Angus venues old and new to open to the public as part of national festival

Scotland’s largest free festival, the sites will be open to visitors on September 9 and 10.

The nationwide festival aims to ensure that Scotland’s built and cultural heritage is made accessible to everyone living in and visiting the country.

Doors will be opened wide, welcoming visitors to uncover hidden gems and untold stories, and experience familiar places through fresh eyes.

Visitors can access a free programme of talks, walks and tours right on their doorstep. There are more than 25 venues taking part across Angus.

Along with favourites such as Arbroath’s Mortuary Chapel, Forfar’s Balmashanner war memorial and Davidson Cottage at Netherton, near Brechin, there is also a number of new venues on the programme.

New for this year - take a guided tour of the war graves at Montrose’s Sleepyhillock Cemetery with the Commonwealth War Grave Commission; see behind the scenes of the Friockheim Community Lock-Up and hear about the work the volunteers do in the village; hear the story of coffee from field to cup at Sacred Grounds Coffee Roastery in Arbroath; find out about the environmental and community impact of the Community First Hub in Forfar and see unique Pre-Reformation paintings of national significance at St Marnock’s Church in Fowlis.

Many of the venues are not often open to the public, including the Arbroath Royal Observer Corps Post Museum, Forfar Sheriff & JP Court and the Picture Store at Meffan Museum & Art Gallery in Forfar.

Councillor Serena Cowdy, Angus Council’s tourism spokesperson, said: “Doors Open Days is a chance to showcase the places and stories that have shaped our local history. This event is always a highlight of the Angus events calendar, encouraging people from near and far to explore what Angus has to offer.”

To find out more about Doors Open Days in Angus, visit www.visitangus.com/doorsopen.For what’s on throughout the rest of Scotland during Doors Open Days visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk.

Joe Traynor, Scottish Civic Trust director and Doors Open Days national co-ordinator, 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.”