This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Doors Open Days opens doors
03/09/2003
Scots are being encouraged to get
out and discover their hidden heritage with the launch
of Doors Open days over the next month.
Tourism and Culture Minister was at
the Drumsheugh Baths Club in Edinburgh, one of the last
remaining purpose-built swimming clubs still in
existence.
The B-listed building, built by Sir
John James Burnett in the late 19
th century, still retains many of the features
of the original Moorish-inspired detailing.
Emphasising the
importance of the historic environment to Scotland's
culture, Mr McAveety said:
"Scots have always had a
sense of curiosity, it is one reason why as a nation we
have produced so many explorers and inventors. Doors Open
Days and Scottish Archaeology Month give us all a chance to
indulge that curiosity and do some exploring ourselves to
discover the rich diversity of Scotland's built
heritage.
"The historic environment
shapes who we are as a nation and helps create a sense of
community. Scottish Ministers are working across all areas
of the Scottish Executive to widen access and it is
important that as many people as possible have an
opportunity to learn about and enjoy their built
heritage.
"The Scottish Civic Trust
and the Council for Scottish Archaeology are to be
congratulated for bringing all of this together, but it is
the tireless efforts of the many local groups throughout
Scotland that make Doors Open Days and Scottish Archaeology
Month a real success."
Every weekend in September thousands of
buildings throughout Scotland will be open free of charge as
part of Doors Open Days.
Visitors will be able to explore
buildings of every shape and size from castles to cottages with
everything in between including a lifeboat station and a
football ground.
Since it began 14 years ago in Glasgow
and Ayr, Doors Open Days has become an annual national event
co-ordinated by the Scottish Civic Trust, supported by Historic
Scotland.
The event is Scotland's contribution to
the international European Heritage Days. This year 48
countries across Europe are getting involved with more than 20
million people taking part.
Also in September is Scottish
Archaeology Month, organised by the Council for Scottish
Archaeology, which provides an opportunity to discover some of
Scotland's unique archaeological heritage with a programme of
events that includes excavation open days, guided tours,
lectures and craft workshops.