Thousands of visitors will get the keys to some of Scotland’s best hidden treasures as Doors Open Day returns this weekend.

Taking place throughout September, Scotland’s largest free heritage and community event unveils buildings which are usually closed to the public – from castles and churches to factories and nuclear bunkers.

Families can enjoy guided tours, activities and behind-the-scenes access to fascinating places across Scotland.

A number of regions are hosting their edition of the festival this weekend, with some events fast selling out – here are some of the highlights.

Slots may be limited and some tours will run on specific days – be sure to check booking requirements before heading along.

Glasgow

Provan Hall

Provan Hall in Easterhouse is one of Glasgow’s oldest surviving buildings. It began life as a fortified manor house, and later became part of a working farm.

Dating back to the 1400s, its history is steeped in superstition. Its entrance allegedly bears “witches’ marks” – etchings believed to ward off evil spirits. Over the centuries, it has housed courtiers of Mary, Queen of Scots and even a hero of the Titanic.

This Doors Open Day, visitors will be invited to view areas which are normally out of bounds to the public, reputed to be the site of some of the “most active poltergeist activity.”

Pre-booking for a range of tours is available here.

Govanhill Baths

Opened in 1917, Govanhill Baths is Glasgow’s last surviving Edwardian public bathhouse.

While the building is undergoing refurbishment, guided tours will offer rare access to the building and showcase its transformation into a wellbeing centre, designed to regenerate the area and meet the needs of its local community.

On display are exhibitions and historical snippets which shed light on its past as a wash-house and swimming baths.

Find out more here.

St Vincent Church

A rare glimpse inside the last surviving intact church designed by world-renowned architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, opened in 1859.

Tour the clock tower and explore an exhibition presented by the Alexander Thomson Society.

Find out more here.

Glasgow City Chambers

Completed in 1888, the City Chambers has for over 100 years been the headquarters of successive councils serving the City of Glasgow.

Visitors can step inside and view the stone, granite, marble and mosaic entrance hall, see the Banqueting Hall and mural paintings by the Glasgow Boys.

Find out more here.

Britannia Panopticon Music Hall

Theatre fans can visit the world’s oldest surviving music hall, tucked away in Glasgow’s Trongate. Opened in 1857, the venue built a name for its lively variety shows and was the place where Stan Laurel made his debut.

Panopticon volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to share stories from its past.

More info here.

Aberdeenshire

Tod Head Lighthouse (Kinneff/Stonehaven area)

Now a privately owned family home, Tod Head Lighthouse, located south of Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire was built in 1897 by David Alan Stevenson. It was decommissioned in 2008 and converted into a private residence, though its external features have been retained.

Visitors will gain tower access, offering sweeping coastal views and a glimpse into the daily life of the lighthouse keepers. They can also visit the lamp and light rooms, where the powerful lenses and clockwork once operated.

Find out more here.

1 High Shore Banff

1 High Shore is an original Merchant’s house in the centre of Banff, adjacent to the Silversmith’s House and the Market Arms – three of the oldest houses in Banff. The Market Arms Pub and Restaurant (dated 1585) is the oldest continuously open pub in Scotland.

Only open to the public on Doors Open Days, the event provides a unique opportunity to learn about this building’s history, with the family on hand to answer any questions.

Find out more here.

Old Manse, Stuartfield

Step inside the 217-year-old Old Manse for a “warm and personal” welcome from its current owner, who will share the building’s history in depth.

Now a private residence, the Manse opens its doors to small groups for an intimate storytelling experience that brings to life the origins of the church and the Manse itself, which was traditionally used as the home of the local parish minister.

Find out more here.

Argyll and Bute

Argyll Estate Archives, Inveraray

Delve into local history with behind-the-scene tours of the archive stores at Inveraray, exploring 800 years of documents and discovering the art of preservation.

Created by the Campbell family, earls and dukes of Argyll, the archive provides a resource for centuries of Scottish, British and international history and a record of the communities who lived on the family estates in Argyll and central Scotland.

There is also a chance to meet the archivists in charge of the facility.

More info here.

