Doors Open Days 2023

Location - Pirnhall Road (A91), Bannockburn, FK7 8EY

• Saturday 23 September

Spend an hour touring the historic, Category A-listed Bannockburn House, which has survived largely unchanged since the 1600s, with the addition of a Victorian extension. After over 50 years of dormancy, the house and gardens were bought by the local community in December 2017, with help from public donations and grants from organisations including Stirling Council and the Scottish Land Fund. A dedicated army of volunteers is now breathing new life into the house and grounds with the aim of creating a community hub, providing a range of activities and resources to benefit future generations.

Only limited parking for booked visitors is available on the driveway of the house. Please carpool where possible.

https://www.bannockburnhouse.scot

Location - Blair Drummond House, Cuthil Brae, Blairdrummond, FK9 4UT

• Saturday 23 September - 1pm - 4pm

A Doors Open Days favourite! Camphill Blair Drummond is a rural community situated six miles from Stirling. Around 200 people live and work within Camphill Blair Drummond. The Trust offers a home, meaningful activities and opportunities for personal development to adults with learning disabilities and other special needs.

Experience the warm welcome from Camphill residents and staff into this stunning Category B Listed baronial mansion. Dating from 1872, Blair Drummond House overlooks its designated designed landscape as well as the neighbouring Safari Park. The house retains many grand interior features.

Coffee/tea and delicious home-baking available.

https://camphillblairdrummond.org.uk

Location - 19 Corn Exchange Road, Stirling, FK8 2HX

• Sunday 24 September - 10am – 1pm

This Scots Renaissance style structure was designed by H. Ramsay Taylor and dates from 1904. Built off the Old Town Wall, the Category B Listed Central Library has one of the most elaborate roofs in Stirling. It was the first free library in Stirling but was not the first building the well-known philanthropist Andrew Carnegie had contributed towards in the Stirling area.

Come in and look around the public areas of the library or pre-book a special tour round the building, which will include areas not usually seen by the public.

Booking is essential

To book your place call 01786 237760

Please note, there is no disabled access and the tour is over 3 floors.

www.stirling.gov.uk/libraries-archives/

Location - Burghmuir Road, Stirling, FK7 7NZ

• Sunday 24 September 12pm – 4pm

A popular Doors open Days, venue which is opening for the first time for over a decade! The Central Scotland Islamic Centre is used for prayer facilities for the Muslim community of Stirling and the surrounding areas, as well as for education classes for both children and adults.

Don’t miss this opportunity to visit the mosque, meet members of the Muslim Community, learn about Islam and about the Centre, ask questions, observe prayers and take a guided tour of the mosque. There will also be children’s events and a talk about Islam at 3pm.

Location - 51 St John Street, Top of the town, Stirling, FK8 1ED

• Saturday 23 September, 9am – 5pm
• Sunday 24 September, 1pm – 5pm

One of the most important and historic buildings in Stirling and beyond. Surrounded by four of the Top of the Town graveyards, the Category A Listed Church of the Holy Rude dates from at least the 1400s and is the second oldest building in Stirling. A mighty place of worship for over 600 years, it is where King James VI was crowned. The building retains visible musket shot-holes on its tower wall from when Stirling Castle was under siege in 1651.

www.churchoftheholyrude.co.uk

Location - 49 St John Street, Top of the town, Stirling, FK8 1ED

• Saturday 23 September, 10am – 4pm
• Sunday 24 September, 10am – 4pm

Cowane’s Hospital Trust was established in 1637 and is Scotland’s second oldest surviving charitable trust. The Category A Listed Building Cowane’s Hospital, set within stunning gardens at the Top of the Town, was founded by John Cowane for poor members of the local Merchant Guild. Originally two storeys inside it was altered in 1852 to form a Guild Hall with a viewing gallery, minstrel’s gallery and elongated windows throughout. The building has recently undergone extensive restoration throughout.

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’.

