Stirling Doors Open Days

Unlock Scotland this September and explore sites across Scotland for free this September!

Every September you can explore hundreds of fascinating buildings across Scotland for free. Some open up once a year, some just once a lifetime, and Cowane’s Hospital is delighted to be taking part again in Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating places and stories, new and old.

When Doors Open Days began in 1990, 44 events took place in Glasgow and Ayr. In the past 33 years the festival has expanded to reach all 32 council regions of Scotland with visitors enjoying access to nearly 1,000 events. 

Doors Open Days is coordinated nationally by the Scottish Civic Trust and is part of European Heritage Days alongside Scottish Archaeology Month, coordinated by Archaeology Scotland, both are supported by Historic Environment Scotland. A dedicated team of regional coordinators across Scotland work closely with venues and groups to develop and produce local programmes for their communities. 

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 23^rd and Sunday 24^th September to learn of the history and legacy of the wealthy philanthropist, John Cowane, and what he gave back to the City of Stirling.”

Stirling’s Doors Open Days festival will take place on Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th September and Cowane’s Hospital will be open from 10am to 4pm.

Visit the Free Exhibition in the Guild Hall, pick up a complimentary guide to the ‘Secrets in the Stone’, follow the ‘John Cowane’s Trail’ or play free ‘Croquet on the Lawn’. Refreshments will be available for take-away (weather permitting tables and chairs will be set up outside). The nearby & ruinous John Cowane’s House, in St Mary’s Wynd is one of the priority buildings in the local Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) and forms part of the ‘John Cowane’s Trail’.

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.