Doors Open Days: Explore sites across Scotland for free this September
Cowane’s Hospital Building to take part in Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating places and stories, new and old.
2022 marks the 33rd year of Doors Open Days, a free festival that sees organisations and volunteers offer free access to sites and events across Scotland. The festival aims to ensure that Scotland’s built and cultural heritage is made accessible to everyone living in and visiting the country.
Inspired by the success of Doors Open Days’ first ever hybrid festival in 2021, which welcomed 507,300 virtual visitors from across the world, the 2022 festival will continue to have both online and in-person events and activities.
Across the country doors will be opened wide, welcoming visitors to uncover hidden gems and experience familiar places through fresh eyes. Visitors can access a free programme of talks, walks and tours right on their doorstep, or they can head online and digitally travel across the country from the comfort of their sofa.
Stirling’s Doors Open Days festival will take place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th September. Cowane’s Hospital will be taking part in Doors Open Days 2022 by visiting the Free Exhibition within in the Guild Hall. Pick up a complimentary guide and discover the ‘Secrets in the Stone’ or follow the ‘John Cowane’s Trail’. Alternatively, you could play free ‘Croquet on the Lawn’. Tea & coffee will also be available for take-away (weather permitting tables and chairs may be set up outside).
Master & Factor and Chief Operating Officer at the Cowane’s Trust, Lorne Scott, said: “Doors Open Days is a chance to showcase the places and stories that have shaped Stirling’s history. Exploring sites where we live gives us a sense of rootedness and connection to those we live with and among. Pop along to our impressive building on Saturday 24th or Sunday 25th September to learn of the history and legacy of the wealthy philanthropist, John Cowane, and what he gave back to the City of Stirling.”
Director of Scottish Civic Trust, Doors Open Days national coordinator, Dr Susan O’Connor, said: ‘Doors Open Days offers visitors the opportunity to play ‘tourist’ in their own town for free, as they uncover new experiences and revisit old favourites right on their doorstep. This year, we hope our visitors take this opportunity to make new memories with their friends and families, while they celebrate the stories that have shaped Scotland.’
Find out more about the rest of the events and activities that will be on in September as part of Stirling’s Doors Open Days by visiting www.doorsopendays.org.uk.