• Website: www.cowanes.org.uk
• Facebook: @CowanesHospital
• Instagram: cowaneshospital
• Twitter: @CowanesHospital

Location - Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ

• Saturday 23 September - 3 free sessions are available (booking essential)

• 10am – 12pm
• 12:30pm – 2.30pm
• 3pm – 5pm
  
  
• Sunday 24 September - 2 free sessions are available (No booking is required however please arrive promptly for the start time to avoid disappointment)

• 10am-12pm
• 3pm-5pm

The Engine Shed was built sometime between 1896 and 1913 and was used as a goods transfer shed. The exact details of its construction were subject to an information blackout as it was part of an important military complex. It was a key resource for the army in the run up to and during both World Wars. The Engine Shed is now a dynamic hub of digital innovation, heritage science and an accredited training centre.

Get inside and learn all about the building, how it was made using traditional materials in a contemporary way and how materials were recycled during its restoration. Find out about the traditional skills vital to protecting Scotland’s buildings and monuments, scientific techniques which help maintain and protect our living heritage or see the digital resources including; a giant 3D printer, a Digital Imaging Lab and ‘The Howff’ our cutting-edge immersive hub.

www.engineshed.scot

Location - Manse Brae, Gargunnock, FK8 3BQ

• Saturday 23 September, 10am – 4pm
• Sunday 24 September 2:30pm

(Sunday) Talk by Murray Cook, Archaeologist. Donations to charity accepted.

Gargunnock Kirk is Category B Listed and dates from 1628. The picturesque T-plan building, with three sets of external stairs leading to separate Lairds lofts. It sits at the historic heart of the village of Gargunnock, where there has been a church in one form or another for over 500 years. The kirk was altered in 1774 and has had a number of internal refurbishments since. It contains a Robert Lorimer war memorial and pulpit and has two good 20^thcentury stained glass windows which are attributed to William Wilson and Douglas Hamilton. The church is set within its graveyard.

https://www.facebook.com/GargunnockKirk

Location - Albert Place, Kings Park, Stirling FK8 2RG

• Sunday 24 September, 2pm - 5pm

This Category 'A' Listed Building was completed in 1878 to the design of the distinguished Scottish architect Robert Rowand Anderson, with interior work from 1921-22 by Robert Stodard Lorimer. The building has been little altered since its construction. It is noted for its many original features as well as high-quality 19th and 20th century stained glass windows by James Ballantine, Clayton & Bell, C. E. Kempe, Burlison & Grylls, J. C. Bewsey and Margaret Chilton and for its Memorial Chapel and military memorials. It has been well maintained by successive generations of members and remains home to a vibrant Christian community.

http://www.holytrinitystirling.org 

Location - Fore Road, Kippen, FK8 3DT

• Saturday 23 September - 11am - 4pm
• Sunday 24 September - 1pm - 4pm

Situated in the picturesque village of Kippen is the Category B Listed Kippen Parish Church.  A church in Kippen was first mentioned in public records in the 1300s, the existing church dates from 1825 and was enlarged in 1928. These works resulted in a beautiful sanctuary which reflected some of the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement and it is thought that much is owed to the input of knowledge, taste and contacts of the prominent Scottish artist, Sir David Young Cameron, who lived in the parish for 46 years. This is a well-loved church building which contains a stunning wealth of arts and craftsmanship within it and it is definitely well worth the trip to Kippen to see.

www.kippennorriestonkirks.org.uk/kippen/

Location - Kippen Smiddy, Rennie's Loan, Kippen, FK8 3DX

• Saturday 23 September, 2pm – 5pm
• Sunday 24 September, 2pm – 5pm

The Smiddy is located next to The Cross in Kippen, right at the centre of the village, at the top of a cobbled slope in one of the most characterful streets in the Stirling area. It was used by the Rennie family as a blacksmiths for nearly 200 years until the mid-1980s. It is now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland, to whom it was donated by Andrew Rennie in 1985. Refurbished by the NTS in the early 1980s, this Category C Listed Building retains many of the features and tools from its use as a smiddy. Take a step back (and down) into this historic little gem and see the local blacksmith’s actual working environment.

