VISITORS are invited to take a sneak peek behind the doors of Inverclyde’s most well-known buildings as part of this year’s Doors Open Days.
Taking place over the weekend of 6/7 September, custodians of fascinating buildings ranging from Inverclyde Shed to Greenock Burns Club archive are opening up for free for visitors.
Provost Drew McKenzie urged people to get out and about to discover Inverclyde over the weekend.
He said: “Doors Open Days is a great opportunity for both residents and visitors to find out more about the history of Inverclyde.
“We have a varied and interesting programme of events happening across Inverclyde this year, many of which are suitable for all ages.
“I hope many residents take this opportunity to find out more about the buildings where we live and we welcome visitors to discover just how much Inverclyde has to offer.”
Inverclyde Tourist Group is again running its popular tours which are free but need to be booked in advance:
Saturday 6 September, bus tour through southwest Inverclyde
Saturday 6 September, guided walk to Newark Castle and tour of the castle
Sunday 7 September, guided walk of the Esplanade
Sunday 7 September, guided walk to Newark Castle and tour of the castle
Details of the other venues:
Saturday: The Inverclyde Shed, East Blackhall Street, Greenock: There will be demonstrations of various activities, woodturning, live music, and tours of the workshop.
Saturday: Wemyss Bay Station: Guided tours at 10.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm to hear all about the station’s history and its architectural and engineering features.
Saturday and Sunday: Greenock Burns Club, Custom House: Members of Greenock Burns Club will give detailed information about their archive, including insights into items not currently on display.
Saturday and Sunday: The Wyllieum, Greenock Waterfront: Gallery and archive room tours will take place at 3pm both days
Saturday and Sunday: Wellpark Mid Kirk, Cathcart Square, Greenock: The building will be open for visitors to see the sanctuary and its beautiful features. There will be members on hand to talk about the building and opportunities to hear the church organ being played. There will also be an interactive quiz and craft sessions for children.
Sunday: Inverkip Church: A history of the church will be displayed on the screens within the sanctuary with some artifacts on show, telling the story of more than 800 years of Christian worship in Inverkip. There will also be tea/coffee in the hall lounge as well as a competition for children. There will also be an optional guided visit to the old Inverkip Cemetery where Paraffin Young is buried.
Sunday: Beacon Arts Centre, Greenock Waterfront: Tours available of backstage areas which are often closed to the public.
Sunday: Lodge Doric Kilwinning No.68, Brown Street, Port Glasgow: The masonic lodge will have their doors open for the public to tour.
Sunday: Old West Kirk, Esplanade, Greenock: Members of Inverclyde Heritage Network will tell the story of the historic church.
