Fifty venues in Ayrshire Doors Open Day
The 28th annual Ayrshire Doors Open Day takes place as usual over the first weekend of September in celebration of our built heritage.
In the Golden Jubilee year of organisers, Kyle and Carrick Civic Society, there will be over 50 venues to visit throughout the county, next weekend, September 2 and 3.
It is a much loved way to get behind the scenes, shown round by lovely people who care.
New in North Ayrshire is Irvine Townhouse following extensive refurbishment, and Stonyholm Mill Kilbirnie, subject of regeneration and awaiting a new use.
Kilwinning Abbey Tower is always popular with its superb views from the top.
Irvine Royal Academy boasts one of the most extensive solar panel installations in Scotland to keep down energy costs.
New in East Ayrshire is Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Kilmarnock which has a magnificent painted chancel; The Club, founded 1884, which is a private gentlemen’s club; and Darvel Parish Church.
Always popular is Auchinleck House rescued by the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and then furnished by the Landmark Trust as a holiday let for 13.
Always popular in South Ayrshire is Ayr Sheriff and JP Court, where mock trials take place for Doors Open Day, and backstage tours of Ayr Gaiety Theatre.
New this year is St Oswald’s Episcopal Church Maybole, celebrating its 170th anniversary.
A late entry is The Quay Zone, Girvan where behind- the- scenes guided tours of the new leisure centre are available on Sunday, September 3, from 10.30am to 3.30pm, call 01465 915 200 to book.
Pick up a brochure from your local library throughout Ayrshire or tourist
information office or council public counter. Ayrshire Doors Open Day is arranged by volunteers from Kyle and Carrick Civic Society with the support of volunteers who steward the buildings, and financial assistance for a free day from the three Ayrshire Council, the Energy Saving Trust, and nationally co- ordinated by the Scottish Civic Trust.