Location - Bridge of Allan, FK9 4NB

• Sunday 24 September, 1pm – 4pm

A familiar landmark to many, the stunning Category A Listed Lecropt Parish Church has overlooked the Carse since the early 1800s. Behind its unique façade, the interior boasts an arched and ribbed ceiling, plaster groin vaults and some of the most interesting windows within the Stirling area. The church contains the Keir loft and Stirling vault. William Stirling was the architect of the church.

Lecropt Kirk has a vibrant and welcoming congregation and you will be guaranteed a warm welcome from knowledgeable volunteers.

www.lecroptkirk.org.uk/welcome.htm

Location - 122 High Street, Dunblane, FK15 0ER

• Saturday 23 September, 2.00pm

The Category A Listed Leighton Library in historic Dunblane is Scotland’s oldest purpose-built private library and is over 300 years old. After many years of preparation and fund-raising, the library is presently closed as it is undergoing extensive renovation and repair works. Many interesting discoveries have been made about the unusual construction of the building.

Dunblane Public Library will host an exhibition and a talk by Dan Gunn about the ongoing restoration of the Leighton Library. The talk is expected to last around 45 minutes. There will also be a display of photographs taken by Tom Astbury of the restoration stages and some stones on show, the photographic displays will remain in the Library for a while after the event. Dunblane Library itself is a Category C Listed Building and has served the public since 1907.

www.leightonlibrary.org.uk

Location - Craigallan Road, Milngavie, G62 8EL

• Sunday 24 September, 2pm – 5pm

Mugdock Castle is a Scheduled Monument situated within the scenic Mugdock Country Park, about a twenty minute walk from the car park, and is one of Scotland’s most popular visitor attractions. This Scheduled Ancient Monument dates back to the 1300’s and it retains its original four-storey south-west tower mostly intact. Come and see inside the
Castle tower and climb the stairs to the top and enjoy the fantastic
views from the parapet walk over Mugdock Country Park and beyond.

Location - Park Terrace, Kings Park, Stirling, FK8 2NA

• Sunday 24 September, 2pm – 4pm

Park Church was formed in 2020 as a result of the union of the former Allan Park South Church and St Columba's Church.  It is a Category B Listed Building, built in 1901 by JJ Stevenson.  The organ was installed in 1903 and was built by Binns of Bramley, Leeds.  The millennium window, designed by Christian Shaw, was installed in 2002 to commemorate the Millennium and the centenary of the church building. 

There will be live organ music during the afternoon for visitors to enjoy as they walk around and tours of the tower will be on offer. Health & Safety warning – the tower is accessed by a very steep and long ladder, it is not suitable for less mobile/vision impaired/afraid of heights and care is required to be taken at all times.   

The church has a wheelchair available for use by anyone with limited mobility.

https://parkchurchstirling.org/

Location - The Smith Art Gallery and Museum, 40 Albert Place, Kings Park, Stirling, FK8 2RQ

• Tuesday 19 September, 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Join SCHT for an illustrated lecture ‘Who built Stirling?’ about the architects of Stirling’s historic buildings.

Stirling Castle, perched on tis rocky, volcanic outcrop, is the most prominent of Stirling’s historic buildings but the city boasts a great variety of architecture. Stirling has everything from a grand 19^th Century Shopping Arcade to an 18^th Century Inn. Did you know that King Street was once home to six banks, or that Stirling Train Station was designed by renowned Glasgow based architect James Miller?

During this illustrated lecture we’ll be exploring the architects and the buildings which make Stirling’s historic townscape unique.

The talk is free to attend but pre-booking is recommended, please use link to book.