Historic Kilmun

This site of religious worship has roots stretching back to the early seventh century. It has a ruined collegiate tower; morte safes; a 19th century church with stained glass and a unique water power organ and the Argyll Mausoleum, where the heads of the Clan Campbell are buried. There is also an interpretation visitor centre, with further information on the interactive screen within the building.

All sites will be open and guided tours available on request.

More info here.

East Renfrewshire

Eastwood House

There will be guided tours of this C-listed 1830s mansion in Eastwood Park, Giffnock, which shed light on its architecture and its many chapters from its past life, from its origins as a private estate to its current role as a community hub.

Find out more here.

Falkirk

Lock 16

The historic former AG Barr Irn Bru factory in Camelon will open its doors this weekend as it unveils plans to transform the site into a traditional skills centre.

Hosted by Scottish Canals and Historic Environment Scotland, the Lock 16 Community Open Day will feature hands-on demos of traditional skills including stonemasonry and blacksmithing, STEM activities for kids, heritage exhibits, and community stalls.

Find out more here.

Callendar House

The team at Callendar House offer a behind-the-scenes look at how they bring art and history to life in a magnificent mansion dating back to the 14th century. In the Georgian kitchen, a costumed interpreter will show families what working life was like in a large wealthy household. A senior archivist will also open the doors to the reading room to share some of her favourite documents, maps and stories from Falkirk’s extensive historic archives.

Find out more here.

Highlands

Fearn Abbey, Easter Ross

One of the oldest pre-Reformation church buildings in Scotland, Fearn Abbey was originally founded in 1238 by Premonstratensian monks and served worshippers for nearly 800 years before its closure in 2023. The historical site now offers guided tours of the 13th century abbey and its surrounding graveyard, which features interesting stones.

Find out more here.

Halkirk Heritage and Vintage Motor Society

Halkirk Motor Society, Caithness and Sutherland Https://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/regions/highland-caithness-sutherland/halkirk-heritage-vintage-motor-society

The Old School has been transformed into a heritage centre and vintage motor museum. It consists of a large new build area along with an area where the vehicles are displayed, a heritage room, exhibition, room, reading room and a smaller ‘garage workshop’ space.

For Doors Open Days, all areas of the centre will be open to visitors to browse.

Find out more here.

Castle Leod, Strathpeffer

Explore this A-listed tower house and grounds with volunteer guides.

Castle Leod is the historic seat of Clan Mackenzie near Strathpeffer in the Highlands, dating back to the 14th century. It is widely believed to have inspired Castle Leoch in Outlander, though it was not used for filming – that honour went to Doune Castle in Stirling.

Visitors can take in its tower house and arboretum, filled with impressive trees and shrubs.

Find out more here.

Fife

Abbot House

Known as ‘The Pink Hoose,’ the A-listed Abbot House dates back to at least the 16th century. It’s situated within Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter, it holds a significant place in the history of Scotland’s ancient capital.

The building currently provides studio spaces for local designers and craft makers, and room hire for workshops and events. Stewards will be on hand to show visitors around.

Find out more here.

Robert Stevenson Light Tower

Located in North Queensferry, Fife, the Forth Bridges Light Tower is the world’s only operational oil-lit light tower and was designed by Robert Stevenson, the grandfather of author Robert Louis Stevenson.

Built in 1817, it stands as one of Scotland’s earliest purpose-built light towers. It guided Forth ferries until 1960 and was later restored, reopening in 2010.

A self-guided trail around the Forth Bridge area is provided at the North Queensferry Heritage Trust Centre.

Find out more here.

St Andrews Heritage East Fife

Following an 18-month restoration and major redevelopment, the St Andrews Heritage Museum and Garden has reopened its doors.

Housed in a preserved 17th-century former fisher’s home in the historic east end of St Andrews, the independent museum offers a glimpse into the town’s rich past and the lives of local people, tracing the development of St Andrews into the town it is today.

Visitors can view displays of local art, photography, and social history artefacts. A newly created exhibition space in the museum’s garden now hosts a changing programme of exhibitions throughout the year, offering fresh insights and stories with every visit.

Find out more here.