Open the door to great weekend
A s t h e c o u nt d own commences for the 27th Doors Open Day in Ayrshire between September 3 and 4, we’re giving you the run down on events not to be missed.
And with 63 venues open FREE, visitors can enjoy buildings and hidden tourist spots not usually open to the public.
First venue up, Ayr Sherriff and JP Court in Wellington Square. Without being handcuffed, visitors will have the chance to visit the purpose built courthouse with majestic four- columned portico and enjoy a mini mock trial, open Sunday, September 4 from 10am4pm.
Next, take a stroll to the Tower of St. John’s in Bruce Crescent.
The church was restored by J K Hunter for the 3rd Marquess of Bute in 191314 and was once the largest in Ayrshire. Built in 1315, Robert the Bruce was known to convene the Scottish Parliament in it once upon a time, opens Sunday, September 4, 12 noon- 4pm.
Another visit worth having is Auchinleck House, built in 1760, the grand 19th century villa was saved by the Scottish Building Preservation Trust and restoration was completed by the Landmark Trust, it opens Sunday, September 4 from 10am- 4pm.
Get on your dancing shoes as the Ayr Gaiety Theatre opens it doors after a £ 2.4 million makeover, with the grand re- launch including front of house and backstage tours taking place on Saturday, September 10 from 10am- 4pm.
And Stumpy Tower isn’t worth a miss either, a notable landmark in Girvan town centre, erected in 1825- 27, it served as a jail with cells on the first, second and third floor.
And following the loss of adjoining McMaster Hall by fire in 1939, the tower is now free standing and exhibits paintings illustrating the history of Girvan and Robert the Bruce. Models will be dressed in period costume for the occasion, and it will be open on Saturday, 3 and Sunday 4, September from 12 noon- 4pm.
Follow next week for more visitor sites, for more info call the Scottish Civic Trust on 0141 221 14.