Location - Stirling Highland Hotel, Spittal Street, Stirling, FK8 1DU

• Saturday 23 September, 7pm – 9:30pm
• Sun 24 September, 7pm – 9:30pm

This impressive building used to be used as Stirling High School, it was converted into an hotel in 1990. View the night sky through the 133 year old Newtonian reflecting telescope within the copper-domed Observatory at the Category A Listed Stirling Highland Hotel courtesy of Stirling Astronomical Society members. Group tours of up to 10 people will last approximately 30 minutes. This is a very popular event so you may have to queue but the hotel has kindly provided a room where you can watch a digital presentation while you wait, or if you can’t make it up the two-three flights of spiral stairs. If the sky is clear it should be possible to view stars, the moon, Saturn & Jupiter.

Please come after 8pm if you have no children.

www.stirlingastronomicalsociety.org.uk

Location - Raploch Road, Raploch, Stirling, FK8 1TH

• Saturday 23 September, 2pm – 5pm

A popular Doors Open Days attraction! Visitors can look round an operational fire station, find out about all the specialist firefighting equipment, see the training facilities, ask questions and learn about Community Safety and Home Fire Safety Visits. The station will be operational throughout and Doors Open Days and visitors might get a safe opportunity to watch the fire personnel responding to an incident. In the event of any emergency Specialist Fire Safety Staff will remain at the station with visitors.

https://m.facebook.com/SFRS.SCF/ 

Location - Sheriff & JP Court, Viewfield Place, Stirling, FK8 1NQ

• Saturday 23 September - 11am – 4pm

Popular with all the family! The Category B Listed Sheriff Court was designed by Thomas Brown in 1864 and modified by Wardrop and Reid in 1874-76. Court Room One contains an impressive hammer-beam roof, original seating and hooded canopy above the judge’s bench.

Tours of the court rooms and cell area will last approximately one hour and will take place every half hour. This building is very popular and the tours can be extremely busy, please be aware that you may have to queue and that tours may be closed if maximum numbers are reached.

Stirling Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Court (scotcourts.gov.uk)

Location - Pathfoot Building, Pathfoot Road, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4LD

• Saturday 23 September, 10am – 3pm

The University of Stirling Art Collection is a treasure trove of contemporary Scottish art, sculpture courtyards, 1960s furniture and working 19^th Century Columbian Printing Press! Visitors are invited to explore our latest exhibitions, including work from artists such as Christine Borland, Barbara Hepworth, Willie Rodger and Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (amongst many others) housed within the Category A Listed Pathfoot Building, the first teaching building of the University of Stirling.

The Pathfoot Press will be open between 11am-2pm and giving printing demonstrations so visitors can try their hand at some printing or just watch the fascinating Press in action! This is a rare and exciting opportunity to see a working Columbian Press.

A free curator’s tour of exhibitions will run between 11:30am - 12:30pm.

www.artcol.stir.ac.uk

Location - Valley Lane Cemetery Road, Stirling, FK8 1EG

• Saturday 23 September, 11am – 12pm or 1pm – 2pm

In this cemetery, the CWGC care for 48 war graves of service personnel who had served and died during either the First or Second World War. The CWGC also care for Canadian, and Australian casualties in this cemetery.

Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) for a cemetery tour at Mars Wark Cemetery and learn about the history of the organisation, as well as the work we have done and continue to do, to ensure the stories of the remarkable individuals who served and died during the world wars are not forgotten!

https://www.cwgc.org/ 

Location - Mine Road, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4DT

• Saturday 23 September, 10am – 4pm
• Sunday 24 September, 10am – 4pm

The tiny Cat B Listed Well House dates from 1821 and is the earliest surviving building associated with the spa town of Bridge of Allan. It may even be one of the earliest buildings of this type in Scotland. In 1819 water seeping from disused copper mines was discovered to be as good as the Spa towns in Europe, drinking mineral spring water quickly became fashionable after this discovery. Bridge of Allan then developed around the mineral waters which were pumped up the Well House’s 120 foot shaft and sold to the public to cure their various ailments.

Caver, Mark Stanford, found the shaft leading to the Well House whilst exploring the copper mine tunnels in 2016, he was able to purchase the building and has since been working with a small band of enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers to restore it.

Sensible shoes are recommended due to undulating, and sometimes muddy, ground.

https://www.facebook.com/BoAwellhouse/?ti=as