Folk take their chance to look behind doors

THOUSANDS of people took a peek behind closed doors in Dundee over the weekend.

The annual Doors Open Day event gave people the chance to take in guided tours of some of the city’s most prominent buildings and landmarks. Forty-four venues opened their doors to visitors.

Blackness Road Fire Station, which was scheduled to take part i n the event, had to cancel due the increased terror threat after the London bombing at Parsons Green on Friday.

Other buildings which took part included Dundee Central Mosque, Dudhope Castle and the Howff Cemetery.

There were also backstage tours of the Caird Hall and Dundee Rep for culture-minded visitors.

Hundreds of people also booked guided tours around DC Thomson and C o L t d ’s refurbished Meadowside HQ.

For the second year in a row the event was organised by the Dundee Institute of Architects.

DIA secretary Fraser Middleton said: “It was definitely busier than last year.

“Pe o p l e h av e really embraced it, so it has been fantastic.”

Mr Middleton added that much of the success of Doors Open Day is down to volunteers who give up their time to show visitors around buildings.

He said:“The enthusiasm of volunteers and the people visiting is great.

“The people showing off their buildings get a real buzz and the people visiting get a buzz too.

“It’s a huge effort but is really worthwhile.”

Doors Open Days i s S c o t l a n d ’s largest free annual architectural event.

It is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust.