Go through the keyhole of East Dunbartonshire’s best-known buildings on Doors Open Day

Iconic buildings old and new are planning to throw open their doors as part of this year’s Doors Open Day in East Dunbartonshire.

The event, which takes place on Saturday 7 September and Sunday 8 September, allows free access to lots of venues as well as sites of historic, cultural, archaeological and community interest, which are not usually open to the public.

If you have ever wanted to go backstage at a theatre, now is your chance. The Turret theatre in Kirkintilloch’s Eastside is home to the Kirkintilloch Players and has been the backdrop to countless award- winning productions.

For the first time as part of Doors Open Day, curious visitors can go behind the curtain and see the inner workings of this theatrical gem. Members of the theatre group, which recently celebrated its centenary, will be on hand to share the history and inner workings of this much-loved venue.

Join us at Kirkintilloch Town Hall on Saturday, September 7 for the Festival of Clubs from 11am. This event is an opportunity to explore the diverse range of opportunities available in your community, including arts, heritage, health and well-being, sports and leisure. If you represent a local community club or group and would like to showcase the  work of your organisation, please contact archives@eastdunbarton.gov.uk to reserve your free table.

Don’t miss a last chance to visit the Campsie Memorial Hall in Lennoxtown before it closes in 2025 for a major refurbishment. As well as being able to see inside this wonderful community venue, you can learn about its fascinating history through various displays and find out the exciting plans for its future.

Back for a second year, the Deafblind Scotland Learning and Development Centre will be offering guided tours which include a visual exhibit, a look at the specialist IT suite, and a chance to try equipment from their lending library. Visitors will also be able to go into the recording studio, explore a tactile art exhibition and try out Braille and Moon writing.

"If you have ever walked past one of these buildings and wondered what it was like inside, I’d encourage you to go along to one of the many events taking place in our towns and villages. As well as being about wonderful architecture and design, our buildings reflect our communities and the stories of the people who have shaped them."

East Dunbartonshire Doors Open day is part of a family of Doors Open Days events taking place across Scotland throughout September. It is coordinated nationally but the Scottish Civic Trust. EDLC Trust coordinates the East Dunbartonshire programme.

Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest, free festival that celebrates places and stories, new and old and runs throughout September. It is supported by Historic Environment Scotland.

For events bookable through Eventbrite visit the Eventbite Website and search for the event you are interested in.

You can find the full programme on the EDLC website

For any queries, please contact archives@eastdunbarton.gov.uk or call 0141 777 3142.qui