Doors open weekend

Behind-the-scenes tours at the Albert Bartlett factory in Airdrie and Summerlee museum in Coatbridge are among the highlights of this weekend’s Doors Open Days across Monklands.

A range of local buildings from fire stations to churches are taking part in the annual event, run by the Scottish Civic Trust, which is this year marking its 30th anniversary.

Tours at the Bartlett’s vegetable factory on Sunday morning are already fully booked, with the new venue on this year’s list of attractions having proved popular.

Summerlee visitors will be able to enjoy a rare glimpse into the heritage museum’s newly-refurbished store, finding out about the historic objects there from their curator and hearing about the stories of industrial Lanarkshire.

The hour- long tours run at 11am and 1pm, and places can be booked by calling 01236 856150; while a free performance entitled Sea Hames, the acclaimed Oceanallover, will be taking place in the grounds at 12 noon.

Coatbridge fire station will also be welcoming visitors, from 11am to 3pm on both days, and four local churches are also taking part in the event.

Visitors can attend St Paul & St John the Evangelist Church on Springwells Avenue in Airdrie from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 12pm to 4pm on Sunday; St Augustine’s in Coatbridge from 10am to 4pm on both days; Gartcosh Parish Church from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday and 10.15am to 2pm on Sunday; and Glenboig Parish Church from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday and 11.45am to 3pm on Sunday.

Adam Smith, the Doors Open Days coordinator for North Lanarkshire, said: “We have a fantastic programme of participating venues and it’s been great to see some old favourites returning, with a wide range of activities and events taking place.

“Doors Open Days offer a rare chance to see and do something different and I’d encourage as many people as possible to get out there and visit our venues this weekend.”

Full details of the North Lanarkshire Doors Open Days venues can be found at www. doorsopendays.org.uk and on Facebook