The range of intriguing buildings that usually take part in the annual Doors Open Day festival will have to remain closed this year in the interests of public safety.
But organisers have pledged to use digital technology to take people on virtual tours of national landmarks over the internet instead.
Venues and groups are already being asked to produce a wide range of online offerings, such as guided tours and question and answer sessions, for the September festival.
Chairman of the Scottish Civic Trust, Colin McLean, hopes the experience might encourage staff at such buildings to make more use of technology in showing off their stunning surroundings.
He said: “By taking the festival online we are not only keeping our venues and communities safe, but offering support to organisations across Scotland to develop their digital literacy.
“We hope that our support will give venues confidence to have a continued online presence, and that digital engagement will become a mainstay of heritage outreach in the years to come.”
In Aberdeenshire, planning officer Claire Tierney is leading the region’s Doors Open Day programme.
In previous years, it has featured 63 venues including Fraserburgh Heritage Centre, The National Decommissioning Centre, Aden Recording Studio and the Museum of Banff.
Aberdeenshire Council’s Cheryl Roberts said that the programme would be “interactive” but could not yet confirm the spots taking part.
Mrs Roberts added: “We are interested to hear from historic houses, lifeboats or any other cultural buildings that are interested in getting involved.”
In the Highlands, the programme is co-ordinated by Inverness City Heritage Trust.
Last year, people got to visit the likes of the Second World War radar bunker at Raigmore, Inverness Cathedral, and the new Inverness Justice Centre.
The trust’s project manager Alison Tanner added that some of the building owners have “agreed to look into creating digital tours of their buildings and sites”.
Moray Council development officer Alan Macbeth believes the festival can help in driving dozens of visitors to places once lockdown restrictions are lifted.
Mr Macbeth said: “I think this festival can help places get some publicity and awareness ahead of reopening at some point.”
For more information about the festival people can visit www.doorsopendays.org.uk
