a thousand venues across the country throughout September, every year.
The aim of Doors Open Days is to ensure that Scotland’s built heritage, new and old, is made accessible to people living and visiting the country on weekends in September.
Doors Open Days first took place in Glasgow and Ayr in 1990 where it formed part of the European City of Culture celebrations, and the festival is now in its 30th year. It is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust and is part of European Heritage Days alongside Scottish Archaeology Month, coordinated by Archaeology Scotland. Both are supported by Historic Environment Scotland.
The event brings together people from all walks of life in celebration of the fascinating architecture that surrounds us and the stories that these buildings tell. In 2018 over 6,300 volunteers gave their time to run tours, steward sites and activities, and even more are anticipated to participate in this anniversary year.
On Saturday 07 and Sunday 08 September, visitors can enjoy a free tour of Ardrossan Castle which details the new findings by the Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society from their archaeological digs in 2018 and 2019.
There will also be a cluster of 14 open venues in Scotland’s Craft Town, West Kilbride, which means visitors could enjoy a whole day there on 07 September.
Millport’s Field Studies Centre is also participating, offering opportunities to visit the Robertson Aquarium and Museum, learn about what can be found under the water of the Clyde, discover the history of marine biology in Millport, watch the animals getting fed, and try your hand at rock climbing.
For full details of all events taking place as part of Doors Open Days, please visit:
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