Doors Open Day at landmark buildings

Sep 11 2008 by Shirley Bartynek, Hamilton Advertiser

SOME of the most interesting buildings in South Lanarkshire will be opening their doors to the public this weekend.

Doors Open Day is an annual event, which takes place throughout Scotland as part of European Heritage Days.

The event aims to raise the profile of local architecture and cultural heritage for residents and visitors.

Buildings not normally open to the public are among those taking part with a number of attractions in each of South Lanarkshire's four areas.

In Clydesdale, people can visit Brownsbank Cottage, near Biggar, the former home of poet Hugh McDiarmid where there will be poetry readings, music, tours and book sales.

Corehouse Estate in Kirkfieldbank will be open with guided tours on offer, as will New Lanark World Heritage Site, the Falls of Clyde Visitor Centre, St Nicholas Church in Lanark, St Andrew's Church in Carluke and Pettinain Church will all open their doors.

Leadhills and Wanlockhead Steam Railway will allow visitors to see for themselves Britain's highest adhesion railway, which reaches1498 feet above sea level.

Leadhills Village Hall will also be opening their doors, and there visitors can enjoy a 1740s garden party with period costume. Biggar Seguisers will re-enact an ancient sword dance with a Scottish Folk Play.

There will also be Street Organ performances throughout the day and stalls featuring various goods from the era.

Hamilton's Bent Cemetery will be open allowing people to pay their respects at the graves of the 1st Marquess of Hamilton, the 8th, 9th and 10th Dukes of Hamilton, Sir Harry Lauder and Footballer Davie Cooper.

Chatelherault Hunting Lodge will be open and people will be able to visit Hamilton Mausoleum and hear its 15-second echo.

Also open in Hamilton are Low Parks Museum, Hamilton Sheriff Court, Hamilton Fire Station, St Mary's Episcopal Church and Hamilton Old Parish Church.

Chairman of South Lanarkshire Council's enterprise committee Chris Thompson said: "I hope as many people as possible will take the opportunity to have a rare sneak view behind the scenes of some of our most famous and interesting buildings.”