From castles to Masonic lodges: Full list of buildings you can visit for Moray’s Doors Open Day

Visitors will be welcomed at historically significant sites including Ramsay Macdonald's house and Grant Lodge.

By Ena Saracevic

August 15 2024, 11:29 am

St Laurence Church is one of 26 venues opening their doors on the day. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

Moray’s Doors Open Day is returning for its biggest year yet – here’s what venues are involved.

Visitors will have the chance to explore up to 26 venues during the free heritage festival on September 7.

Among the new sites taking part this year is AJ Engineering, Moray Waste Busters and Nelson’s Tower – all in Forres.

Another new participant from Forres is Lodge St John (Op.) No 37. Constituted under the Grand Lodge of Scotland in 1737, it’s one of two masonic lodges in Forres and one of nine in Moray.

Exterior of Brodie Castle. — Free tours will be available around Brodie Castle on the day. Image: Iona Grant

A number of free tours are also available around Brodie Castle, Ramsay MacDonald’s house, Johnstons of Elgin and Covesea lighthouse. Pre-booking is required for these venues.

There will also be a Cultural Quarter walking tour where visitors will be able to explore Elgin Town Hall and Grant Lodge.

Grant Lodge has been boarded up since a fire took place in July 2003, but plans are now under way to give new life to the building as part of the Moray Growth Deal.

Exterior of Grant Lodge. — Visitors will be able to learn about the history of Grant Lodge during the tour. Image: Jason Hedges/DC Thomson

Moray Council leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, hopes the opportunity is taken to enjoy Moray’s built heritage

She said: “Doors Open Day prompts us to appreciate what we have on our doorstep.

“From those buildings you pass daily and wonder what they’re like inside to the stories of our past and heritage – there’s something for everyone in this year’s programme.”