Doors open wide!

Take a peek behind the scenes of well-known buildings

This year’s Edinburgh Doors Open Day takes place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September.

First organised by the Cockburn Association in 1991, the event has become one of the most popular free days out in the capital – attracting approximately 80,000 visitors to more than 70 buildings throughout the city.

All venues feature a wide range of free activities, including guided tours, exhibitions, recitals and talks, designed to bring the history and current use of the building to life.

This year’s event is organised by the Cockburn Association in partnership with Edinburgh Trams. For the first time ever, and thanks to the support of Edinburgh Trams, the celebration will be held over two days instead of one – allowing visitors to do and see more of Edinburgh’s buildings than ever before.

As always, this year’s programme features a number of new buildings alongside regular attractions. Highlights for 2009 include:

° St Andrew’s House:

Situated on the former site of Calton Jail and designed in the 1930s, it is notable for its many art deco influences and sculpted features. In 2001, the interior underwent a major refurbishment, although the exterior remains untouched. Built to house the Scottish Office, the building is now home to the Scottish Government.

° City Chambers:

It has recently undergone three years of extensive conservation work, including restoration of the main chamber along with refurbishment of the ten-storey staircase. The project architect from Smith Scott and Mullan Associates, responsible for the restoration, will be available to talk about the project and answer questions.

° Redford Infantry Barracks:

When completed, Redford Barracks was the largest military installation in Scotland since Fort George. Featuring Indian colonial influences, the building is currently home to the 3rd Battalion, The Rifles. Originally built to accommodate 1,000 men, it is now home to around 650 soldiers.

° Granton Lighthouse:

Built as a training centre around 1850, the lighthouse is now a cultural hub. Residents include Art in Architecture, the Sierra Metro Gallery and the Depot recording studios.

° Nelson Monument:

Built to commemorate Admiral Lord Nelson’s death at Trafalgar in 1805, the monument affords some of the best panoramic views of Edinburgh. The monument has recently been restored.