Published on:
27
August 2013
Clackmannanshire, along with the rest of Scotland, will be taking part in Doors Open Days in September, part of the Council of Europe European Heritage Days.
This event, on 7th and 8th September, is a chance to visit free of charge places of cultural and historic interest which are not normally open to the public.
Depute Council Leader Craig Holden, said: "The event aims to showcase the county and at the same time encourage everyone to appreciate and help to preserve their built heritage."
Doors Open Days is promoted nationally by The Scottish Civic Trust with part sponsorship from Historic Scotland.
This year we are celebrating the 300th anniversary of Gartmorn Dam and a special exhibition will be on display in the visitor centre at the Dam over our Doors Open Days weekend.
Gartmorn Dam was completed in 1713 for John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, and was at that time the largest artificial body of water in Scotland, an ambitious hydraulic system unique in 18th century Britain and a great engineering achievement.
Alloa Academy will be taking part in Doors Open Days for the first time, celebrating its remarkable new building. Resonate Arts House will open its doors once more to give people a chance to find out about its activities, see displays and demonstrations. There will also be guided tours of HMP Glenochil again, which must be booked in advance.
Alva Baptist Church will appear for the first time and churches in Alloa, Clackmannan and Dollar will be taking part again and offering guided tours of their rich interiors.
The fascinating old kirkyards of Alloa, Alva, with their remarkable mausolea for the Erskine and Johnstone families, as well as Tullibody, will also be open for guided tours.
Greenfield House will provide an interesting glimpse of the domestic life of the Thomson family, who were part of the Paton wool-spinning dynasty, among Alloa's most successful and influential Victorian entrepreneurs.
The medieval towers of Clackmannan and Sauchie are always popular and will be open again to welcome visitors for fascinating guided tours.
Councillor Holden added :"September is also Scottish Archaeology Month, when people can discover some of Clackmannanshire's amazing archaeological heritage through a range of activities such as excavation open days, guided tours, lectures and workshops. I would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of these events."
In Clackmannanshire there will be two events. The Ochils Landscape Partnership and the National Trust for Scotland Dig Dollar Glen event takes place between 21st and 29th September (excluding 25th), when participants will be able to have a go at excavation, drawing, photography and surveying. Volunteers are welcome to help for some or all of the week and should book in advance by contacting Kirsty McAlister (kmcalister@clacks.gov.uk) or Liz Jones (ejones@nts.org.uk).
The Gartmorn Dam event, What's in a Name?: Deconstructing Gartmorn Dam, takes place on 18th September and 21st September and involves a walk from Forestmill to the Dam, looking at how this ambitious hydraulic system was constructed and what has survived, as well as considering some of the place names around it and what they mean.
A brochure containing full details of Doors Open Days and Scottish Archaeology Month in Clackmannanshire is available from Council offices and many other locations. To book places on the Gartmorn Dam walk please contact: 01259 450000 or email customerservice@clacks.gov.uk.