This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Doors Open Days success
15/11/2003
Volunteers have been commended for their work to open
some ofScotland's finest buildings and archaeological treasures to
the public.
The co-ordinators of Doors Open Days inScotlandand Scottish Archaeology Month help to provide free
access to a wide range of buildings and archaeological
sites, both historic and contemporary, which are not
normally open to the public.
Last year, over 200,000 people visited 633
buildings during Door Open Days, making it one of the
largest participative events in the country.
To thank the volunteers, First Minister Jack
McConnell invited them to his official residence at Bute
House. He said:
"I am proud thatScotlandwas one of the first countries to champion this
international event. We are blessed with some of the best
buildings and historic treasures anywhere and allowing more
Scots and tourists to visit them, not only provides them
with hours of pleasure, but also increases their
understanding of our rich heritage.
"These events depend on the support of a large number
of volunteers. I wish them every success in continuing to
build this event into one of the most successful inEurope."
Doors Open Days inScotlandis a model for the rest ofEurope.Scotlandwas one of the first countries to participate back in
1990 and the event has now spread to 48 European
nations.
InScotland, the event is held over weekends throughout
September rather than on a single day. HistoricScotland's approach allows many more people to exploreScotland's fascinating buildings and archaeological
sites.