This September sees the annual Doors Open Days initiative taking place across Scotland, and once again, the Falkirk area does not disappoint, with five local buildings giving visitors the chance to admire their design, architectural features and, in one case, unusual quirks.

The Doors Open Days scheme is coordinated nationally by The Scottish Civic Trust, as part of the wider European Heritage Days initiative.

This year, the area tour starts at Randolph Hill in Denny, a beautiful Arts and Crafts building and former private home to the general manager of Carrongrove Papermill, now operating as Strathcarron Hospice. From there, visitors can take in Carronvale House, another private home built around the same time as Randolph Hill, but this time with Art Nouveau detailing, and currently home to the Scottish Headquarters of the Boys Brigade; then visit the Dobbie Hall and Larbert Carnegie Library before heading to Falkirk to the Callendar House Kennels, to see where the posh paws of Callendar House were housed.


To enhance the programme this year, the Falkirk Council Archives will open specially over the Doors Open Days weekend, giving visitors access to, amongst other things, black and white photographs of Carronvale, architectural plans for Randolph Hill, posters and advertising bills for Dobbie Hall shows, and even the memoirs of a member of the Sherriff family (Carronvale House residents). In addition, a Romans Rule on the Antonine Wall workshop for young people marks Scottish Archaelogy Month, and RIAS launch a biography of Matt Steele, architect of many local buildings, including previous Doors Open Days venue The Hippodrome.

Cllr Adrian Mahoney, Convener of Leisure, Tourism and Community said: "Doors Open Day is really a fantastic opportunity to see behind the scenes of historical and interesting buildings in the local area. This year we have enhanced the programme so that visitors can find out more information about the locations they are visiting and about their history. Entry to all the attractions is free and we hope to see many visitors old and new for this year's programme."

Falkirk Council's Doors Open Days events take place on Saturday 11th September and Sunday 12th September. Opening times vary at each participating venue. Admission is free.

(GK)