Published on:
17
September 2014
There's a chance to look behind the doors of some of the most interesting places of cultural and historic interest in Clackmannanshire for free during Doors Open Days.
The event takes place over the weekend of 27th and 28th September, and is a chance to visit 25 places which are not often open to the public or usually charge for entry.
Many different types of buildings are open for the weekend, from new builds like Redwell Primary School to a rare chance to see inside the historic Clackmannan Tower.
Visitors can look around Alloa Fire Station, Kilncraigs and Paton's Schools, many historic churches, along with Menstrie Castle and Alloa and Sauchie Towers.
Nine churches and the old kirkyards of Alloa and Alva, with their fine mausolea for the Erskine and Johnstone families, are also included in the programme.
Environment and Enterprise Convener Donald Balsillie said: "This year's programme of Doors Open Days provides a fantastic opportunity for local people and visitors to see inside some fascinating buildings and appreciate and help to preserve our outstanding built heritage in Clackmannanshire.
"There's a chance to see everything from a working fire station and mountain rescue post to a brand new school, and I'd urge everyone to take a look at the brochure to see just what a range of eye-opening buildings are taking part."
The programme embraces a variety of other properties, including Resonate Arts House, Alloa Sheriff Court and The Alman Coach House Theatre, while visitors to Dollar Museum and Tullibody Heritage Centre will be able to enjoy their excellent temporary and permanent exhibitions. In addition, visitors to Tullibody Heritage Centre are welcome to bring along any material they may have relating to Tullibody and to their families and they will be helped by members of Tullibody History Group to find out more about it.
Inglewood House will provide an interesting glimpse into the domestic life of the Forrester-Paton family, who were part of the Paton wool-spinning dynasty, among Alloa's most successful and influential Victorian entrepreneurs.
Advance booking to visit Clackmannan Tower is essential, and no one will be admitted for a tour if their name is not on the list. To book, please call 0131 550 7603 or email julie.davidson2@scotland.gsi.gov.uk no later than 12 noon on Friday 26th September.
Doors Open Days is part of the Council of Europe European Heritage Days and is promoted nationally by The Scottish Civic Trust with support from Historic Scotland.
Full details of the Doors Open Days weekend can be found in the brochure, which is available on ClacksWeb, at libraries and CAP offices or by calling 01259 450000.