Doors Open Day set to shed some light on city landmarks

By waterfront : 08 Aug 2009

A FORMER prison that is now home to the Scottish Government and a lighthouse are among the unusual buildings throwing open their doors to the public this summer.

The annual Edinburgh Doors Open Day event will, for the first time, be held over two days to give residents even more opportunity to visit the city's usually off-limits buildings.

This year the Cockburn Association, which organises the event, has managed to secure several buildings that have not previously taken part in the popular event, which last year attracted around 80,000 visitors.

One of the new attractions this year will be St Andrew's House, on the former site of Calton Jail.

The art deco-influenced building was designed by Thomas S Tait in the 1930s, and its interior underwent a major refurbishment in 2001.

Built to house the Scottish Office, the building has since become home to the Scottish Government.

Today, the turreted Governors' House is all that remains of the former prison.

The high-security Redford Infantry Barracks are also expected to be a highlight of this year's event, giving the public a rare glimpse into army life.

Originally built to accommodate 1,000 men, it is now home to around 650 members of 3rd Battalion, The Rifles.

Also to be opened this year are Granton Lighthouse, which was originally built as a training centre around 1850, the new Queen Margaret University campus and the City Chambers, which has recently undergone extensive conservation work.

Thompson's Tower, a unique octagonal building designed by William Playfair in 1825 as a curling house for the Duddingston Curling Society, will also be opened to the public.

The building, which has recently been restored, sits within the tranquil grounds of Dr Neil's Garden on the banks of Duddingston Loch, and houses a Museum of Curling in the lower chamber and an interpretation room in the upper chamber.

A total of 75 buildings are expected to be opened up for this year's event, which takes place on 26 and 27 September.

Maggie Spalding, the co-ordinator of Edinburgh Doors Open Day, said: "I'm delighted that it will run over two days for the first time this year, allowing people to see and do more than ever before.

"What's more, this year's participants have included more activities than ever before, helping to bring the history and current use of the buildings to life."

Edinburgh Doors Open Day was first organised by the Cockburn Association in 1991 and has become one of the most popular free days out in the Capital.

A full list of all buildings that will throw their doors open will be available in August.

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