Published on:
14
September 2015
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 26th and 27th September, and is a chance to visit 23 places which are not often open to the public or usually charge for entry.
Many different types of buildings are open over the weekend, from the recently conserved Alva Ice House to Alloa Fire Station. Several churches are also included in the programme, and there is also be a chance to see paintings from the fine Mar and Kellie collection at Hilton Farm.
Visitors can also take in most of the Clackmannanshire Tower Trail with Clackmannan, Alloa and Sauchie Towers taking part along with Menstrie Castle. A special heritage weekend will also be taking place in Clackmannan, with the Parish Church also open and the Town Hall hosting activities and displays as part of the Tale of Two Estates project developed by the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative.
Environment and Enterprise Convener Donald Balsillie said: "Doors Open Day 2015 in Clackmannanshire gives local people and visitors the chance to see inside some of our fascinating buildings, and to learn more about our built heritage.
"There's a chance to see everything from the impressive Tower Trail to a mountain rescue team post, and I'd urge everyone to go online to see just what a range of fascinating buildings they can look around for free."
The programme includes a number of other properties, including Resonate Arts House, Ochils Mountain Rescue Team Post, Dollar Museum, Tullibody Heritage Centre and Inglewood House, former home of the Forrester-Paton family, part of the Paton wool spinning dynasty.
This year, an exhibition at the Speirs Centre marks the centenary of the First World War and commemorates the bravery of two local men who were awarded the VC in 1915 - James Dalglish Pollock VC and James Lennox Dawson VC.
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 01324 831568 or email info@innerforthlandscape.co.uk no later than 12 noon on Friday 25th 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 and the Doors Open Days website.