It’s an event that allows north-east residents to peek behind the keyhole of many private locations.
And this weekend a record number of Aberdeen buildings – including a police station, a mosque and a railway project – will throw open their doors as a popular exploration of hidden architectural heritage returns to the city.
The 2018 Doors Open Day will take place on September 8, offering the public a chance to glimpse inside properties that are usually off limits.
Aberdeen University is the main supporter of the initiative, which this year features 51 buildings – 13 of which are included for the first time – and there will be more events and talks than ever before.
The attractions will include Aberdeen Trades Union Council, Childline, Gilcomston Church, the Oil and Gas Technology Centre and St Margaret’s School, together with Ferryhill Railway Heritage Centre, Grampian Hospital Radio and Royal Cornhill Hospital Art Room.
The city’s new Mosque, on Nelson Street, Kittybrewster Police Station and the Elphinstone Institute will also feature.
And people can find out how work is developing at Tillydrone Community Hub and on the Aberdeen Harbour Extension Project at Nigg Bay.
Organiser Chris Croly, who has been one of the driving forces behind the scheme, said he was delighted it was expanding and attracting such a diverse range of buildings.
He said: “It’s great to see so many different and new buildings taking part this year. There really is something for everyone.” Mr Croly also has his own personal recommendation, saying: “There has been work going on for a while at the railway heritage centre in Duthie Park and I hope people take the opportunity to get an early glimpse of this important part of Aberdeen’s heritage.”
Doors Open Day has also teamed up with Techfest to offer family-friendly fun at the university’s Zoology building, where there will be Snappy Science and Brilliant Bones workshops, while Central Fire Station will let families see fire engines close-up and learn CPR.
Interactive fun will also be on offer at Foresterhill at the Dental School and Institute of Medical Sciences.
At the Elphinstone Institute, there will be performances of local music and ballads and people are invited to pop along with their own instruments and songs throughout the day.
A brochure detailing all events is available around town, in the Maritime Museum and all city libraries, or to download at www.abdn.ac.uk/engage/doorsopenday.
