The rich story of the county of Angus, past and present, steps into the spotlight next month, when Angus Heritage Week 2014 takes place from September 5-12.
“Angus Heritage Week highlights the history, heritage, culture and traditions of Angus, with 38 events in castles, museums, mansions, libraries, colleges and visitor attractions across the county,” said councillor Alex King, depute provost of Angus.
“Several events will take place outside, including expert-led guided tours of Monifieth Graveyard, the Victorian reservoir at Crombie Country Park and Arbroath harbour.
“Angus Heritage Week is an excellent way to find out more about Angus in days gone by and also, as it incorporates Doors Open Days, to explore some of the most interesting buildings in our county.”
During the week, Doors Open Days in Angus also takes place (September 6-7), when visitors get free access to historic, contemporary and unusual buildings – some of them rarely open to the public.
This year, 26 Angus premises and, through the Open Gates programme, two beautiful gardens will be taking part.
First timers include the Inglis Memorial Library at Edzell, a stunning 19th-century building built by Lieutenant Colonel R.W. Inglis in memory of his parents and considered to be one of the finest examples of a Victorian public library in the UK.
The building has been restored recently and features the 6,000 books which were available for lending when the library opened in 1898.
Forfar Indoor Sports Complex is also opening for the first time and offering visitors roller-skating and bowling sessions, while Montrose Basin Visitor Centre, the award-winning Scottish Wildlife Trust attraction, is offering free admission on Saturday, September 6.
Other events happening during the first weekend of Angus Heritage Week include a Tayroots Family History Day at Dundee and Angus College, Arbroath, on September 5; Kirriemuir Festival of Music and Song from Friday, September 5, until Sunday, September 7, and pirates holding the Caledonian Railway to ransom during a fun family day at Brechin Railway Station on Sunday, September 7.
Contact: www.angusheritage.com/heritageweek