Buildings in Moray that are ordinarily sealed off from everyday eyes throughout the year are poised to welcome hundreds of visitors tomorrow.
More than a dozen attractions are part of the region’s Doors Open Day to showcase the areas hidden from ordinary public use.
Included in the line-up is a sneak peek at work under way at Burgie Arboretum – which includes gardens zoned to geographic regions across the world including Asia and South America – and a tour through the storeroom at the Falconer Museum to look at items not on public display.
Meanwhile, the historic atmosphere of the much-loved Austin’s Tea Rooms in Elgin will be recreated in the same building that hosted the popular meeting place until it closed more than 50 years ago.
Crisp linen tablecloths and fine silver cutlery will be looked out for a heritage coffee morning in the Academy Street building which still has its original Art Nouveau features.
For the first time, heritage enthusiasts will also be led on historical walks through Elgin, Burghead and Lossiemouth to delve into the communities’ past.
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However, modern attractions have also been included in the programme in the shape of Forres-based AES Solar, which manufactures solar panels.
More than 100 volunteers are expected to be on duty at the weekend to welcome visitors for a tour behind the scenes.
Moray Council officer Alan MacBeth, who is coordinating the event in the region, said the day was designed to shine a light on hidden attractions.
He said: “A lot of these places are not often open to the public so it’s nice to let people have a sneak peek behind the scenes.
“It’s always great to see a huge variety in what is on offer, whether it’s some of our most historical attractions or something a lot more modern.
“Some of the events have already proved to be very popular. We’ve set up a waiting list for Ramsay MacDonald’s house because so many people have expressed an interest – there’s already about 20 people on it.”
For more information is available at the Doors Open Days website
What’s open
ELGIN
- Austin’s Tea Rooms
- Castle to Cathedral Heritage Walk
- Elgin Museum
FORRES
- AES Solar
- Falconer Museum Store
- Forres Tolbooth
- Invererne House
- Nelson’s Tower
- Glasgow School of Art, Highlands and Islands campus
- Burgie Arboretum
LOSSIEMOUTH
- Ramsay MacDonald’s House
- Covesea Lighthouse
- Lossiemouth Heritage Walk
BURGHEAD
- Burghead Heritage Walk
FINDHORN
- Findhorn Village Heritage Centre