Doors Open Days in Caithness and Sutherland: a chance to ‘see behind the scenes’
More than 20 venues across Caithness and Sutherland will be taking part in the 36th year of Doors Open Days – the festival that sees organisations and volunteers offer free access to locations across Scotland.
It aims to ensure that the country’s built and cultural heritage is made accessible to everyone, with museums, heritage attractions and a host of other buildings throwing open their doors free of charge during September.
The Doors Open Days programme is coordinated at national level by the Scottish Civic Trust and locally by regional coordinators.
Events in the far north will take place over the weekend of September 20/21. New additions to the programme this year range from Canisbay Church of Scotland to Dornoch Cathedral and from House of Tongue to the House of the Northern Gate.
Caithness and Sutherland coordinator Ian Leith said: “It’s that time of year again when the nation opens its doors to let us see behind the scenes. This is Scotland’s major annual free festival that celebrates our places and stories both new and old.
“Some doors in Caithness and Sutherland will open over both days and some for one of the chosen days. The details of dates, times and any booking information can be found on the website – www.doorsopendays.org.uk – and regular updates will appear on our Facebook page, Doors Open Days Caithness and Sutherland.
“We welcome back a number of regulars along with a clutch of new venues.
“Some previous venue participants offer new displays. Castlehill Heritage Centre has an exhibition based around the flagstone industry. John O’Groats Mill, now a fully functioning visitor centre, offers a look at the imaginative and informative story of milling.
“Nucleus, the Caithness Archive, will offer scheduled tours to its conservation studio and repository to learn about how the collections are preserved for posterity.
“The Wick Society is again opening the doors of the old herring mart where there will be demonstrations of ropework.
“East Caithness Church of Scotland in Argyle Square, Wick, will have musical events over the two days. Strathnaver Museum is offering some craft experiences.
“Other regulars not to be missed are Patricia Niemann Design at Berriedale, St Fergus Lodge in Wick, the Healing Hub in Wick, John O’Groats Brewery and John O’Groat Lodge in Castletown. Halkirk Heritage and Vintage Motor Centre alongside Halkirk and Westerdale Church of Scotland provides an excellent Halkirk opportunity.
“In Thurso explore the ruins and the fascinating graveyard of Old St Peter’s Church. The 1737 historic St Andrew’s Church of Scotland in Golspie is well worth a visit.”
Mr Leith added: “Those venues that regularly take part are the lifeblood of this festival, but it is always exciting to welcome new and exciting doors to look inside.
“In 2025 we will welcome Canisbay Church of Scotland, with its royal association and of course the burial place of Jan De Groot, and Dornoch Cathedral, where you can get access to the tower.
“Historylinks in Dornoch is keen to show off its new extension.
“The House of the Northern Gate, at Dunnet Head, is offering 50-minute tours of the house and grounds. House of Tongue was built by Lord Reay in 1678 – don’t miss the spectacular sundial.
“As always, this will be a weekend of encouraging people to make the most of the opportunity to see behind some doors. Many of the venues exist in perfect geographic clusters, so why not plan some journeys and make the most of our built and environmental heritage?”
Visitors to Doors Open Days in Caithness and Sutherland in 2024 were treated to “a wonderful mix of art, architecture and heritage”, with 25 venues in the two counties taking part.